Project Manager I

Smurfit Westrock; Smyrna, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Smyrna, GA is seeking a Project Manager I to define goals, scope, and plans for high-speed packaging and automation machinery. You will partner with stakeholders to outline tasks, timelines, and resources, and ensure projects meet specifications.

The role emphasizes leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication across engineering, sales, supply chain, and manufacturing. Travel up to 25% may be required as projects progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• 0–2 years of project management experience.
• Experience leading projects or process improvements.
• Packaging machinery experience a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define project goals, objectives, and scope for new packaging and automation machinery.
• Create project plans outlining tasks, timelines, and resources.
• Ensure projects are completed on time and to specifications.
• Facilitate communication among stakeholders across technical and commercial teams.
• Track and report project progress and resolve issues as they arise.
• Facilitate change requests and manage impacts on schedule and budget.
• Coordinate with management and external stakeholders on scope and timing.
• Plan resource needs with functional managers; monitor travel up to 25%.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

MS Office

Team coordination

Negotiation

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Project planning

Engineering background

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Project Manager I - Smyrna, GA

The Opportunity

The project manager will define project goals, objectives, and scope in the development of new high-speed packaging and automation machinery. You will work with stakeholders to create a project plan that outlines the tasks, timelines and resources required. You will also ensure projects are completed on time and to specifications. This is a great opportunity for someone to gain experience and advance within the company.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock

• Demonstrate strong leadership abilities and organizational skills and must be comfortable working in an unstructured environment.
• Facilitating communication between various project stakeholders including technical sales, engineering, supply chain and manufacturing.
• Work with management and external stakeholders to clearly define project scope, objectives and timing.
• Predict resources needed to reach objectives and work with functional managers to ensure their availability.
• Work with supply chain to communicate expected timing to our vendors.
• Track and report project progress.
• Work with the team to solve issues as they arise.
• Facilitate change requests to ensure that all parties are informed of the impacts on schedule and budget.

What you will need to succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 0-2 years of experience.
• Experience in leading projects or process improvements.
• Proven ability to solve problems creatively.
• Packaging Machinery Equipment experience is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Excellent motivational skills and multitasking abilities.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Role based in Smyrna, Georgia.
• Up to 25% domestic/international travel, as needed.

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.