General Manager (Distribution)

Smurfit-Westrock; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock, a leading packaging solutions provider in the United States, seeks a General Manager to oversee a large distribution facility in Michigan. You will direct daily operations, manage staff, ensure safety, and drive efficiency across routing, receiving, warehouse, and inventory functions.

The role requires 6+ years in operations with 3+ years in a facility or DC management, plus strong leadership and budgeting skills.

Qualifications

• Six+ years of operations experience, including at least three years managing an industrial facility or distribution center.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style.
• Budget development and oversight experience.
• Critical thinking to identify strengths/weaknesses of solutions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across functions.
• Occasional travel.
• Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations within the warehouse and related departments (routing/dispatching, receiving, forklift, truck driving/maintenance, inventory).
• Oversee staffing: interview, hire, train, monitor, discipline, and terminate staff.
• Develop supervisors and team leaders for daily routines.
• Monitor safety policy compliance and equipment operation.
• Research and implement equipment to ensure safe transport and storage.
• Oversee paperwork and data entry by warehouse team.
• Coordinate scheduling and routes with drivers/dispatchers.
• Partner with Safety to improve safety practices and policies.
• Ensure proper storage of materials for space conservation and safety.
• Oversee inventory rotation as needed.
• Develop annual facility budget including staffing and equipment justification.
• Adjust staffing to meet peak demand.

Skills

Operations management

Interpersonal skills

Budget development

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication (written & verbal)

Travel (occasional)

Multi-project management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

The Opportunity

The General Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating operational activities at the highest level of management and overseeing the daily operations of a large distribution facility.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions:

• Responsible for the operations within the warehouse, including the following departments or employees - routing/dispatching, receiving, forklift operations, truck driving/maintenance, general warehouse, and inventory.
• Responsible for all phases of employment, including interviewing, selecting candidates, training, monitoring, disciplining, and terminating staff.
• Develop supervisors and team leaders to effectively oversee the daily routines of their assigned teams.
• Closely monitor the compliance of all safety policies and operation of equipment.
• Research, recommend and implement appropriate equipment to ensure safe transport and storage of all products.
• Oversee the completion of all required paperwork and data entry by warehouse team.
• Coordinate scheduling and routes with drivers and dispatchers.
• Partner with Safety department to continuously improve and enhance safety discipline, practices, and policies.
• Ensure materials are stored properly to conserve space and comply with safety procedures in conjunction with staff.
• Oversees the rotation of inventories within the warehouse, as needed.
• Develop and recommend annual budget requirements for the facility, including staffing levels and justification for new or replacement material handling equipment.
• Adjust staffing levels to meet peak customer demand.

What you need to succeed:

• Minimum of six years of operations experience, including at least three years of experience managing industrial facility or distribution center.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style.
• Budget development and oversight experience.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to engage multiple functions (technical, engineering, general management) within a business.
• Occasional Travel
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); and other applications as required.

What we offer

• A corporate culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• An attractive compensation package that reflects experience, skills, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging leader where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are foundational to daily operations and long-term success.

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.