Materials & Paint Leader

Posted:
1/7/2026, 4:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Wisconsin, United States ⋅ Phillips, Wisconsin, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Customer Success & Support ⋅ Operations & Logistics

About Us:

BW Papersystems, part of the Barry-Wehmiller Group, builds capital equipment that transforms paper into products for consumers - every day, around the world. We offer innovative technologies, service and parts, and years of global experience in corrugating, finishing; slitting and packaging; stationery; bookbinding and security documents. Customers rely on our machines to produce and convert items such as corrugated boxes, folding cartons, passports, notebooks, copy paper, board, and coated and other specialty papers. For more information, visit bwpapersystems.com.


 

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.


 

Job Description:

Responsible for the general supervision, direction, and coordination of the materials (stores) & paint areas to meet production schedules, quality, and cost objectives.  Oversee inventory operations, ensuring optimal stock levels, and maintaining efficient material flow to support production and customer demand. This role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and collaboration across departments to drive operational excellence and cost efficiency.

This position requires a highly motivated individual who demonstrates initiative and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The Materials & Paint Leader will lead efforts to enhance safety, cost efficiency, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction, ensuring performance meets or exceeds expectations.

Additionally, the Materials & Paint Leader is responsible for developing and mentoring the team, building technical skills, leadership capability, and engagement to support long-term success. This includes coaching, training, and creating growth opportunities to enhance bench strength and sustain high performance.

The role carries full responsibility for results in terms of costs, methods, and personnel, and will champion continuous improvement initiatives throughout the department. With significant impact on overall business performance, this leader will drive operational excellence and foster a culture of innovation.

Key Responsibilities/Complexities:

  • Analyze forecasts and coordinate schedules to meet delivery requirements; follow progress of work and advise/instruct team members.  Arrange for shifting of manpower in order to minimize overtime, reduce costs, and plan for emergencies.  Make effective recommendations for changes in work force to meet changing conditions.
  • Develop and implement inventory control procedures to optimize stock levels, minimize costs, and reduce waste.
  • Work closely with purchasing and production teams to ensure timely availability of materials and products.
  • Track turnover rates, analyze trends, and address issues affecting operational efficiency or financial performance.
  • Lead stores operations to meet production schedules, quality standards, and cost objectives.
  • Champion lean practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and delivery performance.
  • Work with frontline leaders and group leaders to determine unusual conditions requiring attention and coordination.
  • Develop and mentor team members through coaching, training, and career growth opportunities.  Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence.
  • Maintain liaison with other departments to expedite flow of materials into area in order to complete orders and schedules as planned.
  • Maintain accuracy of stores inventory; assist/instruct personnel as necessary to maintain proper workflow through the department.
  • Review costs and work methods and take action or make recommendations to reduce costs and improve operations.
  • Identify obstacles to achieving expectations and engage/lead team to understand reason for impediment and implement sustainable countermeasures to mitigate/eliminate recurring obstacles.
  • Develop strategy and plan to meet long term growth requirements of the business.
  • Enforce company rules and regulations; maintain harmonious relations with employees; address grievances per company policy; take prescribed disciplinary action as required; make recommendations for hires, promotions, transfers, dismissals.
  • Prepare reports related to assigned area; maintain all necessary records and files.
  • Attend production and other meetings as required.
  • Embrace and exemplify the guiding principles of leadership and leadership fundamentals.

Competencies:

  • Knowledge of inventory management and processes.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; be able to independently solve problems while interacting with various teams and teammates on daily process and flow.
  • Ability to bring together a team with a shared vision of delivering results and embracing the culture of the organization.
  • Strong foundation with continuous improvement tools, A3 Problem Solving, Managing for Daily Improvement (MDI), Root Cause and Corrective Measures (RCCM), Kaizen and Lean Principles, Standard Work Development.
  • Drive engagement and ownership at all levels and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
  • Possess data-driven decision making to analyze and interpret data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.  Make informed decisions based on verified metrics. Leverage visual management tools (dashboards, KPI boards) to communicate performance clearly.  Drive accountability by using data to set targets, monitor progress, and adjust strategies.
  • Proficient in implementing visual boards (e.g., SQDC or KPI dashboards) in the assembly area to track daily performance.  Conducting daily stand-up meetings using these boards to review progress and address variances. Set clear targets and color-code status for quick visibility and encourage team ownership by assigning metric updates to frontline leaders.
  • Ability to manage a large, diverse team with a substantial impact on the company business.
  • Proficiency in MS Office.  General understanding of functions with ERP system.
  • Strong skills in high level capacity planning, scheduling systems, staff and training plans.
  • Must be capable of multi-tasking various duties throughout the day, have a positive attitude with an ability to be versatile and flexible.

Required Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
  • Typically requires a minimum of 5+ years’ management level experience with significant team interactions and proven team growth.

Position Type:

This is a regular, full-time position with the understanding that a regular workweek will require extended days and hours as needed to meet business needs.


 

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job.  If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.  We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions.  Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.


 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.


 

Company:

BW Papersystems