Associate Managing Director

About Mondi

At Mondi, we offer packaging and paper solutions designed to support a circular economy. We've grown from a single paper mill to a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, with our 24,000 employees working across 100+ production sites in more than 30 countries.

We combine strong industrial heritage with continuous drive to innovate and create products that help our customers make more sustainable choices every day.

About the Role

The Managing Director is the senior executive leader responsible for the overall performance, strategic direction, and profitability of our paper bag converting operation in Romeoville, Illinois. This role carries full P&L accountability and is responsible for driving commercial performance, operational excellence, safety, employee engagement, and sustainable business growth.

The Managing Director leads all aspects of the business including manufacturing, supply chain, sales, finance, engineering, quality, and human resources. This position ensures alignment with Mondi's strategic priorities while delivering customer satisfaction, operational performance, and long-term business success.

Your Mission

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Develop and execute the site's strategic plan in alignment with Mondi's business objectives.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities for growth through new customers, market expansion, product innovation, and capacity enhancements.
• Drive pricing strategies, margin improvement, and profitable business development.
• Monitor industry trends, sustainability developments, and regulatory changes to maintain competitiveness and support long-term growth.

P&L Ownership & Financial Management

• Maintain full responsibility for the site's financial performance, including revenue, profitability, cash flow, and capital efficiency.
• Develop annual operating plans, budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial strategies.
• Drive cost control initiatives across manufacturing, labor, logistics, energy, and raw materials.
• Evaluate and prioritize capital investment opportunities, including equipment upgrades, automation, and facility improvements.
• Ensure strong financial governance, compliance, and internal controls.

Operations & Manufacturing Excellence

• Lead manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, quality, and logistics functions to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence using Lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products that meet customer requirements and service expectations.
• Optimize supply chain performance, inventory management, and supplier relationships.

Safety, Quality & Sustainability

• Champion a strong safety culture and lead efforts toward a zero-incident environment.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, safety, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Support sustainability initiatives focused on waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency, and responsible resource management.
• Maintain customer and industry certifications and ensure ongoing audit readiness.

Commercial & Customer Leadership

• Partner closely with Sales to strengthen customer relationships and drive profitable growth.
• Serve as executive sponsor for key customer accounts.
• Ensure alignment between commercial commitments and operational capabilities.
• Lead resolution of significant customer issues and participate in key contract negotiations when required.

People & Organizational Leadership

• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing leadership team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Lead succession planning and talent development initiatives across the organization.
• Support workforce planning and maintain positive employee and labor relations.

Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary interface with Mondi senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Provide clear reporting on business performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic initiatives.
• Represent Mondi with customers, suppliers, industry associations, and the local community.

Your Profile

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Managing Director, General Manager, Plant Manager, or similar senior leadership role with full P&L responsibility.
• Strong leadership background within industrial manufacturing, preferably in paper, packaging, converting, pulp and paper, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success driving operational excellence, profitability, and organizational performance.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in customer management, pricing strategy, and margin improvement.
• Experience leading capital investment projects, business transformation initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Ability to travel approximately 20-25% within the United States, with occasional international travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced business degree.
• Experience within the paper packaging, fiber-based packaging, or sustainability-focused manufacturing industries.
• Experience leading multi-functional manufacturing organizations within a global company environment.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Our Offer

• Comprehensive base salary plus incentive opportunity
• Full Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match and immediate vesting
• An exciting leadership opportunity within the packaging and paper industry
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development within a global organization

Why Join Mondi?

At Mondi, you'll be part of a global team shaping the future of sustainable packaging and paper. We combine innovation, responsibility, and collaboration to create solutions that make a positive impact on the world.

We believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement.

Join us and grow your career in a company where your ideas matter, your development is supported, and your contribution helps us create a better tomorrow.

Ready to Make an Impact?

We'd love to hear from you. Whether you're actively exploring your next opportunity or curious about how you could grow with us, we encourage you to start the conversation.

Apply through our careers portal and take the next step in your journey with us. We carefully review every application and will keep you informed throughout the recruitment process.

We strive to create a culture that inspires our people to reach their full potential. Going the extra mile – for colleagues and customers – our people drive our passion for performance and are the key ingredient of Mondi’s success. Be part of our future. 

Do you want to know more about Mondi? We are a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world through innovative solutions that are sustainable by design. Our global team of 24,000 people works across 100 production sites in more than 30 countries.

Our strength lies in our diversity. We are dedicated to creating a team that reflects the diversity of the world we operate in. We encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, visible minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

Even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications, we still want to hear from you. We believe in your potential and are committed to supporting you as you grow and learn at Mondi. If you need any accommodations during the recruitment process, please reach out to the contact person listed above.

Only CVs uploaded onto our online career platform will be taken into consideration. With your application, you will be redirected to our recruiting platform. After creating an account, you will receive an activation link. If you do not find the email in your inbox, please check your spam folder or add the address no-reply@mondigroup.com “safe list” or address book.