Forming Manager

Smurfit Westrock•Eutaw, AL

About The Position

The Forming Manager provides oversight and leadership to the forming and folding department at Smurfit Westrock Livingston’s Consumer Packaging facility. The role manages the department’s day-to-day operations, with responsibility for workplace safety, product quality, production goals, hourly team member performance, operational decisions, problem-solving, and conflict management. As a member of the plant leadership team, the Forming Manager contributes to the facility’s safety, quality, productivity, and financial objectives. The manager oversees planning, scheduling, execution, and maintenance of department assets, including formers, baggers, wrappers, labelers, and ancillary equipment. The role also contributes to capital investment planning and installation, annual budgets and cost standards, and short- and long-term strategies for operating efficiency. The Forming Manager ensures compliance with food safety and quality requirements, including Safe Quality Food, and leads product quality and corrective action efforts. Using data, statistical tools, and continuous improvement methods, the manager identifies root causes of efficiency deficits and drives improvements in OEE, cost, and waste. The position champions continuous improvement and a safe, values-driven workplace, leads a production department of approximately 50 employees, and determines and administers employee training. The role is based at the Eutaw/Livingston, Alabama plant and is full-time. Relocation support is not offered.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant manufacturing experience.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
Problem-solving ability in a fast-paced, highly technical manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated adaptability, accountability, results orientation, leadership, collaboration, integrity, and respect.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory leadership experience.
Technical background with process and mechanical troubleshooting experience.
Folding carton experience.
Continuous improvement background.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or another relevant technical field.

Responsibilities

Oversee planning, scheduling, execution, and maintenance of department assets, including formers, baggers, wrappers, labelers, and ancillary equipment.
Provide input and oversight for annual capital investments, including planning, coordination, and installation, ensuring completion on time and within budget.
Collaborate with the Plant Manager on annual budgets and cost-control standards.
Develop and implement short- and long-term department strategies to improve operating efficiency.
Manage departmental compliance with food safety and quality requirements, including Safe Quality Food.
Oversee product quality to ensure it meets customer expectations and company standards.
Develop and implement timely, sustainable corrective actions for internally or externally non-conforming products.
Analyze data to identify root causes of efficiency deficits and drive improvements in OEE, cost, and waste using statistical tools and continuous improvement methods.
Champion continuous improvement through innovative problem-solving, best practices, and effective change management.
Maintain a safe workplace and promote safety as the top priority in employee habits and practices.
Lead a production department of approximately 50 employees while reinforcing company values.
Determine department training needs and administer appropriate employee training programs.
Manage the department’s day-to-day operations, production goals, hourly employee performance, operational decisions, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage options starting on the first day.
Health Savings Account with company contributions and flexible spending account options.
401(k) retirement plan with company match and automatic contributions.
Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage.
Mental health support and wellness programs.
Paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and paid parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement and learning and development opportunities.
Voluntary benefits such as legal services, identity protection, and pet insurance.
Comprehensive training and learning and development opportunities.
Competitive salary and competitive total rewards package.