SVP, Operations

Smurfit Westrock plc; Cerritos (CA); On-site; USD 323,000 - 485,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Training & development

Global leader in packaging

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc, a leader in sustainable packaging, seeks a Senior Vice President to base on the West Coast and steer regional strategy across operations, sales, HR, and finance. You will build high-performing leadership teams, drive growth, profitability, talent development, and ensure regulatory and safety compliance.

Role requires 15+ years in cross-functional leadership, with a track record of earnings growth and cost reductions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Business or related field preferred).
• 15+ years of relevant professional experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10 years of cross-functional leadership in Sales, Manufacturing, Safety, Quality, Environmental Compliance, and Financial Management.
• Proven ability to empower high-performing teams and shape an inclusive culture that drives results.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional strategy and empower a high-performing leadership team across operations, sales, HR, and finance.
• Oversee manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics operations across 25 sites with Lean/Six Sigma practices.
• Manage P&L and drive margin improvement through disciplined cost control and pricing strategies.
• Champion product innovation and sustainability initiatives aligning with ESG goals.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Operational excellence

P&L management

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

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.

The Opportunity:

As Senior Vice President, you will be based on the West Coast and lead your region by creating and communicating strategy and empowering a high-performing leadership team to deliver exceptional sales, production, logistics, safety, HR, finance, and compliance results. You will shape and execute bold plans that fuel growth, profitability, talent development, and operational excellence. Through collaboration and developing clear priorities, you will inspire leaders to pursue ambitious goals, foster a high-performing culture, and achieve financial targets. As a key enterprise leader, you will play a critical role in advancing the organization’s competitive edge and creating lasting value.

Direct Reports:

• Area Leaders – Operations Vice Presidents (3)
• Regional VP, Commercial (2)
• Director, Human Resources (1)
• Director, Process Improvement (1)
• Director, Finance – (1)

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• People Leadership: Build and cultivate high-performing leadership teams to include operations, sales, HR, process improvement, and innovation ensuring alignment with division goals. Embrace and teach the owner-operator model. Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and inclusion, empowering leaders and employees to deliver exceptional results and realize their potential. Lead change management when needed and create an adaptable organization that wins in a dynamic market. Conduct performance management, development, and succession activities.
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and articulate a clear and compelling regional vision that aligns directly with the division’s overarching objectives. Focus on driving strategies designed to ensure sustained, long-term growth and profitability for the region. Actively analyze market trends and competitive dynamics to identify new opportunities and grow market share.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee all manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics operations across 25 sites, ensuring seamless coordination and high performance. Implement continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. Maintain strict adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, fostering a culture of compliance and operational discipline.
• Financial Management: Assume full P&L responsibility for the region, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded. Drive margin improvement through disciplined cost control, pricing strategies, and operational efficiencies. Manage capital investments and allocate resources strategically to support growth initiatives and operational enhancements.
• Customer & Commercial Focus: Strengthen strategic relationships with key accounts and partners, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. Collaborate closely with sales and marketing teams to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions that meet evolving market needs and drive revenue growth.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Champion product innovation and the development of sustainable packaging solutions that differentiate the company in the marketplace. Ensure all initiatives align with ESG goals and corporate sustainability commitments, positioning the region as a leader in responsible manufacturing.
• Risk & Crisis Management: Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks to safeguard business continuity. In times of crisis, lead with decisiveness and clarity, ensuring rapid response and effective communication to minimize impact and restore stability.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree required (Business or related field preferred)
• 15+ years of relevant professional experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 10 years of cross-functional leadership in Sales, Manufacturing, Safety, Quality, Environmental Compliance, and Financial Management
• Proven experience in empowering high-performing teams and shaping a strong, inclusive culture that drives engagement, accountability, and results across multiple functions
• Proven ability to drive earnings, improve volume, and reduce costs
• Demonstrated commitment to customer and employee satisfaction
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills
• This position will be based on the West Coast

What we offer:

• A value-driven culture focused on safety, loyalty, integrity and respect
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• A career with a global leader in packaging, where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are foundational

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.

The salary range for this position is $323,000.00 - $485,000.00, 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.