General Information
Job ID
ATR54000
Posting Job Title
Production Manager
Locations
East Kilbride
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
02-Sep-2025
Relocation Support
No
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
* 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
* Recruit, develop, motivate and lead a production team that maximises its performance potential and meets current and future business needs
* Drive employee engagement through demonstration of great leadership skills and Inclusion
* Provide appropriate training and mentoring in order to grow and develop potential within the team assisting their drive for continuous improvement operational efficiency
* Manage all people related processes for the department including absence management, employee relations issues, PDP process, recruitment and selection
* Identify departmental KPIs and use them effectively to drive performance improvements
* Maintain a regular communication timetable with all teams in the form of briefings
* Identify key improvement projects for departmental development and manage all elements from proposal stage to Capex application (if required) and delivery
* Interpret and utilise financial information to drive departmental improvements and action plans
* Control resource expenditure including labour, direct expense, and consumables within approved budget and provide early indications of any potential variances
* Establish consistent application of operating standards and awareness/compliance with safety, health, environmental legislation and Group policy
* Monitor operational aspects of ISO 9001 / 14001 / 18001 / BRC to ensure compliance and raise awareness of stock levels related to operation (sundries and consumables)
* Work closely with H&S Manager, Engineering Manager, and Quality Manager to raise overall standards and ensure consistency of approach within the business
* Drive a culture of planned and preventative maintenance
Required Skills And Experience
* Ability to inspire a team with a clear vision and purpose
* Ability to teach operational skills to others and mentor/coach accordingly
* Strong people management skills
* Exposure to change management processes
* Effective communication and briefing skills
* Team building capabilities
* Analytical skills including computer literacy
* Understanding of Lean practices – SMED, Kanban systems, GMP, JIT, Kaizen events
* Management experience in a unionised manufacturing environment
* Negotiation and consultation skills
* Awareness of current SHE and employment legislation/standards
* Recruitment skills
* Budget management and cost control awareness
* Project management and problem-solving skills
* Strong written and interpersonal skills with the ability to challenge constructively
* Experience in cost control and leading major improvements
* Experience in margin enhancement and driving major improvements
* Ability to judge situations accurately and make sound operational decisions
* Ability to monitor and review current working practices and improve results
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.