Production Manager

Smurfit Westrock Company; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 83,250 - 138,750; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock Company seeks an experienced leader to oversee production and operations across assigned departments in Illinois. You will drive quality, safety, and efficiency while managing budgets, schedules, and staffing to meet customer expectations.

You will foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensure GMP/SOP compliance, and lead cross-functional teams to optimize performance and cost effectiveness across production processes.

Qualifications

• Oversee and lead multiple departments to ensure on-time, quality production.
• Drive cost-focused manufacturing through metrics like downtime, run speed, and waste.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, GMPs, and safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing production team.
• Coordinate production schedules and capacity planning with Scheduling.
• Monitor equipment performance and preventive maintenance to sustain continuous flow and asset utilization.
• Support safety programs and enforce safety guidelines across shifts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to embed quality in processes.

Skills

People management

Operations leadership

Safety leadership

Budgeting

MS Office

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associates degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

The Opportunity

Provide oversight and leadership in the assigned departments. Ensure the timely production of quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations. Proactively manage departmental metrics that impact cost (e.g., downtime, make-readies, run speed and waste). Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures. Ensure compliance to all S.O.P.s, work instructions and GMPs. Foster a team atmosphere, provide vision, and demonstrate support of the company’s core processes.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• 40% | Production & Operations Management
  • Facilitate production for the site based on the production schedules provided by Scheduling.
  • Develop and manage manufacturing capacity to ensure that products meet the requirements.
  • Ensure that appropriate sequencing and manning exist in order to fulfill the production schedule.
  • Continuously monitor the maintenance status and production rates of the equipment to achieve an uninterrupted production flow and daily output expectations.
  • Ensure that Preventative Maintenance Programs are in place and maintained in order to maximize asset utilization and long-term return on investment.
  • Ensure that schedule attainment is met and that product is completed within the established lead-times in an effort to support on-time shipping requirements and working capital initiatives.
• 15% | Safety Leadership
  • Establish a safe work environment through the implementation of pro-active housekeeping and safety practices, as well as actively participating on the Safety Committee.
  • Strictly enforce all safety guidelines, thoroughly investigate all safety issues and enact the necessary corrective actions.
• 15% | Quality & Continuous Improvement
  • Provide support to new product development projects to ensure requirements for quality and cost-effective manufacturing are inherent in the design.
  • Ensure that all new product notices, part change notices, and equipment change notices follow first production approval procedures.
  • Utilize performance excellence systems to plan, implement, and measure continuous quality improvements with a particular emphasis on building quality into both product and business processes.
  • Adhere manufacturing operations to the standards, procedures, and work instructions outlined in the Smurfit Westrock quality system.
• Effectively carry out all managerial role responsibilities including requirements pertaining to performance management, employee development, interdepartmental cooperation and facilitation of work teams.
• Build a capable and effective team by following the Smurfit Westrock values and behaviors.
• Use tools such as the performance reviews, one-one-one coaching meetings and development plans to increase the effectiveness of direct reports and operators.
• Create and implement training programs to increase the knowledge and skills of the team.
• Create links through discovery of best practices to measure performance.
• Provide a positive leadership example.
• Create and manage all appropriate expense budgets to achieve positive variances and continuous improvements.
• Develop and execute capital requirements related to production operations.
• Maintain the forecast process related to manufacturing operations in addition to variance management.
• Additional Responsibilities as assigned

What You Need to Succeed

• Associates degree in related field or equivalent related work experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering preferred.
• 3- 5 years of manufacturing management experience.
• 7-10 years of manufacturing experience, preferably with at least 5 years in the printing industry.
• Strong math and measurement skills to understand, track, analyze, and report on operating metrics.
• Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with MS Office and related software.
• Ability to perform well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven record of fostering teamwork and establishing effective safety programs.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Safe Work Requirements

• PPE: Safety Glasses, Ear Plugs or Earmuffs, Safety Shoes, Gloves when required, and any other PPE required based on the job or task.
• Compliance with Smurfit Westrock employment policies, handbook, and workplace safety policies, rules, and procedures.
• Submission of Safety Concerns and Safety Work Order / Incident Reporting and Learning / Basic understanding of the Safety Excellence System
• Follow the site management (General Manager, Plant Manager, Department Manager, Shift Supervisor) assignments for completing tasks and managing programs as part of the Safety Excellence System.
• Must follow Training Matix assigned in the Learning and Development System. Training could be assigned Annually, Quarterly or at the time of a new process / procedure.
• Must have a clear understanding of the STOP Work Process – Employees have the right to STOP the work at any time to gain a better understanding of the process or to ensure safety standards are met.

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

The salary range for this position is $83,250.00 - $138,750.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.