No. 2 Cutter

Smurfit Westrock; West of England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc in the UK is seeking a No.2 Cutter to support the Cutting team in Bristol. You will assist the No.1 operator, feed material, and help maximise run speeds with minimal waste.

You'll ensure quality control, follow SOPs, maintain cleanliness, and complete paperwork accurately. A strong safety mindset and team collaboration are essential to help the operation meet demand and drive efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience as a plant operator in an industrial/factory environment.
• Strong focus on quality and safety.
• Flexible, team-focused with good communication.
• Knowledge of 5S to improve production.
• Understanding KPI tracking.

Responsibilities

• Assist the No.1 operator in discharging duties and feed material for optimum run speeds.
• Ensure loads are prepared for make-ready and available in time.
• Operate machinery in line with standard operating procedures.
• Check quality and register accuracy in operator absence.
• Run the machine at optimum speed while maintaining safety.
• Complete paperwork accurately and on time (timesheets, load tickets, maintenance requests).
• Maintain cleanliness around the machine area and assist with operator maintenance.

Skills

Plant operator

Quality & safety

Team player

Communication

5S

KPI awareness

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging, operating in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting operations and 59 paper mills. With the circular economy at the core of our business, we use renewable, recyclable and recycled materials to create sustainable packaging solutions. For home and beauty products, our paper-based consumer packaging solutions combine elevated form and reliable function to meet the needs of today’s brands and shoppers. Our team of over 100,000 professionals drives operations across 40 countries on 6 continents and Smurfit Westrock are proud to be included on TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies 2025 list for the second year running.

Our Consumer Packaging business in Europe supplies paper-based packaging, leaflets and labels for a wide variety of household names in industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, beauty and personal care, premium wines and spirits, and much, much more. With more than 5,500 colleagues across 10 countries and ~34 operating locations, Smurfit Westrock's European Consumer Packaging operation is ideally positioned to provide innovative, sustainable packaging solutions to customers across the globe.

Our Values

Safety, Loyalty, Integrity and Respect are the core values and foundations on which our organisation is built. Our values are who we are: People who value life above all else; People who do the right thing, always. People who show a deep respect for each other and all of our differences. We are a team of over 100,000 people that are united behind a shared commitment to create, protect and care - We are Smurfit Westrock.

Job Purpose

The No.2 Cutter is integral to the success of WestRock, working with the Cutting team in Bristol that is currently going through a strong period of growth, the ability to adapt, be inquisitive and work closely with all departments and peers is crucial to the success of this role.

Job Responsibilities/Key accountabilities:

The No.2 operator of the machine is to assist the No.1 operator in fully discharging their duties. They are also responsible for feeding the printed material ensuring optimum run speeds and maximising machine efficiencies with the minimum amount of waste. To also have a basic knowledge and understanding of Pre-make Ready.

• Ensure pallet of the next job is available for make ready and thereafter all loads available in time.
• Assists make ready on machine.
• Assisting in operating machine in accordance with standard operating procedure.
• Checking each load in operator’s absence for quality and register.
• Responsible for running machine at the optimum running speed in operator’s absence.
• Ensuring total quality of cartons produced within the cutting and creasing process.
• Operating equipment in a safe manner to ensure the safety of self and others.
• Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time (completion of Timesheets, Job Bags, Load Tickets, Maintenance Request Forms).
• Be responsible for the general cleanliness and housekeeping in and around machine area.
• Assist in carrying out correctly operator maintenances.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience

• Knowledge and experience as a plant operator - in an industrial / factory environment.
• A strong appreciation of and regard for Quality and Safety.
• Flexible working attitude and a strong team working approach.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of 5S to improve production environment.
• Understanding of KPI’s to track performance.

Environmental, Health and Safety

It is your responsibility to co-operate with Smurfit Westrock in relation to all health, safety and environmental topics. This includes working to the practices shown during training that will be provided to you and the company's health, safety and environmental policies. You will be expected to work in accordance with local site practices and not to interfere with or misuse anything that's been provided for your health, safety or welfare

Other Requirements

Flexible and adaptable to change and prepared to take on additional responsibilities with other duties as required to meet business needs. Successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions. Be able to be self-motivated, standards driven, with a keen eye for detail whilst being team focused and harnessing collaboration and co-operation of others.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.