Plant Manager - Corrugated Box

Working Days

Key Skills

• Production Planning & Control
• Corrugator & Converting Machine Operations
• Quality Assurance
• Cost Reduction & Process Optimization
• Team Leadership & Workforce Training
• Inventory & Material Management
• Customer Interaction & Problem Resolution

The Corrugated Box Plant Manager is responsible for managing the overall operations of a corrugated packaging manufacturing plant, ensuring efficient production, consistent product quality, safe work practices, and cost-effective operations. The role requires strong technical expertise in corrugation and converting machinery, leadership skills to manage shop-floor teams, and the ability to drive productivity, reduce waste, and ensure on-time delivery to customers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production & Operations Management

• Plan and supervise the day-to-day operations across corrugator, printing, slotting, die-cutting, folder-gluer, stitching, and finishing sections.
• Monitor production KPIs: output, downtime, waste %, productivity, and OEE.
• Implement production schedules and ensure timely dispatch of orders.
• Coordinate closely with sales, planning, and logistics for order fulfillment.

2. Quality Control & Standards

• Ensure board and box quality meets required specifications (GSM, moisture, ECT, burst strength, flute profile).
• Resolve quality deviations through root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Maintain QC reports, documentation, and compliance with customer audits/standards.

3. Maintenance Coordination

• Ensure proper functioning of corrugator and converting machinery.
• Plan preventive and predictive maintenance with maintenance teams.
• Minimize breakdowns and support troubleshooting during production issues.

4. Safety, Compliance & EHS

• Enforce safety protocols, PPE usage, and workplace discipline.
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and compliance inspections.
• Ensure adherence to statutory regulations and environmental guidelines.

5. Team Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of supervisors, operators, and helpers.
• Conduct performance evaluations, skill assessments, and training programs.
• Foster team discipline, communication, and continuous improvement culture.

6. Raw Material & Inventory Management

• Monitor consumption of kraft paper, ink, adhesives, starch, and consumables.
• Work with procurement to ensure optimal inventory levels and cost control.
• Reduce waste, over-consumption, and scrap generation through process improvements.

7. Cost Optimization & Process Improvement

• Analyze plant performance metrics and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Drive Lean, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement activities on shop floor.
• Optimize machine speeds, setups, changeovers, and manpower utilization.

8. Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Support sales teams by providing technical insights and production feasibility.
• Participate in customer visits, quality discussions, and complaint resolution.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through consistent delivery and quality.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree / Diploma in Mechanical, Production, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 8-12 years of experience in corrugated box manufacturing, with at least 34 years in a supervisory or assistant manager role.
• Strong understanding of corrugator operations, converting machinery, adhesives, paper properties, and quality requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.