Line Leader: Safety‑Driven Packaging Production

Smurfit Westrock; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Knoxville, TN, seeks an Assembly Line Leader to drive safe, efficient, high-quality production on our contract packaging line. You will serve as the daily line leader, coordinate staffing, materials, equipment and workflow to meet customer requirements and production goals.

You will collaborate with Operations, Quality, Warehouse and Maintenance to sustain safety and productivity, train temporary workers, monitor line performance, perform quality checks and document records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience in manufacturing, packaging, assembly, or production is required.
• Experience leading work activities, coordinating production processes, or training team members in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of production work orders, quality standards, and inventory control processes.
• Ability to read and interpret safety procedures, operating instructions, production documentation, and work orders.
• Basic computer skills to enter production data and maintain operational records.
• Strong verbal communication skills to coordinate with teams.
• Proficient mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
• Ability to identify and resolve routine production issues while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.
• Commitment to safety, quality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production line activities to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and customer requirements are achieved.
• Coordinate line setup activities, verify work order specifications, and ensure materials and components are available to support production schedules.
• Monitor production flow, troubleshoot operational issues, make equipment adjustments, and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Train, assign, and provide direction to temporary workforce employees while promoting a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage inventory accuracy through product tracking, reconciliation, and proper line replenishment throughout the shift.
• Perform and document quality checks to ensure finished products meet customer specifications and company standards.
• Maintain accurate production records, labor tracking, and system data entry to support operational reporting and performance measurement.
• Partner with Warehouse, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations teams to resolve issues and maintain uninterrupted production.
• Promote adherence to safety requirements, SOPs, cGMP standards, and housekeeping expectations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts that drive operational excellence, productivity, and OEE.

Skills

Leadership

Safety procedures

Quality awareness

Reading production docs

Basic math skills

Communication

Overtime flexibility

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Smurfit Westrock in Knoxville, TN, seeks an Assembly Line Leader to drive safe, efficient, high-quality production on our contract packaging line. You will serve as the daily line leader, coordinate staffing, materials, equipment and workflow to meet customer requirements and production goals.

You will collaborate with Operations, Quality, Warehouse and Maintenance to sustain safety and productivity, train temporary workers, monitor line performance, perform quality checks and document records.