Conversion Manager

Smurfit Westrock; Banwell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension

Cycle to Work

Training and development

Flexible working options

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Conversion Manager to lead the Conversion Department, directing Shift Managers and teams to achieve safety, quality, production and cost objectives. You will foster a positive, inclusive culture while driving continuous improvement across operations.

Key responsibilities include safety leadership, performance optimization, and Lean initiatives. The role requires strong people leadership and the ability to influence across the organisation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in manufacturing or corrugated packaging
• Proven leadership of operational teams
• Knowledge of manufacturing efficiency, quality, cost control
• Experience driving continuous improvement
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Able to lead change and deliver results

Responsibilities

• Champion safety culture and ensure safe systems of work
• Lead conversion operation to meet productivity and cost targets
• Improve machine performance and uptime
• Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives (5S, SMED, Kanban)
• Coach Shift Managers and plan workforce
• Collaborate with HR and other departments
• Stakeholder management with internal/external customers and suppliers

Skills

Leadership experience

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

5S/SMED

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Decision making

Cost control

People leadership

Job description

Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock! Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we're committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development. About Us We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.

The Role As Conversion Manager, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the Conversion Department through your leadership of Shift Managers and operational teams. You will work closely with the wider management team to deliver safety, quality, production and cost objectives while creating a positive and inclusive culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Health, Safety & Environmental Leadership Champion a strong safety culture throughout the department. Ensure safe
  systems of work, risk assessments, and compliance procedures are maintained and followed. Drive continuous improvement in health, safety, and environmental performance. Manage contractors, suppliers, and visitors within your area of responsibility.
• Operational Performance Lead the conversion operation to achieve productivity, quality, and cost targets. Monitor and improve machine performance, uptime, and efficiency. Analyse downtime and implement robust improvement plans. Drive performance through clear targets, accountability, and effective communication.
• Continuous Improvement Lead and support Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, SMED, CIL, Kanban, and other World Class Manufacturing techniques. Drive waste reduction and process optimisation projects. Lead trials and new product activities while collaborating closely with Engineering, Technical, NPD, and other departments.
• People Leadership Coach, develop, and support Shift Managers and operational teams. Conduct performance
  reviews and set meaningful development objectives. Support workforce planning, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives. Partner closely with HR to ensure compliance with employment legislation and company policies.
• Stakeholder Management Work collaboratively across Operations, Sales, Finance, Engineering, and Group functions. Represent the department in internal and external meetings. Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and colleagues across the wider business.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience within a manufacturing or technical corrugated packaging environment.
• 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 the ability to lead change and deliver results. Commercial awareness with an understanding of customer requirements and market demands.
• Inspirational leader with a flexible leadership style. Resilient and decisive when required.
• Highly collaborative with strong interpersonal skills. Innovative, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• Able to balance operational priorities with people leadership.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
• Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
• Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)

Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment. We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.

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