Position Details: Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist

Description:

Job Title: Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist
Department: Operations
Reports to: Mill Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Barnwell Tissue Solutions, LLC.

Position Summary:

The Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of safety and quality systems in a high-speed paper and tissue manufacturing environment. This role ensures compliance with OSHA and industry-specific regulations, drives continuous improvement in product quality, and promotes a proactive safety culture across the mill. The position will work closely with corporate safety leadership and site management to align facility practices with company-wide goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Safety Management

• Develop, implement, and enforce mill-specific safety policies, procedures, and training programs that align with OSHA, NFPA, and industry best practices.
• Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and safety observations, with a focus on high-risk areas such as tissue machines, converting lines, and chemical handling.
• Lead the investigation and root cause analysis of all safety incidents, near misses, and injuries. Ensure timely implementation of corrective actions and communication of learnings.
• Maintain all required OSHA logs and documentation; prepare monthly safety performance reports for site and corporate review.
• Coordinate with supervisors and the Safety Committee to ensure safe work practices and compliance throughout all shifts.
• Oversee contractor safety programs, PPE compliance, LOTO procedures, and emergency response drills.

Quality Assurance

• Establish, implement, and monitor a robust Quality Management System (QMS) focused on tissue and paper product standards including basis weight, tensile strength, softness, caliper, and moisture content.
• Conduct routine inspections and audits of raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods to ensure alignment with internal specifications and customer requirements.
• Investigate quality non-conformances and customer complaints; lead root cause investigations and facilitate continuous improvement activities.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to reduce variability and drive first-pass quality across converting and paper machine operations.
• Analyze quality trends and data to develop performance metrics and present improvement plans to leadership.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of testing equipment (TAPPI, ISO, etc.) used in the mill lab.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Partner with production, maintenance, HR, and corporate EHS/QA to ensure aligned execution of programs and consistent communication.
• Act as the facility’s subject matter expert for safety and quality; lead by example and coach team members at all levels.
• Prepare and deliver training sessions related to safety regulations, incident prevention, product quality standards, and customer expectations.
• Support internal and external audits, including regulatory inspections, customer audits, and third-party certifications (e.g., FSC, GMP, ISO).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Environmental Science, Quality Assurance, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in safety and quality assurance, with at least 2 years in paper or tissue manufacturing preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of OSHA standards, EPA regulations, and quality systems relevant to the paper industry (e.g., TAPPI, ISO 9001).
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills; experience using root cause analysis and corrective action tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA).
• Experience leading safety programs, conducting audits, and facilitating training in an industrial environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence and engage cross-functional teams.
• CSP, CQA, or Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Combination of office and industrial environments; frequent time spent on the production floor (tissue machines, converting lines, utilities).
• Required to wear appropriate PPE and follow mill safety protocols.
• May require occasional evening or weekend hours to support 24/7 operations and respond to incidents or audits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Barnwell Tissue Solutions, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.