Corrugator Process Lead

Smurfit Kappa Group; North East; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work

Training and development

Employee Assistance Programme

Safe working environment

Leadership development

Global career opportunities

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Corrugator Process Lead to maximise performance, reduce waste, improve quality and drive operational excellence across the corrugator operation.

This 12-month secondment is a full-time, days-based role based at West Auckland. You will lead process control, coach teams and partner with Engineering, Quality and Operations to implement improvements.

Competitive salary with benefits is offered, plus development opportunities within a global packaging leader.

Qualifications

• Experience in corrugated packaging manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of corrugator operations and performance drivers.
• Proven track record with process improvement and waste reduction.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience coaching operational teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work across multiple functions.
• Continuous improvement mindset and leadership potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the optimisation and development of the corrugator Process Control System.
• Analyse performance data to identify efficiency gains.
• Drive waste reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support grade optimisation and process standardisation.
• Act as link between Operations, Engineering and suppliers.
• Deliver training and competency development for corrugator teams.
• Support quality investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, standards, and process fundamentals.
• Provide holiday/absence cover for the Corrugator Manager.
• Support decision-making and performance improvement across the operation.

Skills

Corrugator operations

Data analysis

Process improvement

Coaching and leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean Six Sigma

Tools

Process Control System

Job description

West Auckland | 12 month Secondment | Full-Time | Days-Based Role | Competitive Salary & Benefits

Drive performance. Optimise processes. Lead continuous improvement.

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.

At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to manufacturing excellence, and our corrugator operation sits at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for a motivated and technically capable Corrugator Process Lead to help maximise performance, reduce waste, improve quality, and drive operational excellence across our corrugator operation.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strong corrugator knowledge with a passion for data, process improvement, coaching, and leadership. You’ll play a key role in shaping how we operate today while helping develop the standards and capabilities needed for the future.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to become the site's lead expert on corrugator process control systems while working closely with Operations, Engineering and Quality teams to improve performance and deliver results.

You’ll have the chance to:

• Take ownership of the corrugator Process Control System
• Drive improvements in quality, productivity and waste performance
• Develop and coach operational teams
• Influence site standards, SOPs and best practices
• Lead improvement projects and performance initiatives

Gain valuable leadership experience through operational management cover responsibilities

What You’re Doing

• Leading the optimisation and development of the corrugator Process Control System
• Analysing performance data and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency
• Driving waste reduction and continuous improvement initiatives
• Supporting grade optimisation and process standardisation
• Acting as the key link between Operations, Engineering and system suppliers
• Delivering training and competency development for corrugator teams
• Supporting quality investigations and root cause analysis
• Developing and maintaining SOPs, operating standards and process fundamentals
• Providing holiday and absence cover for the Corrugator Manager as required
• Supporting operational decision‑making and performance improvement across the corrugator operation

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who understands corrugator performance and enjoys solving problems, improving processes and developing people.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Experience working within a corrugated packaging manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of corrugator operations and performance drivers
• Experience improving quality, productivity, waste or machine performance
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Experience coaching, training or developing operational teams
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions
• A continuous improvement mindset and passion for operational excellence

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience with corrugator Process Control Systems
• Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement or Six Sigma training
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience
• Experience leading improvement projects
• Experience working with OEMs, equipment suppliers or technical service providers

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunitieS
• Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 support for you and your family
• A safe, supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to develop leadership and management experience
• Career development within a global leader in sustainable packaging

What We Value

Safety Loyalty Integrity Respect
We’re looking for someone who brings energy, curiosity, teamwork and a desire to make things better every day.

Why West Auckland?

Our West Auckland site has a strong reputation for teamwork, continuous improvement and operational excellence. You’ll be joining an experienced team where ideas are welcomed and development is encouraged. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future performance of our corrugator operation.

If you’re passionate about process improvement, operational performance and developing people, we’d love to hear from you.

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.