Shift Supervisor

Smurfit Westrock Company; Nicholasville (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Career development opportunities

Safety-focused culture

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Nicholasville, KY is seeking a Shift Supervisor to lead a hands-on production team, drive safety, quality, and productivity, and develop staff. You will coordinate maintenance, support continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure adherence to packaging safety and quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Ideal candidates bring frontline leadership experience, a strong focus on safety and quality, and the ability to coach teams through process improvements and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Proven ability to lead and develop production teams.
• Experience driving OEE improvements, reducing downtime, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Effective problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to coach employees, provide performance feedback, and support training efforts.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement principles preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive safety, quality, productivity across the manufacturing operation.
• Lead daily shift performance and coach teams to meet goals.
• Support training and workforce development.
• Coordinate maintenance activities to reduce downtime.
• Ensure compliance with safety and food packaging quality standards.
• Lead OEE improvement initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Mentor employees and conduct routine performance assessments.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Team leadership

Safety emphasis

Problem-solving

Coaching & development

Lean/5S knowledge

Strong communication

Job description

Shift Supervisor - Nicholasville, KY

The Opportunity

This Shift Supervisor opportunity in Nicholasville, KY is a hands‑on production leadership role responsible for driving safety, quality, productivity, and employee development across a manufacturing operation. The position oversees daily shift performance, leads continuous improvement initiatives focused on OEE and operational excellence, supports training and workforce development, coordinates maintenance activities to reduce downtime, and ensures compliance with food packaging safety and quality standards. This role is ideal for a frontline leader who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, enjoys coaching teams, troubleshooting operational challenges, and creating a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Ensure the compliance of all Plant employees with the safety rules and regulations set forth by the Nicholasville Plant.
• Ensure that a safe workplace is maintained at all times and that the habits and practices of every employee hold safety as the top priority.
• Each person, regardless of role or position is responsible for Food Packaging Safety and Quality
• Assist Dept. Manager that quality control plans are followed by everyone for quality assistance.
• Lead teams to achieve OEE objectives with a relentless focus on continuous improvement.
  • Modify team assignments as necessary to achieve the highest OEE possible.
  • Assist cutting crews on make-ready as needed.
  • Provide troubleshooting assistance to cutting crews as needed.
  • Identify obstacles. Develop and execute action plans to improve performance.
  • Oversee Plant 5S and housekeeping, coach employees on importance and sustaining.
• Assist Plant Manager and Department Managers to ensure each shift receives performance feedback and updates on improvement plans.
  • Support training requirements of all associates.
  • Complete direct training as needed for new associates, when reviewing existing procedures, or implementing new processes
  • Complete annual assessments of employees, and work with Plant Manager on knowledge and skill gaps
• Assist in implementing and maintaining effective preventative and predictive maintenance for the equipment.
  • Verify daily and weekly preventive maintenance is being completed.
  • Monitor work order trends and downtime reduction improvements.
• Help in departments that may have a Department Manager Absent. Work in a challenging environment.
• Assess upset conditions and react in a safe and appropriate way to correct condition.
• Report to management any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment and facilities, or food packaging safety and quality.
• Follow all applicable policies, procedures, and instructions to the best of your ability.
• Safely operate Motorized Pallet Jacks, Manual Pallet Jacks, and any other equipment trained and certified on.

What You Need to Succeed

• High school diploma or GED
• Proven ability to lead and develop production teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Experience driving OEE improvements, reducing downtime, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Effective problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to coach employees, provide performance feedback, and support training efforts.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement principles preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience working with maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and productivity.
• Hands‑on leadership style with the ability to thrive in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Safe Work Requirements

• PPE: Safety Glasses, Ear Plugs or Earmuffs, Safety Shoes, Gloves when required, Bump Caps , or Hard Hats, and any other PPE Required based on the job or task.
• Compliance with Nicholasville employment policies, handbooks, 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 and participating in leading/proactive metrics, reporting concerns, supporting/participating in learning team events, etc.
• 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

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.