Copy Editor

Smurfit Westrock plc; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary reflecting skills

Training opportunities

Global packaging company benefits

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc is seeking a detail-oriented proofreader/copyeditor to ensure accuracy across product copy and layouts. You will verify spelling, grammar, type, and printing specs, and copyedit for readability and consistency.

You will also test web templates on Image Ease and support e-commerce programming. The role requires at least an associate degree in English and 6–12 months of related experience, with strong communication and punctuality.

Qualifications

• AA degree with focus on English studies or journalism.
• 6–12 months of related proofreading experience.
• Basic computer skills including email, internet, Excel, and word processing.
• Excellent spelling and grammar in English.
• Ability to read and understand work instructions and safety rules.
• Detail oriented, cooperative, and willing to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to communicate tactfully with internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Proofreads products through all stages for accuracy against provided materials.
• Verifies copy and layout for spelling, grammar, typeface, size, line spacing, and printing specs.
• Copyedits layouts for sense, readability, and conformity to automation requirements.
• Maintains high accuracy in daily tasks and basic knowledge of prepress terminology.
• Tests web templates on Image Ease and IT programming used for e-commerce site.
• Maintains database integrity and assists in maintaining customer websites.
• Verifies accuracy of QR codes, UPCs, and other electronic codes.
• Trains new and current employees as needed and supports internal/external customers.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Basic computer skills

Written and verbal clarity

Education

Associate degree in English

Tools

Adobe Acrobat

Image Ease

Word processing (MS Word)

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.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Proofread and copyedit product, copy and layout to ensure accuracy and improve overall quality.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Proofreads created products through all stages to ensure accuracy against provided materials.
• Verifies copy and layout are correct in terms of spelling, grammar, typeface, size/style, line spacing, layout and printing specifications, and corrects mechanical errors detected.
• Copyedits newly created copy and layouts (beyond the mechanical errors) for sense, readability, consistency, style and conformity to automation requirements.
• Achieves and retains superior knowledge of standard proofreading terminology and symbols.
• Maintains high level of accuracy in daily work.
• Achieves and retains basic knowledge of prepress and horticultural terminology.
• Tests web-based templates built by prepress technicians for external use on company's tag setting web site (Image Ease).
• Tests IT programming used to drive company's e-commerce web site (Image Ease).
• Maintains integrity of databases used to drive tag setting.
• Assists in maintaining customer websites that work in conjunction with JHC.com.
• Verifies accuracy and functionality of QRs, UPCs and other electronic codes.
• Works with translators to ensure timely, accurate translations.
• Performs general departmental administrative tasks as assigned.
• Drafts standard operating procedures and operator work instructions as requested.
• Participates in problem solving initiatives.
• Trains new and current employees as requested.
• Serves as a resource for both internal and external customers on use of Image Ease website.
• Proofs products and communicate with internal and external customers via email.
• Provides backup support for other prepress operators and other team members as requested.
• Performs additional job related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Associate’s degree (AA) with a focus on English studies (journalism, etc.) required.
• Six to twelve months' related experience required.
• Must have basic computer skills (internet, email, routine database activity (Excel), word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), graphics, Adobe Acrobat, and etc.).
• Must have excellent communication skills, including the demonstration of tact, sensitivity, and professionalism.
• Must have demonstrated competency of proper spelling and grammar in English.
• Must pass basic reading test.
• Must have the ability to write, read and comprehend work instructions, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Must be detailed oriented, willing to continuously improve, and work well with others.
• Must have the ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from internal and external customers.
• Must have the ability to maintain good attendance and willing to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

What we offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

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.