Conversion Leader: Lean Ops & Safety

Smurfit Kappa Group; Weston-super-Mare; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Training opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking an experienced Conversion Manager to lead the Conversion Department, directing Shift Managers and operational teams to meet safety, quality, production, and cost targets. You will foster a positive, inclusive culture while partnering with the broader management team to drive performance.

In this role you will champion Lean manufacturing initiatives, monitor machine performance, analyse downtime, and develop robust improvement plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in manufacturing or technical corrugated packaging.
• Proven leadership experience managing operational teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing efficiency, quality standards, and cost control.
• Experience driving continuous improvement programmes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to make sound business decisions and influence at all levels.
• Self-motivated with capacity to lead change and deliver results.
• Commercial awareness with understanding of customer requirements and market demands.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Conversion Department to meet productivity, quality and cost targets.
• Drive health, safety and environmental leadership across the department.
• Analyse downtime and implement robust improvement plans.
• Lead Lean initiatives including 5S, SMED, Kanban and other World Class techniques.
• Coach and develop Shift Managers and operational teams.
• Collaborate with HR on workforce planning and adherence to policies.
• Represent the department in internal and external meetings and build stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Change management

Tools

5S

SMED

Kanban

Job description

Smurfit Westrock is seeking an experienced Conversion Manager to lead the Conversion Department, directing Shift Managers and operational teams to meet safety, quality, production, and cost targets. You will foster a positive, inclusive culture while partnering with the broader management team to drive performance.

In this role you will champion Lean manufacturing initiatives, monitor machine performance, analyse downtime, and develop robust improvement plans.