Sr. Operations Manager – Battle Creek Mill
Career Opportunity
The Sr. Operations Manager leads the mill-wide effort to improve safety, environmental compliance,
product quality, and production. This position has direct management of day-to-day operations managing
all areas of the paper mill.
How You will impact Smurfit Westrock
• Perform as site leader to coordinate all functions, on and off site, in support of mill objectives and
growth.
• Actively promote safety excellence by modeling safety leadership and expecting it of both peers and
leaders on site
• Ensure systematic and complete commitment to fulfilling the expectations of our Safety Management
System.
• Lead in a way that inspires employees to follow all applicable OSHA regulations, company safety
standards and Mill policies.
• Ensure environmental compliance with federal, state and local statutes, company environmental
standards and Mill policies.
• Operate in a manner that meets customer expectations and Battle Creek Mill quality policy.
• Maximize production while maintaining alignment with demand and fiber inventory to achieve mill
balance.
• Support Lean 6 Sigma activities and champion the overall improvement of the mill’s cost position.
• Build and sustain operating processes (e.g., Daily Management system, Operator Basic Care) that
support equipment performance and reliability goals.
• Supports the development of operational forecasts and budgets to improve mill profitability.
• Drives systematic improvement in mill operations and other mill processes like communications,
safety, quality, employee engagement.
• Develop leaders through training, stretch assignments, feedback, the performance management
process, etc.
• Works with managers and supervisors to develop SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant,
timely) goals that properly align with stated mill goals and hold them accountable for the defined
results.
• Build positive relations with employees and union leaders based on the Smurfit Westrock values of
Integrity, Respect, Loyalty and Safety.
What You need to succeed
• Minimum of 10-15 years operational experience with paper industry experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline is highly preferred.
• At least 5-7 years of leading salaried direct reports in a manufacturing environment.
• General understanding of mill-wide operations.
• Strong experience working in a union environment.
• Must be a strong cultural leader with demonstrated communication skills and a high sense of urgency
and attention to detail.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interface with employees at all levels of
the organization.
• Must be able to clearly define objectives and expectations and be effective in involving others in the
achievement of those objectives.
• Ability to direct continuous improvement in all areas, but with special emphasis on safety,
environmental, quality, production, and cost.
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.