Maintenance Front Line Leader

Role Summary

The Maintenance Front Line Leader provides daily leadership for a multi‑skilled maintenance team supporting mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution of PM, PdM, and corrective maintenance activities while improving equipment reliability and supporting production operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a multi‑skilled team in electrical systems and mechanical maintenance (FLL Certified).
• Oversee and execute PM, lubrication, and PdM programs, including vibration, infrared, and acoustic inspections, ensuring accurate SAP‑PM notifications.
• Manage manpower planning, weekly scheduling, daily work plans, and ensure required parts, materials, and tools are available.
• Partner with the Maintenance Planner to maintain BOMs, spare parts, and task lists.
• Manage department safety, training, and active participation in mill safety programs.
• Verify high‑quality, safe, and precise work execution with accurate work order completion.
• Deliver scheduled outages on time and within budget; support outage/shutdown planning and long‑range scheduling.
• Coach and develop team members, including technical training and acting as Maintenance Department Learning Leader.
• Drive reliability improvements, reduce downtime, and support maintenance performance metrics using reliable methods.
• Collaborate with other mill teams and foster strong team relationships.
• Meet area‑specific 5S standards, including checklists, replenishment, and audits.

Qualifications

• Industrial maintenance experience (mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation) required.
• Experience working with PLC/DCS systems, VFDs, and electrical troubleshooting required.
• Strong understanding of PM, PdM, and precision maintenance practices.
• Working knowledge of SAP‑PM or similar CMMS.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills

Minimum

• 3–5 years of industrial maintenance experience or equivalent technical education.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
• Strong commitment to safety and safe work practices.
• Collaborative, adaptable team player with a positive, solution‑focused approach.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and meet internal and external customer needs.
• Skilled in problem‑solving and facilitating effective team outcomes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive and accountable in follow‑up, issue resolution, and meeting expectations.
• Sound decision‑making using analysis, experience, and judgment.
• Proficient in MS Office and network‑based applications.
• Experience with SAP‑PM or other CMMS platforms.

Preferred

• Post‑secondary technical education or engineering degree in an industrial or technology‑related field.
• Experience working within High‑Performance Work Systems.
• Paper mill background with strong understanding of mill processes.
• Proven ability to manage and resolve team conflicts.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Maintenance job planning or scheduling experience.

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets. 

The Career You Will Build:

Leadership experience and training & promotional opportunities within a global company.

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP. 

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com.