General Manager

General Manager

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.

The Opportunity

As General Manager of our Winston-Salem merchandising displays facility, you will lead a high-volume, fast-paced operation known for its complexity and precision. This role carries full responsibility for plant performance, profitability, and strategic growth. You will oversee all aspects of safety, quality, cost, and productivity while driving sales expansion and fostering a high-performance culture. Success in this role requires a dynamic leader with deep operational expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to manage intricate workflows across diverse teams and customer demands.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Ensure full compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Lead all aspects of plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, and financial targets are consistently met.
• Promote a high-performance culture rooted in No Fail Basics, ensuring operational discipline and excellence in execution.
• Collaborate with Commercial leaders to identify growth opportunities and strengthen relationships with key accounts.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders in HR, Sales, Logistics, Safety, and Quality to deliver seamless customer experiences.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans aligned with divisional goals and market opportunities.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team, fostering accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee production and sales planning to meet short- and long-term objectives with optimal efficiency.
• Promote inclusive hiring practices and support employee development through training and coaching.
• Recommend and manage capital investments aligned with facility and business goals.
• Support Continuous Improvement initiatives and drive measurable results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Direct supervision of Facility Managers and Team Leaders (~50).
• Indirect oversight of all plant employees (~550).

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree preferred. High School diploma or GED required, with 710 years of relevant industry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in a management role, ideally within merchandising displays, packaging, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in P&L management, financial forecasting, and capital project justification.
• Skilled in KIWI, QlikView, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal communication and active listening skills.
• Able to interpret technical documents and deliver clear, compelling reports and presentations.
• Proven ability to recruit top-tier talent, coach for high performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborative leadership approach with a strong ability to positively influence organizational culture and team dynamics.
• Highly analytical, organized, and solutions oriented.
• Takes initiative, drives results, and thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Strong reasoning and decision-making capabilities.
• Comfortable with basic math and interpreting data trends.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional collaboration.

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.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

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.