Production Manager - Paper Center of Excellence

 

Are you ready to lead a high-performing team in a dynamic, startup manufacturing environment?

 

Leola, PA, will soon be home to Dart’s new paper plate manufacturing Center of Excellence! This industry-leading facility will be an efficient manufacturing powerhouse, with the capacity to meet the growing demand for paper-based food and beverage packaging.

 

We’re seeking a Production Manager to help lead this exciting startup operation. In this pivotal leadership role, you'll oversee multi-shift production, build and develop a strong team, and drive performance through strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and daily execution.

 

With a focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence, you’ll play a critical part in shaping our plant culture and delivering consistent, reliable results as we bring new production lines online.

 

What We Offer:

• A leadership opportunity to shape and grow a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
• A chance to build a high-performance team from the ground up
• Competitive salary and full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities
• A values-driven, collaborative environment focused on safety, service, and continuous improvement

 

What You’ll Do – Results:

• Manage shift scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to ensure smooth, efficient operations
• Lead production teams with a focus on safety, quality, service, and productivity
• Use KPIs and daily management tools to track performance and drive data-based decisions
• Identify trends, resolve bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to achieve daily goals
• Coach, develop, and engage team members at all levels to build a culture of high performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Lean principles and plant priorities
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams
• Maintain strong adherence to GMP and safety standards

 

What You Bring – Competencies:

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• A strategic mindset that connects day-to-day execution with long-term business goals
• High personal accountability and a commitment to team performance
• Systems thinker with the ability to manage complexity and prioritize effectively
• Strong focus on customer satisfaction, quality standards, and safety compliance
• Collaborative and approachable leadership style, grounded in mutual respect and trust

 

Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree
• Five (5) years of manufacturing operations management or leadership assignments demonstrating a progression of increased scope and responsibility
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience in manufacturing operations leadership
• Background in paper converting, packaging, or related industries preferred
• Comfortable managing multi-shift or continuous operations
• Experience in hiring and developing skilled, motivated teams
• Familiarity with Lean tools, continuous improvement, and daily management systems
• Financial and operational understanding to manage budgets, labor, and efficiency metrics
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and production systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

 

Work Schedule & Travel:

• Initial schedule will be Monday–Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM.
  • Will transition to 24/7 operations later this year; flexibility required.
• Travel is required (up to 50%) for the first several months/throughout 2025-2026. Travel will be for onboarding, training, ongoing operational excellence and other purposes. Travel will, for the most part, take place Monday – Friday, but some weekend travel may be required.

 

 

 

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Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red SOLO cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for 65 years. We’re a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we’re proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality products.

Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more.

Dart Container is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.

*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law.

Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at [email protected]. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.

If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at [email protected] for assistance.

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