Program Manager - Lansing, MI

Smurfit Westrock•Lansing, MI

About The Position

The Program Manager serves as the operational leader for assigned accounts and account teams at Smurfit Westrock. The role coordinates plans, timelines, communications, reporting, budgets, and execution activities to support customer and business objectives. It acts as a central point of coordination between customers, Sales, and internal departments, ensuring projects, programs, and ongoing account activities are completed effectively, accurately, and on schedule. The position supports project visibility, operational excellence, process consistency, customer satisfaction, profitable growth, and continuous improvement. The Program Manager leads cross-functional initiatives from concept through implementation and manages account planning, performance monitoring, product and process launches, operational handoffs, account documentation, and customer communications. The role also supports forecasting, budgeting, estimating, quoting, cost management, customer meetings, and process improvement. The position is based in Lansing, Michigan.

Requirements

A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in an industry-related field.
High school diploma or GED.
Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams, and related collaboration tools.
Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with customers.
Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and drive projects to successful completion.
Reliable attendance and dependability.
Ability to perform all essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Candidates must undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer and before starting employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field.
Experience with reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and operational analysis.

Responsibilities

Serve as the operational leader for assigned accounts and account teams, coordinating planning, communication, execution, and ongoing program management.
Lead cross-functional projects and programs from concept through implementation, aligning Sales, Service, Production, Fulfillment, Product Management, Marketing, Engineering, and other stakeholders.
Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, account calendars, forecasts, and execution schedules.
Coordinate and facilitate account team meetings, manage action items, and drive accountability for deliverables, deadlines, and outcomes.
Monitor project, program, and account performance; report and communicate metrics, milestones, risks, and opportunities.
Manage new product, program, and process development initiatives, including launch planning, readiness reviews, approvals, and implementation.
Coordinate operational execution, including prebuild planning, order readiness, fulfillment requirements, inventory-related activities, and departmental handoffs.
Oversee the development, maintenance, governance, and accuracy of account parts, templates, specifications, online ordering platforms, and supporting documentation.
Support forecasting, budgeting, estimating, quoting, and cost-management activities, maintaining visibility into program performance, profitability, and operational efficiency.
Develop customer-facing presentations, reports, business reviews, and other materials for account management and strategic initiatives.
Coordinate between customers, Sales, and internal departments to resolve issues promptly and meet customer expectations.
Coordinate documentation, agreements, approvals, compliance activities, and record-keeping for customer and company requirements.
Identify opportunities for process improvement, standardization, cost reduction, and enhanced customer experience.
Participate in customer meetings, presentations, site visits, and business development activities as required.
Provide backup support for other Program Managers and contribute to team objectives and shared account responsibilities.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.