Manager, Technical Services (Color Management)

Smurfit Westrock Company; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Mental health support

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock Company seeks a Manager, Technical Services (Color Management) to lead color management, print quality, and process control across 30+ facilities. This remote role involves travel up to 50% within the US and Canada and collaboration with North American teams to sustain division-wide print quality standards.

The position requires 5+ years in color management, expertise in G7/ECG, and strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in color management and technical services.
• Expertise in color management standards, G7/ECG, and process control.
• Familiarity with print quality systems and measurement technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and continuous improvement of the Global Color Excellence program.
• Develop and maintain color management standards, specifications, measurement methods, and SOPs.
• Conduct facility assessments and gap analyses to improve print quality and process capability.
• Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing facilities, customers, and internal teams.
• Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Color management

G7/ECG

Process control

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Tools

MeasureColor

ColorCert

pressSIGN

Job description

Manager, Technical Services (Color Management)

GA WFH Georgia

No

Position Title: Manager, Technical Services (Color Management) Department: Technical Services Supervisor: Director of Technical Services Work Location: Work from home, with travel to manufacturing facilities as required

The Opportunity

The Manager, Technical Services (Color Management) leads color management, print quality, and process control support across manufacturing operations. This role advances Global Color Excellence by helping facilities implement and sustain consistent standards, measurement practices, workflows, and training programs. Working closely with North American Prepress, Pressroom Support, Operations, Quality, Sales, and customer-facing teams, the position supports 30 + manufacturing facilities through technical leadership, facility assessments, gap analysis, troubleshooting, process improvement, certifications, consumables support, and software utilization.

This role is focused on improving consistency, building plant capability, and sustaining division-wide print quality expectations through data-driven decision making and standardized processes.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Lead deployment and continuous improvement of the Global Color Excellence program.
• Develop and maintain color management standards, print quality specifications, measurement methods, and operating procedures.
• Conduct facility assessments and gap analyses to identify opportunities for improved print quality, process capability, and operational consistency.
• Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing facilities, customers, and internal teams.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives related to print quality and process performance.
• Standardize workflows, measurement practices, reporting methods, and best practices across facilities.
• Partner with site leadership to identify, prioritize, and close performance gaps while sustaining improvements.
• Build plant capability by coaching local teams to use standardized tools, procedures, and data to manage color performance independently.
• Monitor quality metrics and key performance indicators to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support customer meetings, product qualifications, project reviews, approval processes, and new business development activities.
• Lead technical projects from planning through implementation, including readiness assessments, timelines, risks, milestones, and performance measurements.
• Develop and deliver training programs on color management, process control, print quality, industry standards, and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to specialists and site personnel through coaching, collaboration, and influence.
• Work with equipment manufacturers, software providers, industry organizations, and external partners to evaluate and implement new technologies and workflows.
• Stay current on industry standards, emerging technologies, market trends, and best practices related to color management and print quality.

What You Need to Succeed

• 5+ years of experience in color management, with demonstrated expertise in technical services, manufacturing, quality systems, and process improvement.
• Expertise in color management, G7, Extended Color Gamut (ECG), process control, and print quality systems.
• Knowledge of MeasureColor, ColorCert, pressSIGN, spectrophotometry, and related print quality technologies.
• Experience with technical assessments, gap analyses, and improvement planning.
• Project and change management experience.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, build alignment, and influence change across multiple facilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functional teams.
• Commitment to Smurfit Westrock Values and Behaviors.
• Commitment to all safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to travel as needed to support facilities, customers, and business initiatives.
• Travel is expected to be up to 50% of time. It will mainly be in the US and Canada, but it could involve some international travel.

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.