The Opportunity

The Continuous Improvement Senior Manager role is designed to coach and guide the implementation of the Performance Excellence System (PES) which is a Lean Six Sigma deployment into a Smurfit Westrock facility. This role is the direct conduit between the tactical/operational and strategic initiatives in the organization. Key to success in this position is the ability to work within and across the plant at all levels creating value and buy-in as the key change facilitator for the Performance Excellence System deployment. This position will be focused on driving improvements in revenue and driving cost out of the business through more effective processes, elimination of non-value added or duplicate efforts, waste and other related defects in the process.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Coordinates the development of the Performance Excellence (PE) continuous improvement management system.

• Leads monthly PE pillar engagements.

• Works with and develops PE pillars, sub-pillars, and pillar members in alignment with the plant steering team.

• Facilitates plant steering team meetings.

• The plant contact for divisional CI personnel.

• Shares capital planning responsibilities with the EEM pillar.

• Sets and achieves challenging breakthrough goals for self and projects.

• Assists various department managers in maintaining an effective work environment.

• Interfaces effectively with customers as required.

• Collates and analyzes performance data and charts against defined parameters.

• Maintains awareness of business context and company profitability, including budgetary control issues.

• Provides assistance to the General Manager as requested.

• Leads process improvement projects/initiatives in manufacturing. Responsible for creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements, and managing the triple constraint for projects, which are cost, time, and scope.

• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, safety rules, security procedures and instructions.

• Performs all duties according to established safety policy, including wearing all required PPEs to perform duties.

• Willing to work flexible hours as necessary.

What you need to succeed:

• Candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED.

• 5 to 10 years work-related experience in a folding carton manufacturing environment and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with plant organization and layout, material flows, and process design.

• Experience with process improvement and LEAN Manufacturing Processes is a must, Six-Sigma and a belt certification is a plus.

• Strong leadership/coaching ability.

• Understanding team-based management principles and vision a must.

• Passion and sense of urgency for executing performance improvement projects and leveraging best practices across the organization.

• Project Management experience leading large projects or multiple client projects.

• Demonstrated leader who can effectively challenge, influence and build consensus within the organization.

• Demonstrated ability to use, teach and coach others on statistical, analytical, facilitation, and change acceleration tools.

• Detail knowledge of plant operations is required.

• Ability to understand and apply department policies and procedures.

• Good oral and written communication skills to effectively interact in person or otherwise with management, other employees, and external or internal customers or service providers.

• Must have a very good knowledge of all MS Office applications.

• Strong attention to detail a must.

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.

• Strong understanding of converting & warehousing production equipment.

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence

• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities

• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential

• Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!

• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.