Area Manufacturing Manager - Controls
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PCA
Lake Forest, IL, US
Summary
The Area Manufacturing Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence and innovation across PCA mills. This includes providing technical support, leading capital projects, and fostering continuous improvement.
Job Description
As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.
People • Customers • Trust
The Area Manufacturing Manager (AMM) is a key technical leader responsible for driving operational excellence and innovation across PCA mills. This role applies advanced manufacturing expertise to optimize performance, improve efficiency, and maintain consistent quality. Acting as a strategic partner, the AMM collaborates with mill teams and corporate resources to implement technologies, share best practices, and foster continuous improvement.
Relocation not required – candidates must have access to reliable air transportation.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical support to multiple manufacturing sites.
- Apply engineering techniques and best practices to improve processes.
- Lead and manage capital projects, including installation and construction.
- Deliver technical training on new technologies and systems.
- Support business and plant capital planning.
- Develop detailed plans, specifications, and actionable recommendations.
- Drive technology adoption and process optimization.
- Serve as subject matter expert in:
- Process Controls: Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, PLC5), Siemens PLC.
- Variable Frequency Drives: AC, DC, Servo (ABB/Rockwell/Siemens).
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent military experience/training.
- 10+ years in Controls, Manufacturing, or Field Technical Support.
- 5+ years of papermill experience required.
- Expertise in VFDs (AC, DC, Servo), preferably Rockwell.
- Strong knowledge of converting machine controls and PLC projects.
- Ability to travel up to 80% within the U.S.; must reside in the lower 48 states.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and planning skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
- Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA-70E, and electrical safety standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced knowledge of process controls and PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
- Experience with PLC hardware/software design and operator interfaces (FactoryTalk View, PanelView).
- Proven project management skills for installations and rebuilds.
- Hands-on troubleshooting of AC/DC motors, drives, and servo systems.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Starting salary range for position: $129,500-$185,000
- Bonus: Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance.
- Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
- Paid Holidays.
- Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
- Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
- Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.
#LI-HS1
PCA is the third-largest producer of containerboard in the United States and a leading producer of uncoated freesheet in North America.
PCA’s net sales for 2025 were $9 billion. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Forest, Illinois. We have approximately 16,800 employees with operations throughout the United States including ten mills and 91 corrugated product plants & related facilities.
PCA’s Paper segment operates under the trade name Boise Paper, a Division of Packaging Corporation of America. We manufacture and sell white papers, including both commodity and specialty papers.
PCA combines great products with a creative and knowledgeable total-service team to provide ideas and solutions for any packaging need: "When you choose Packaging Corporation of America, you work with people who do the right things for each other and for our customers. We believe in utilizing the power of strong collaborative relationships, bound by the trust we have earned, to deliver innovative packaging solutions and an outstanding service experience."
Founded
1959
Company size
10,001+ employees
Industry
Packaging & Containers
Org type
Public Company
Headquarters
Lake Forest, Illinois
PCA is the third-largest producer of containerboard in the United States and a leading producer of uncoated freesheet in North America.
PCA’s net sales for 2025 were $9 billion. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Forest, Illinois. We have approximately 16,800 employees with operations throughout the United States including ten mills and 91 corrugated product plants & related facilities.
PCA’s Paper segment operates under the trade name Boise Paper, a Division of Packaging Corporation of America. We manufacture and sell white papers, including both commodity and specialty papers.
PCA combines great products with a creative and knowledgeable total-service team to provide ideas and solutions for any packaging need: "When you choose Packaging Corporation of America, you work with people who do the right things for each other and for our customers. We believe in utilizing the power of strong collaborative relationships, bound by the trust we have earned, to deliver innovative packaging solutions and an outstanding service experience."
Founded
1959
Company size
10,001+ employees
Industry
Packaging & Containers
Org type
Public Company
Headquarters
Lake Forest, Illinois