Specialist, Mfg Ops

Smurfit Westrock; Clinton (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Clinton, IA, is seeking a hands-on Shift Supervisor to lead production in a fast-paced folding carton environment. You will oversee daily activities, promote safety and quality, coach staff, and drive improvements in efficiency and equipment performance.

The role requires strong leadership, clear communication, and a results-oriented approach, with focus on safety, productivity, and teamwork across maintenance and operations.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead production employees on an assigned shift.
• Plan, assign, and coordinate daily work activities to meet production requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, GMP, SQF, and company policies.
• Foster positive employee relations through coaching and development.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to increase efficiency and OEE.

Skills

Leadership

Team building

Communication

Planning

Problem solving

Data-driven decisions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

Manufacturing systems

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.

Swing Shift

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a hands on and results driven Shift Supervisor to lead production operations in a fast paced folding carton manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for overseeing day to day production activities, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and employee engagement goals are achieved while driving continuous improvement initiatives.The Shift Supervisor provides leadership to production teams, promotes a culture of safety and accountability, and works collaboratively with maintenance, quality, and operations teams to maximize equipment performance and manufacturing efficiency.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Supervise and lead production employees on an assigned shift.
• Plan, assign, and coordinate daily work activities to meet production requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, GMP, SQF, security, and company policies.
• Foster positive employee relations through coaching, development, performance management, and problem resolution.
• Make employment-related recommendations and support employee development initiatives.
• Balance safety, quality, productivity, cost, and morale objectives to achieve business results.
• Monitor and report on departmental performance metrics and production trends.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on increasing efficiency, throughput, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Partner with maintenance teams to maximize equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Conduct accident investigations and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and manage departmental priorities.
• Track attendance and timekeeping for assigned employees.
• Promote teamwork and collaboration across departments.
• Complete production reports and communicate operational performance to leadership.
• Provide backup support for other supervisors and management personnel as business needs require.

What You Need to Succeed:

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strategic and tactical planning capabilities
• Effective conflict resolution and employee coaching skills
• Sound decision-making based on facts and data
• Strong organizational and troubleshooting abilities
• Integrity, discipline, and accountability
• Ability to drive change and continuous improvement
• Hands-on approach to problem solving and operational excellence.
• Required
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Minimum 3 years of manufacturing experience, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
  • Proven ability to lead teams in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing-related computer systems.
• Preferred
  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or related field.
  • Experience in folding carton, packaging, printing, or converting operations.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience with production metrics, data analysis, and OEE improvement initiatives.
  • Knowledge of PLCs, manufacturing systems, and equipment reliability practices.

Safety Requirements:

The Shift Supervisor is expected to champion a safe work environment and ensure compliance with all company, OSHA, GMP, and SQF requirements. Required PPE may include:

• Safety glasses
• Safety shoes
• Hearing protection
• Hair and beard nets (where applicable)
• Hard hat (when required)

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.

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.