Kelly Inkster
Thunder Bay,ON
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with a proven track record at Resolute Forest Products, excelling in strategic planning and employee development. Cultivated high-performing teams, enhancing productivity by identifying bottlenecks and implementing practical solutions. Strong communicator, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence and high customer satisfaction.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Paper Operations
Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper
08.2023 - 07.2025
- As a member of the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper leadership team, we formed a new company, Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, following the sale of the company from Resolute Forest Products to Atlas Holdings in August 2023.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Successfully developed new paper grades, in collaboration with operations, sales, and potential new customers, to bring new revenue streams following the steep decline in newsprint transaction prices.
- Led negotiations for a manning restructure, with the two main union locals, to reduce headcount and minimize jurisdictional restrictions.
Production Manager
Resolute Forest Industries
01.2018 - 08.2023
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and meeting budget constraints.
- Led the development of SOPs for various paper grades to make transitions more seamless and reduce transition losses.
- Formed a winder task force consisting of eight employees (staff and hourly) to identify uptime losses. The team developed a successful action plan (who and by when) to prioritize and correct each issue identified.
- Oversaw quality control efforts, maintaining strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements while achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.
Production Manager
Resolute Forest Products
09.2013 - 01.2018
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication between team members and regularly soliciting feedback on operational procedures.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow, and output. Very proud of the excellent efficiency of PM7, considering the small (but talented) workforce manufacturing newsprint using 100% recycled fibre.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure the timely delivery of newsprint products according to customer requirements.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
Paper Machine Superintendent
Resolute Forest Products
03.2011 - 09.2013
- Significantly increased the operating efficiency of PM7 by collaboratively working with Operations personnel (hourly and staff), Maintenance, Process Engineers, and Suppliers.
- Resolved conflicts efficiently among team members, fostering a positive work environment that contributed to successful outcomes.
- Managed multiple simultaneous projects while maintaining strict deadlines and adhering to budget constraints.
- Established successful procedures for day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
- Developed and maintained safe work permits to ensure machinery was in a safe and secure state for work.
- Collaborated with maintenance, engineers, and contractors to achieve seamless routine scheduled maintenance execution.
Assistant Paper Machine Superintendent
AbitibiBowater
02.2008 - 03.2011
- Collaborated with internal and supplier resources to reduce the CD moisture 2-sigma on PM6 from 3.0 to 0.8 - this significantly increased the number of customers that we could run on that machine and subsequently reshaped the future for that paper machine. Additionally, we developed SOPs to maintain the CD moisture 2-sigma at acceptable values.
- Significantly increased the operating efficiency of PM6 working with Operations personnel, Maintenance, Process Engineers, and Suppliers. PM6 ran at > 86% O.E.E. until it was permanently idled in 2009.
- Implemented safety protocols for reduced workplace accidents and improved employee well-being.
- Conducted regular site inspections to maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Resolved conflicts efficiently among team members, fostering a positive work environment that contributed to successful outcomes.
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Operations management
- Employee development
Timeline
Director of Paper Operations
Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper
08.2023 - 07.2025
Production Manager
Resolute Forest Industries
01.2018 - 08.2023
Production Manager
Resolute Forest Products
09.2013 - 01.2018
Paper Machine Superintendent
Resolute Forest Products
03.2011 - 09.2013
Assistant Paper Machine Superintendent
AbitibiBowater
02.2008 - 03.2011
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