Assistant Paper Mill Manager

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:

This Assistant Paper Mill Manager position is a dual-focus leadership role responsible for the total performance of a subset of the paper mill operations while providing direct oversight and technical strategy for the paper machine systems. This position directs safety, environmental compliance, product quality, and cost-efficiency for multiple machines (including integrated areas like OCC and s). You will lead a high-performing team of superintendents, supervisors, engineers, and union hourly employees to optimize a multi-thousand-ton daily production system.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Develop and implement mill-wide safety policies while actively coaching floor-level crews to ensure a proactive, injury-free workplace.
• Lead performance metrics for productivity, uptime, and quality across all paper machines; troubleshoot complex operating issues and implement long-term, cost-effective solutions.
• Partner with the Paper Mill Manager to align paper mill activities with global business goals, including grade development and market feasibility.
• Assist with ownership of the department budget and maintenance spend. Identify, develop, and lead capital improvement projects from conception through execution.
• Lead the strategy for major outages and Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) execution; coordinate with maintenance teams to maximize reliability and machine clothing life.
• Serve as the primary champion for a Continuous Improvement culture, driving the RI process and ensuring actionable items are closed timely.
• Foster positive labor relations in a union environment; mentor and coach superintendents and salaried staff to develop a skilled, energized workforce.

What you need:

• Bachelors degree in engineering (Pulp & Paper Science preferred) or an equivalent combination of education and high-level supervisory experience.
• 1215+ years of paper mill operating experience, with a significant background in machine-level supervision and multi-area management.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and facilitate organizational change in a fast-paced, industrial environment.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise management programs (SAP/JDE).
• Ability to perform regular walk-throughs in a mill environment (exposure to heat/noise). Must be available for periodic weekend duty and after-hours emergency response.

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

• Directly manages Area Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and Engineering support teams.
• Provides guidance in areas including performance management, mentoring, and managing disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy and union contracts.
• Manages and maintains operations within allocated performance and floor-level budget metrics.
• Coordinates with sales, marketing, and vendors to optimize machine schedules and target reliability.

Compensation offered:

• Salary Range: $140,000 $200,000. Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) available.

Benefits offered:

Smurfit Westrock offers a variety of benefits and group health insurance options, the premium costs of which are currently shared by employees and Smurfit Westrock (e.g., health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance, paid time off, employee assistance program, matching 401K).

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

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 $159,000.00 - $265,000.00, 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. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 31-Jul-2026.