Machine Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cash Health Plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Belfast is seeking an enthusiastic team member for a manufacturing role focused on safety, quality, and efficiency. You will help maximise productivity, operate plant machinery, and participate in LEAN initiatives to improve processes.

The position requires hands-on experience in manufacturing, strong organisational skills, and clear English communication. Collaborative work across departments is essential, with a commitment to continuous improvement and safe operations.

Qualifications

• GCSEs or equivalent with English and Maths at grade C or higher.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment for at least 2 years.
• Experience in a site with ISO 9001 systems or equivalent.
• Proactive, motivated and can-do attitude.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities with flexibility.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Independent, resourceful and initiative-driven.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Fluent English communication.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of themselves and others.
• Adhere to quality systems to ensure customer satisfaction and ISO compliance.
• Maximize productivity and asset utilisation with other departments; engage in training and development.
• Operate machinery to meet business needs in a dynamic environment.
• Engage in LEAN techniques and culture.
• Support net-zero energy initiatives.
• Collaborate with other functions to run equipment efficiently and prioritize work.
• Aim for optimal speed, minimise downtime, and pursue continuous improvement.
• Complete relevant paperwork accurately and timely.
• Suggest and investigate potential process improvements.
• Coordinate with staff to ensure on-time, high-quality product delivery.
• Demonstrate professional interpersonal interactions with dignity and respect.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Problem solving

Independent thinker

Team player

English communication

Self-confidence

Education

GCSEs including English & Maths

Tools

Microsoft Office

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

• Ensure the safety of themselves and others
• Adhere to all quality systems to ensure customer satisfaction and through ISO standards
• Ensure the maximum productivity and asset utilisation of the plant with other departments, by displaying responsibility, ownership of tasks and engagement in training and development
• Operating machinery in line with business needs in a dynamic environment
• Engage, implement and adhere to LEAN techniques and culture
• Help drive the site’s net zero energy initiatives.
• Work with other functions as to ensure efficient running of the equipment and prioritize work
• Strive for optimal speed, downtime minimisation, excellence and continuous improvement
• Accurate and timely completion of relevant paperwork.
• Optimise equipment performance and suggest, investigate and provide solutions for potential process improvements
• Liaising with the other staff to ensure products are produced on time and delivered on time to the highest standard
• Demonstrate great interpersonal skills including treating all with dignity and respect.

Essential Criteria

• 5 GCSE’s or equivalent with at least a grade C in English and Mathematics at GCSE level or equivalent
• Proven successful experience in a working in a manufacturing environment for at least 2 years
• Experience in a site with ISO 9001 systems or equivalent
• Highly motivated, driven, proactive, can-do attitude
• Strong interpersonal skills communicating effectively and appropriately across all levels
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to be flexible, prioritise workload, manage complexity and adapt to changing conditions.
• Practical problem-solving skills including managing conflicting work demands, multitask and work under pressure
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage complexity
• A positive, independent thinker, resourceful, logical and demonstrates initiative
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Self-confident and willing to share information openly
• Ability to communicate effectively using the English language

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in working in a corrugated packaging site
• Trained in the operation of corrugated packaging machinery
• Experience of setting up machinery
• LEAN qualification
• Experience in shop floor data collection systems
• IOSH qualification or equivalent safety knowledge and training
• Mechanical/Electrical/Process aptitude
• Proficient IT skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & benefits, including Cash Health Plan,and 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.