Production Supervisor

Career Opportunities: Production Supervisor - Finishing & Fine Fibers Department *)
Finishing & Fine Fibers Department Manager
Purpose of the Role
To drive operational excellence in Finishing and Fine Fibers operations by ensuring efficient, safe and customer-focused processes that support the plant's quality, service and profitability objectives.
Position Summary
The Finishing & Fine Fibers Department Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all Finishing and Fine Fibers operations, including the Laminator Line, ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective production while meeting customer quality requirements.
The role oversees the Finishing Department, Fine Fibers Line and Laminator Line, ensuring a smooth workflow from paper machine output to finished product shipment. The position is accountable for safety, people management, operational performance, quality and continuous improvement within the department.
Reporting Line
Reports to: Production Manager
Key Responsibilities
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company and legal HSE requirements.
Lead safety initiatives, risk assessments, audits, near misses reports.
Ensure operators are adequately trained and qualified.
Drive continuous improvement in workplace safety performance.
Production Management
Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all finishing and converting processes.
Manage daily production activities related to:
Roll handling and reel logistics
Product finishing and packaging
Core cutting operations
Core preparation area
Plan and coordinate manpower, equipment, and production schedules to meet customer demands and delivery targets.
Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions when required.
Optimize machine utilization, productivity and operational efficiency.
Work closely with Maintenance teams to maximize equipment reliability and uptime.
Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
Coordinate shutdown activities and improvement projects.
Drive cost-saving initiatives while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Quality Management
Ensure finished products comply with customer specifications and quality standards.
Collaborate closely with Quality and Production departments to address non-conformities and customer complaints.
Monitor key quality indicators and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Support continuous improvement of product quality and process reliability.
Lead, motivate and develop department employees.
Manage staffing, training, performance reviews and succession planning.
Promote employee engagement, accountability and teamwork.
Foster effective communication across shifts and departments.
Lead operational excellence initiatives.
Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve productivity and lower operating costs.
Analyze KPIs and implement improvement plans.
Participate in capital projects and equipment upgrades.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Paper Technology, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing or High School diploma with significant experience in finishing departments.
Experience
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in paper manufacturing, converting, finishing, laminating, packaging or comparable process industries.
Proven experience in coordinating production activities and managing teams in a manufacturing environment.
Technical Skills
Knowledge of paper finishing, converting and laminating operations.
Understanding of packaging systems, reel handling and production logistics.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of English, both written and spoken.
Excellent command of Italian, both written and spoken.
Languages
Working knowledge of English, both written and spoken
Strong people management and coaching skills.
Results-oriented mindset.
Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
The salary range for this position is € ** - € ** gross per year. The final offer will reflect the outcome of the recruitment process and the overall assessment of the candidate, based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including skills, experience, qualifications and demonstrated expertise.
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials