J ob Title: Utility Operator- ConvertingDepartment: ConvertingReports to: Converting SupervisorLocation: Sturtevant, WIShift: 1st shift 6- 2PMPosition Summary: The Utility Operator – Converting is a cross-trained, multi-machine operator who provides flexible, skilled coverage across the converting department. Unlike an operator assigned to a single machine, the Utility Operator is expected to run effectively on multiple pieces of equipment — flexo folder gluers, die cutters, the bundler, and the stitcher — and to move between assignments as production demand, staffing, and scheduling require.This role is the converting department's operational flexibility. A strong Utility Operator reduces the impact of absenteeism, fills machine gaps during peak periods, and accelerates throughput when specific lines need surge coverage. The ideal candidate is technically proficient, adaptable, and self-directed — someone who can take an assignment, confirm their setup, and run to standard without close supervision.CompensationThe actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.About UsND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation.
With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:Multi-Machine OperationOperate assigned converting equipment safely and to production standard — including flexo folder gluers, die cutters, bundler, and stitcherSet up assigned equipment at shift start: confirm dies, plates, scores, glue settings, and any job-specific parameters before running first pieceComplete first-piece verification on every order before full production begins; do not advance to full run without confirming specAdjust machine settings as needed during the run to maintain output quality and speedTransition between equipment assignments within or across shifts as directed by the Lead or Supervisor2. Quality & AccuracyInspect in-process product throughout the run — check dimensions, print registration, score/slot positions, glue integrity, and bundle/stitch qualityStop the run immediately if product is out of spec; notify the Lead and initiate a quality hold per SOPVerify order count accuracy; do not release an order to staging with an unresolved count discrepancyComplete all required quality check forms and attach job ticket documentation before releasing finished goods3. Downtime Logging & Issue ReportingLog all downtime events with the correct reason code, machine, and elapsed time — no blank reason codesAttempt operator-level troubleshooting (feed adjustments, minor jams, glue system resets) before calling for helpEscalate mechanical, electrical, or recurring issues to the Lead immediately — do not continue running on a known problemReport setup delays, material issues, or ticket discrepancies to the Lead at the time they occur, not at end of shift4. Safety & HousekeepingFollow all LOTO (lockout/tagout) procedures before performing any cleaning, adjustment, or clearing of jams on equipmentWear all required PPE for each machine and task — compliance is non-negotiableMaintain a clean, organized work area throughout the shift; complete 5S housekeeping duties before leaving the machineReport any unsafe condition, near-miss, or injury to the Lead immediately5.
Shift Handoff & CommunicationCommunicate run status, open issues, and pending setups to the incoming operator or Lead at shift changeLeave equipment in a clean, safe state at end of shift — no mid-job jams, no materials left in feeders without documentationParticipate in pre-shift huddles and follow any task assignments or priority changes from the LeadEquipment coverage &Skill ProgressionThe Utility Operator role is defined by multi-machine competency. The following matrix is used to track each operator's current clearance level. Operators are expected to expand their clearance profile over time through structured cross-training.Equipment / Task - Competency Level - Cleared to Run SoloFlexo Folder Gluer - ___________________ - YesIn TrainingDie Cutter - ___________________ - YesIn TrainingBundler - ___________________ - YesIn TrainingStitcher - ___________________ - YesIn TrainingInk / Color Kitchen Support - ___________________ - YesIn TrainingQualifications and Skills /Education and ExperienceRequired:Ability to learn and operate multiple types of converting equipment through structured on-the-job trainingAbility to read and interpret job tickets, print layouts, and material/order specificationsReliable attendance and punctuality — this role is a coverage position; unplanned absences directly impact productionDemonstrated attention to detail in a production or manufacturing environmentAbility to follow written and verbal instructions and complete required documentation accuratelyPreferred:High School/ GED diplomaPrior experience operating converting equipment — flexo folder gluers, die cutters, bundler, or stitcher — in a corrugated or packaging environmentBilingual English/Spanish — strong preference given the composition of the production workforceFamiliarity with quality inspection, LOTO procedures, and 5S housekeeping standardsPrior experience in a utility, cross-trained, or float operator roleBilingual in Mandarin a plusPhysical RequirementsFrequent handling and positioning of rotary dies — team lift required above 50 lbs.; large-format dies may require mechanical assist.Standing and working at machine height for full shift duration (8–12 hours).Required PPE: steel-toed boots, safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves during all die handling, hearing protection in designated areas.What Success Looks Like-First 90 daysIn 30 days: The operator can run at least one machine type to standard with minimal supervision, completes first-piece verification on every order, and logs downtime with reason codes consistently.In 60 days: The operator is cleared on a second machine type and transitions between assignments without disruption to shift flow. Quality check completion rate is consistent and accurate.In 90 days: The operator is cleared on three or more machine types, can be assigned to any available line without significant ramp time, and is identifying and escalating issues proactively rather than reactively.At 6 months: The operator is a dependable, flexible resource across the full converting floor — someone the Lead can assign to the highest-priority gap without concern about quality or output.Authority & Escalation GuidelinesThe Utility Operator – Converting has authority to:Stop a run that is producing out-of-spec product or creating a safety riskInitiate a quality hold per SOP and immediately notify the LeadPerform operator-level troubleshooting on assigned equipmentThe Utility Operator must escalate to the Converting Shift Production Lead or Supervisor when:A machine requires maintenance beyond operator-level interventionA quality issue requires a disposition decision or customer communicationAn order cannot be completed due to material, tooling, or specification problemsAny safety hazard, injury, or near-miss occursKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Note: All metrics are in a 60–90 day baseline period. Targets will be set collaboratively after baseline data is established.Metric - Baseline Period - Target (Post-Baseline) - FrequencyMachine Output vs. Standard Run Speed - 60–90 days - TBD after baseline - Per shiftFirst-Piece Verification Completion Rate - 60–90 days - 100% documented - Per orderOrder Count Accuracy - 60–90 days - TBD after baseline - Per orderDowntime Reason Code Completion Rate - 60–90 days - TBD after baseline - Per shiftQuality Hold Compliance (SOP-QA-001) - 60–90 days - 100% - Per eventCross-Training Clearances Earned - 60–90 days - ?2 by 90 days - QuarterlySafety Incidents (recordable/near-miss) - 60–90 days - 0 recordable - Monthly5S Compliance Score - 60–90 days - TBD after baseline - WeeklyOnboarding MilestonesMilestone - Expected Outcome30 Days - Cleared on at least one machine type; first-piece verification completed on every order; downtime logged with reason codes; LOTO and PPE compliance demonstrated consistently60 Days - Cleared on second machine type; transitions between assignments without supervisor direction; quality check forms completed accurately; no missed escalations90 Days - Cleared on three or more machine types; KPI baselines established; operating independently across assigned equipment; cross-training tracker current and signed off6 Months - Full floor utility coverage capability; recognized by Lead as a reliable flex resource; performance review completed and targets set; skill matrix updated with current clearance levelsWorking ConditionsPlant SiteAttributes for SuccessHard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper's continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.ND Paper BenefitsWe offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contributionWellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off.
Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2025 Benefits . Come be a part of our team and grow with us!ApplyPlease submit your resume, and salary requirements to unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit