VP, Manufacturing, Technology and Innovation

WestRock • Richmond, VA

103d

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 d 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. The Vice President, Manufacturing Technology and Innovation is part of Smurfit Westrock's Mill Operations division, which produces ~11 million tons of paper annually. This position is responsible for leading a team of highly engaged and knowledgeable experts in a variety of functions to drive cost take out, growth in our markets through innovation and improved operational efficiency, and strategic capital investments in the mill operations network. S/he will build strong partnerships with operations leadership and sales leaders and with functional counterparts. S/he will work collaboratively with peers to ensure a positive and safe work environment for all team members. The VP, MTI is directly responsible for providing leadership, mentoring, coaching, and direction to direct reports, including establishing goals and being accountable for achieving those goals. The role reports to the US & Canada Mills President. The VP, MTI is expected to maintain and further enhance our Smurfit Westrock culture that values safety, growth, customer service, innovation, operational excellence, transparent communication, exceptional teamwork, and the long-term development potential of employees. S/he will be a results-oriented leader who drives accountability, inspires high performance, and instills a collaborative working environment. S/he will need to be strategic, effectively managing resource allocation, investment, innovation, and headcount to drive growth and value.

Requirements

• 10+ years in manufacturing/technical roles within paper, packaging, or adjacent markets.
• Relevant experience in several of those areas of responsibilities: mill operations, innovation, capital management, technical/engineering and project management.
• Strong bias to execute with high sense of urgency and speed.
• Proven at navigating ambiguity and uncertainty in evaluating risk and making decisions.
• Demonstrated success in developing and leading a dispersed team.
• A motivating leader, with strong communication skills who leads with optimism, resilience, and confidence.
• Ability to anticipate and interpret market changes and envision the future.
• History of driving commercial growth strategies from a differentiated platform.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to deploy lean, six sigma and other operational tools with positive outcomes.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in shaping strategies and allocating resources that build capabilities needed to win.
• Understanding of complex capital expenditure projects and planning.
• Experience with processes and tools for continually evaluating and upgrading talent.

Responsibilities

• Driving toward a 100% safe work environment by driving safety culture and processes and achieving Division and Corporate for safety, environment, quality, and operating efficiencies.
• Ensuring all safety and environmental requirements are compliant with Corporate, State, and Federal Regulation.
• Manage the talent requirements of the team, including assessment, development, recruitment, and retention of diverse engineering and technical talent.
• Focus on business strategic imperatives by deploying resources to the highest value at stake work.
• Collaborate with GMs, Ops Mgrs, Sales leaders, Marketing leaders across the Mill network and the Consumer and Corrugated Packaging businesses on key priorities.
• Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that values integrity, accountability, respect, teamwork, operational excellence, collaboration, and open communication.
• Establishing a working relationship and consistent communication with other business leaders.

Benefits

• Relocation support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Paper Manufacturing