Description & Requirements
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.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Production Manager to join our established team, overseeing our new Rigid Box production area.
In this role, the ideal candidate will be responsible for operations, meeting customer delivery and quality expectations whilst maximising and continuously improving production efficiencies and minimising costs. The role is at the heart of the management team, and you will be expected to harness a working environment which encourages teamwork, energy and innovation.
The role will also involve day-to-day interaction with other departments including Print, Cut & Crease, Technical, Quality, and Engineering - determining standards, performance monitoring and identification of improvement projects.
Key Responsibilities
1. Optimise throughput and efficiency whilst minimising waste, adhering to specification in order that customer expectations for quality and delivery are met on time and in full
2. Recruit, develop, motivate and lead a production team that maximises its performance potential and meets current and future business needs
3. Drive employee engagement through demonstration of great leadership skills and Inclusion
4. Provide appropriate training and mentoring in order to grow and develop potential within the team assisting their drive for continuous improvement operational efficiency
5. Manage all people related processes for the department including absence management, employee relations issues, PDP process, recruitment and selection
6. Identify departmental KPIs and use them effectively to drive performance improvements
7. Maintain a regular communication timetable with all teams in the form of briefings
8. Identify key improvement projects for departmental development and manage all elements from proposal stage to Capex application (if required) and delivery
9. Interpret and utilise financial information to drive departmental improvements and action plans
10. Control resource expenditure including labour, direct expense, and consumables within approved budget and provide early indications of any potential variances
11. Establish consistent application of operating standards and awareness/compliance with safety, health, environmental legislation and Group policy
12. Monitor operational aspects of ISO 9001 / 14001 / 18001 / BRC to ensure compliance and raise awareness of stock levels related to operation (sundries and consumables)
13. Work closely with H&S Manager, Engineering Manager, and Quality Manager to raise overall standards and ensure consistency of approach within the business
14. Drive a culture of planned and preventative maintenance
Required Skills and Experience
15. Ability to inspire a team with a clear vision and purpose
16. Ability to teach operational skills to others and mentor/coach accordingly
17. Strong people management skills
18. Exposure to change management processes
19. Effective communication and briefing skills
20. Team building capabilities
21. Analytical skills including computer literacy
22. Understanding of Lean practices – SMED, Kanban systems, GMP, JIT, Kaizen events
23. Management experience in a unionised manufacturing environment
24. Negotiation and consultation skills
25. Awareness of current SHE and employment legislation/standards
26. Recruitment skills
27. Budget management and cost control awareness
28. Project management and problem-solving skills
29. Strong written and interpersonal skills with the ability to challenge constructively
30. Experience in cost control and leading major improvements
31. Experience in margin enhancement and driving major improvements
32. Ability to judge situations accurately and make sound operational decisions
33. Ability to monitor and review current working practices and improve results