Conversion Manager

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

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, productionand 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.

Personal Attributes

• 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.