Copy Editor

Smurfit Westrock; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Training programs

Career growth

Global employer

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Proofreader/Copyeditor to ensure product copy and layouts are accurate and of high quality. The role involves proofreading at all stages, correcting mechanical errors, and improving readability for automation requirements.

The position requires an AA degree in English studies and 6–12 months of related experience, with strong spelling and grammar skills and excellent communication. Overtime may be required, with comprehensive training provided.

Qualifications

• AA degree in English-related field required.
• 6–12 months related experience required.
• Basic computer skills: internet, email, Excel, Word.
• Excellent communication and professionalism.
• Strong spelling and grammar in English.
• Ability to read and write work instructions and manuals.
• Detail-oriented and willing to improve continuously.

Responsibilities

• Proofreads products through all stages to ensure accuracy.
• Verifies copy and layout for spelling, grammar, typeface, size/style, line spacing, and printing specs.
• Copyedits copy and layouts for sense, readability, and consistency to automation requirements.
• Maintains high accuracy in daily work and knowledge of proofreading terminology.
• Tests web-based templates on Image Ease and IT programming used for e-commerce site.
• Trains new and current staff and drafts SOPs and work instructions.

Skills

Proofreading

Copyediting

Attention to detail

Communication

Computer literacy

Microsoft Word/Excel

Education

AA degree in English studies

Tools

Image Ease

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

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.