General Manager

Smurfit Westrock plc; Marion (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smurfit WestRock plc in Marion, NC seeks a General Manager to oversee all manufacturing operations, drive safety, quality, and cost objectives, and execute the plant’s business strategy. You will lead a high‑performing operations team, optimize processes, and ensure on‑time delivery while maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

The role requires a strong track record in manufacturing leadership, budgeting, and Lean practices, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical or management discipline with 5–7 years of operations and manufacturing management experience.
• Track record of achieving production, quality and cost objectives in a safe environment.
• Superior communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with all levels of staff and customers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee overall operations of the facility and execute safety, quality, efficiency, and cost objectives.
• Implement policies and procedures, capacity planning, production scheduling, and KPI management.
• Develop and manage the operations budget and staffing to meet EBITDA targets.
• Lead and mentor the operations leadership team and promote Lean and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Planning

Organizational skills

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related technical or management discipline

Tools

Radius manufacturing

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

General Manager – Marion, NC

The Opportunity:

Responsible for the overall operations of the facility in a manner which supports the company’s safety, quality, efficiency, and cost objectives. Execute business strategy and achieve facility goals including budgeted EBITDA. Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures. Foster a team atmosphere, provide vision, and demonstrate support of the company’s core processes.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Implements, improves and maintains manufacturing policies & procedures, materials usage, shipping & receiving, capacity planning, production scheduling, safety, customer satisfaction, and Key Performance Indicators.
• Identifies and implements optimal business processes and organizational structure for plant.
• Identifies, recommends and implements strategic changes in manufacturing and operations.
• Builds, develops and manages a capable operations leadership team.
• Provides individual team members with aggressive and clear performance objectives.
• Leads by example with a passion for customer service.
• Champions initiatives to institutionalize Safety, Quality, Lean Manufacturing, Team Development and Continuous Improvement.
• Provides leadership and support to Lean Business Practices and Activities.
• Prepares and submits capital equipment recommendations, process changes, building improvements.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the company’s business and manufacturing processes, products and operating philosophy.
• Develops strong lines of communication across the facility to facilitate teamwork and employee engagement.
• Mentors direct reports and assists them with hiring, terminating, and discipline/developmental issues among their subordinates.
• Ensures that the facility has an effective overall strategy and program for employee development and training.
• Ensures that the facility operates in a manner which optimizes the safety of all employees and is in compliance with all safety and environmental federal and state regulations.
• Ensures compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Ensures that facility production meets corporate quality standards.
• Develops and manages the facility’s budget and labor in a manner which achieves the corporation’s cost/profit objectives.
• Ensures facility meets production and on-time delivery targets.
• Implements effective materials management practices throughout the plant.
• Functions well in a fast-paced environment and manages competing priorities.
• Makes sound operational decisions.
• Leads change.
• Understands the functions and capabilities of various corporate departments and uses those resources effectively.
• Leads root cause analyses and ensures problems are resolved effectively and in a timely manner.
• Uses data to improve productivity.
• Owns issues and problems, seeing them through to resolution.
• Identifies with and supports corporate leadership and company decisions.
• Ensures that employees are being recognized appropriately for good performance.
• Builds collaborative relationships within the organization.
• Interacts with other plant managers to share best practices
• Ensures high levels of customer satisfaction by effectively interacting with Sales and Customer Service.
• Provides timely and regular operations reports to the Regional Operations Director and other members of Senior Management.
• Provides Regional Operations Director with ad hoc support.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

What You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical or management discipline strongly preferred with a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in operations and manufacturing management.
• Minimum 5-7 years’ printing experience.
• Must have demonstrated track record of manufacturing management excellence, evidenced by a track record of achieving production, quality and cost objectives while maintaining a safe and positive environment for line manufacturing employees.
• Superior communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills evidencing the ability to effectively communicate with subordinates, superiors, peers, customers, etc.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong planning and budgeting skills.
• Must demonstrate superior leadership and managerial skills indicative of the ability to instill teamwork, delegate effectively, and build collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of business objectives.
• Strong organizational skills and a superior attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and objectives.
• Must demonstrate proactive management style evidencing the ability to anticipate and resolve potential issues before they become significant problems.
• Must demonstrate creativity and innovation indicative of an ability to identify new approaches, processes and systems to business operations and issues.
• Strong personal computer skills including proficiency with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; specific experience with Radius manufacturing and financial systems would be a plus.
• Ability to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

What We Offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are foundational to how we operate.
• Competitive total rewards package including medical, dental, and vision coverage options starting on your first day.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions and flexible spending account (FSA) options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and automatic contributions to support your long‑term financial goals.
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage for financial protection.
• Mental health support and wellness programs designed to promote overall well‑being.
• Generous paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Additional voluntary benefits such as legal services, identity protection, pet insurance, and more.

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