Cutting Operations Manager — Safety, Quality & Efficiency

Smurfit-Westrock; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Cutting Manager to lead daily production operations with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency. This hands-on leadership role supervises frontline staff, drives continuous improvement, and ensures compliance with food safety and quality regulations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate has manufacturing leadership experience, a commitment to safety, and the ability to manage people, processes, and performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Associate degree or equivalent industry experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Management, Engineering, or related field is preferred.
• At least three years of supervisory experience is highly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day production operations with emphasis on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Oversee frontline employees, schedules, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, ISO and other safety regulations.
• Collect, evaluate, and analyze production data; identify inefficiencies.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to manage budgets and 5S practices.
• Maintain a safe workplace and promote a strong safety culture.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Manufacturing experience

Safety-oriented

Leadership

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in Management/Engineering/Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Cutting Manager to lead daily production operations with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency. This hands-on leadership role supervises frontline staff, drives continuous improvement, and ensures compliance with food safety and quality regulations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate has manufacturing leadership experience, a commitment to safety, and the ability to manage people, processes, and performance.