Sr. Anlst, Proc Improvement - Military Veterans
at Smurfit Westrock
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.
Smurfit Westrock
CAREER OPPORTUNITY:
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Leader plays a key role in building a sustainable culture of employee engagement in continuous improvement. This position will act as a change agent to elevate levels of plant performance and deliver high impact results. The CI Leader functions as a member of the site leadership team and is responsible for all operational excellence and world-class manufacturing activities. This role serves as a site resource to drive local CI improvement. The role may also liaison with divisional and site resources to execute productivity strategies and ensure CI activities are aligned with business goals related to Safety, Quality, Cost, Service, and People.
Success in this role requires a leader who can effectively drive change in a fast-paced manufacturing environment utilizing continuous improvement methodologies and tools. Sample responsibilities include identifying / prioritizing improvement activities, tracking financial progress, and coaching / mentoring project leaders and teams. The ability to influence and lead others is key to success.
This role will be based in Springfield, MO and will have responsibility and travel to Rogers, AR.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
• Partner with site leaders to ensure site CI priorities are aligned with overall business strategy and goals.
• Leverage a zero-loss mindset to identify and prioritize areas of improvement.
• Deliver value by both leading and supporting the focused execution of CI projects.
• Manage the local pipeline of improvement projects aligned to productivity targets.
• Work with site leaders to prioritize and assign resources to ensure project success.
• Build capability in others through coaching and mentoring project leaders and teams.
• Support implementation of enterprise initiatives including Daily Management System, Problem-Solving Practices, and
Reliability Excellence.
• Coordinate regular progress reviews of CI projects with project leaders and site leadership.
• Function as a liaison to the divisional Operational Excellence team.
• Tracking and reporting of results including cost / productivity benefits.
• Ensuring all projects and savings are properly documented in the WestRock productivity tracker.
• Sharing best practices within and outside of the site.
• Supporting the enterprise Learning & Development framework, processes, and tools in partnership with the operations and support of technical floor trainers.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT WESTROCK:
The CI Leader is responsible for helping drive business results including productivity by leveraging continuous improvement systems, processes, and tools. She/he will help support the deployment of the standard WestRock Operating System and build a sustainable culture of employee engagement in continuous improvement.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:
• B.S or A.S in a technical field preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing role is required. Paper and packaging experience is a plus.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred but not required. Will be required to complete WestRock Yellow Belt and Green Belt training within 6 months of hire and become certified within 18 months.
• Knowledge and skill of continuous improvement tools including structured problem-solving methodology
• Experience with leading team-based process improvement projects for manufacturing applications with proven results.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and influence to drive positive change
• Demonstrated ability to coach, teach, and mentor others
• Basic proficiency with standard MS Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Time management and organization skills.
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.
Springfield, MO

“The people of WestRock are what differentiate us in the marketplace and will help us become the premier provider of packaging around the world.” —Steve Voorhees, CEO This is an exciting time at WestRock, a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions. We believe that Packaging Matters™ in building trust, influencing purchasing, and educating consumers, and we apply that belief to every project. Our strong foundation of talented, motivated experts provide customers with sustainable paper and packaging solutions around the world. Working together, we have a tremendous opportunity to define our company culture, grow our business and provide long-term solutions for our employees. With such an expansive operation, we can offer you a challenging and rewarding career opportunity.