Line Leader

Job description

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 When you join Smurfit Westrock, you will be joining a team that creates sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help move the world forward. As an Assembly Line Leader, you will play a key role in driving safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations within our contract packaging and assembly environment. This position serves as the daily leader of a production line, coordinating staffing, materials, equipment, and workflow to ensure customer requirements and production goals are met.

You will work closely with Operations, Quality, Warehouse, Maintenance, and temporary workforce partners to deliver exceptional operational performance while fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. How You Will Make an Impact Lead daily production line activities to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and customer requirements are achieved. Coordinate line setup activities, verify work order specifications, and ensure materials and components are available to support production schedules.

Monitor production flow, troubleshoot operational issues, make equipment adjustments, and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency. Train, assign, and provide direction to temporary workforce employees while promoting a positive and productive work environment. Manage inventory accuracy through product tracking, reconciliation, and proper line replenishment throughout the shift. Perform and document quality checks to ensure finished products meet customer specifications and company standards.

Maintain accurate production records, labor tracking, and system data entry to support operational reporting and performance measurement. Partner with Warehouse, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations teams to resolve issues and maintain uninterrupted production. Promote adherence to all safety requirements, company policies, SOPs, cGMP standards, and housekeeping expectations. Support continuous improvement efforts that drive operational excellence, productivity, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

What You Need to Succeed

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required. Previous experience in a manufacturing, packaging, assembly, or production environment. Experience leading work activities, coordinating production processes, or training team members in a manufacturing setting. Strong understanding of production work orders, quality standards, and inventory control processes. Ability to read and interpret safety procedures, operating instructions, production documentation, and work orders.

Basic computer skills with the ability to enter production data and maintain operational records. Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively coordinate with employees, supervisors, and cross-functional teams. Proficient mathematical skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals. Ability to identify and resolve routine production issues while maintaining productivity and quality standards.

Ability to work overtime as required to support operational needs. Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in contract packaging, fulfillment, consumer products, or related manufacturing environments. Experience supervising or coordinating temporary workforce employees. Knowledge of inventory reconciliation, material handling, and production reporting processes. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), cGMP, ISO, or other quality management systems. Experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and implementing process improvements.

Experience utilizing production metrics, OEE performance measures, and continuous improvement methodologies. Previous leadership experience as a Line Leader, Lead Operator, Crew Lead, or similar production leadership role. Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.