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.
The Opportunity
The Production Specialist is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental stewardship of our employees and our processes within the papermill. This position oversees the production of 3 paper machines including Logistics (Inbound and Outbound), Utilities (Water Recycling Facility and Boilers), and Maintenance coordination.
How You Will Impact WestRock
- Responsible to uphold the Solvay Mill Team Concept in all aspects: safety, training, completion and adherence to policies and procedures. Includes periodic inspections of all area equipment, housekeeping of facilities, which includes the writing of work orders when deficiencies are observed.
- Act as a spare shift team coordinator and/or BUS (i.e. vacations, training, etc.).
- Recommend and initiate solutions for continuous improvement by completing one six sigma project a year.
- Participate in the Safety Leadership Team.
- Assist in technician training (i.e. progress updates, training timelines, etc.).
- Using team concept – coordinate mill production activities, using discretion and decision-making skills, to meet Company and mill goals. Work with Business Unit Leaders / Specialists and technicians to efficiently optimize mill productivity and uptime.
- Coordination of mill shift maintenance and shutdown activities.
- Assist on machine outages (i.e. leading crews and jobs)
- Monitor and hold teams accountable for teamwork adherence (i.e. quality, rounds, etc.).
- Support mill shift team and line team coordinators by participating in team meetings and following up on action items.
What You Need To Succeed
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Paper Science or Mechanical) is preferred.
- A work history which demonstrates a proven commitment to safety is required.
- Experience working in paper making process is highly preferred.
- Strong analytical, trouble shooting and decision-making skills.
- Ability to set goals, track progress, and hold a team accountable.
- Strong organizational skills; the ability to prioritize, maintain attention to detail and recognize time constraints as related to production optimization.
- Strong desire to progress in operations management.
- A minimum of 2 years supervisory experience in the paper industry.
- A team player with a positive attitude that will continuously pursue strategies to ensure safety and quality and build rapport with the crews. The desire to teach, coach, mentor and promote the success of a dynamic, goal oriented and fast paced environment.
What We Offer
- Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
- Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
- An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
- A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.
The salary range for this position is $93,500 - $126,500.
WestRock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce: Minorities/Females/ Disabled/Veterans.
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.
The salary range for this position is $82,500.00 - $137,500.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 01-Jul-2026.
