Mill Continuous Improvement Lead

Smurfit Westrock • Fernandina Beach, FL

76d

About The Position

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward. Manage the mill Continuous Improvement (CI) program, including mentorship of numerous projects, leadership of site initiatives and data analysis, and leadership of cross-departmental or higher-complexity projects. Must work effectively with Mill Teams and employees across all levels of the facility and become the key productivity resource to the Mill General Manager. Utilize all CI systems, tools, and processes, especially Lean Six-Sigma, to drive improvement of mill operations performance. Key to the role is leading the construction of the annual Cost Take Out (CTO) plan, building out the project and savings details, supporting and coaching the project leaders, coordinating mill initiatives, and continuously tracking progress towards our annual mill CTO goal. Must work extensively and collaboratively with the mill finance leader to translate sustainable process improvements into our mill CTO plan and forecast. The mill CI Lead will coach and support part-time Black Belts, Green Belts, Yellow Belts, and all mill productivity improvement teams. The Mill CI Lead will be the PAS (Project Authorization System) owner for the mill as well as serve as the Mill Daily Management System (DMS) coordinator. This is a high impact and high visibility position. Leading the mill CTO process will involve you in all areas of the mill and potentially all the employees. Common sense and your ability to influence others at all levels will be critical to generate positive results.

Requirements

• BS/BA; Technical Degree Preferred
• 4 - 8 years of relevant industry experience with progressive growth in mill operations
• WestRock GB certification with the intent to complete BB training and certification within 2 years
• Passion and drive to improve systems and processes
• Intermediate knowledge of Continuous Improvement Tools, including Lean Six Sigma, DMS, and Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA)
• Demonstrated ability to execute projects in a fast-paced and dynamic environment using a team-based, data-based problem-solving approach
• Demonstrated ability to coach, teach, and mentor technical and non-technical knowledge to hourly and salaried employees to drive business results
• Strong financial acumen with ability to create financial models used to support project selection and determine net project value to the P&L
• Proficient with QuantumXL, PI Vision/AF, Microsoft Office, and SmartSheet
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills from the shop floor to executive level
• Ability to positively influence and persuade others
• Travel expectations up to 15%, as needed in support of Mill Operation's needs.

Nice To Haves

• Subject matter expert within the paper making industry, including any area of paper mill operations
• Expertise in change management and organizational redesign
• MBA
• 2+ years as lean six sigma black belt with a documented project portfolio
• WestRock or ASQ BB Certification

Responsibilities

• Work with the Operational Excellence team as well as the mill leadership team to align priorities, business needs, and improvement project opportunities.
• Coach, mentor, and train GB and YB candidates through project completion and certification.
• Ensure mill has line of sight to achieving their CTO by crafting and executing their CTO strategy, including developing project pipelines, training/coaching project leaders, and overseeing timely project execution.
• Facilitate rollout of DMS program, by working with mill operations team to identify and implement highest-impact deliverables and tools.
• Maintain project documentation within the mill PAS system, and work closely with accounting to ensure timely and accurate financial information.
• Assist site with operational improvement, through leadership of complex or cross-departmental projects, other site initiatives, and process data analysis.

Benefits

• Relocation Support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Paper Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees