Description & Requirements
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.
Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging, operating in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting operations and 59 paper mills. With the circular economy at the core of our business, we use renewable, recyclable and recycled materials to create sustainable packaging solutions. For home and beauty products, our paper-based consumer packaging solutions combine elevated form and reliable function to meet the needs of today’s brands and shoppers. Our team of over 100,000 professionals drives operations across 40 countries on 6 continents and Smurfit Westrock are proud to be included on TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies 2025 list for the second year running.
Our Consumer Packaging business in Europe supplies paper-based packaging, leaflets and labels for a wide variety of household names in industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, beauty and personal care, premium wines and spirits, and much, much more. With more than 5,500 colleagues across 10 countries and 34 operating locations, Smurfit Westrock's European Consumer Packaging operation is ideally positioned to provide innovative, sustainable packaging solutions to customers across the globe.
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team based in our Hamilton office, that will also support the teams in out East Kilbride and Whitehaven Offices, as a Technical Specialist. This role is to ensure the site meets its desired efficiency levels in respect to customer and business expectations. The role will lead the site technical performance and ensure that problems are resolved, risks are managed and product capability expanded.
The Role
1. Be the cross-site technical lead for the operation, providing technical leadership and support across Hamilton, Whitehaven, and East Kilbride.
2. Coordinate inter-site technical projects and improvement initiatives.
3. Standardise manufacturing processes, quality parameters, and technical documentation across sites.
4. Provide technical consultations.
5. Participate in customer visits and resolve product related issues when required.
6. Prepare technical documentation and product data and specification sheets applicable to both sites.
7. Enhance site quality performance and technical solutions.
8. Be the Continuous Improvement lead for the site.
9. Establish and align quality testing standards across both plants (scuff, transit, temperature & humidity etc.).
10. Support audits and ensure compliance with applicable industry standards.
11. Work with production departments to improve production line efficiencies.
12. Proactively identify and implement technical improvements to products and processes.
13. Monitor and optimise key production parameters (e.g. ply alignment, adhesive application, curing/drying time, wrap application, base - paper and tinplate - quality).
14. Lead cross-site cost reduction initiatives in raw materials, adhesives, and energy usage.
15. Track and report technical KPIs for all facilities.
16. Manage product specifications for the site.
17. Assist in specification, installation, and commissioning of new equipment at either site.
18. Recommend technical upgrades or process modifications to improve productivity and safety.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience
Qualifications:
19. Graduate level or 5 years’ experience in a technical role is required.
20. Qualifications that relate to materials etc would be beneficial.
Skills
21. Strong technical interpretation skills
22. Ability to apply “lateral thinking.”
23. Experience of working in the premium drink industry is advantageous
24. Problem solving techniques.
25. Strong computer literacy with proficiency in Excel and other MS office applications.
26. Excellent communication, briefing, and presentation skills
27. Full driving licence
What we offer
28. Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
29. Ongoing training and development opportunities
30. 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
31. Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.