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.

The opportunity:

The Director of Maintenance and Reliability provides leadership and strategic support across Smurfit Westrock’s recycling plant network. This role leads the manufacturing support team and partners with plant and corporate leadership to drive operational excellence, standardization, and continuous improvement.

The position is responsible for supporting recycling operations with a focus on safety, preventative maintenance, production and process improvement, waste reduction, quality enhancement, cost reduction and capital planning. The Director ensures consistent application of manufacturing best practices and standards while advancing cost reduction, cost avoidance, safety improvements, and productivity initiatives.

 

How you will impact WestRock:

Leads and develops the Regional Maintenance Reliability Support Team supporting recycling plant operations.Establishes a culture of safety, ownership, quality, and operational performance. Supports this with metrics, engagement and accountability of others and self.Drives continuous improvement initiatives across recycling plants, including:Preventative maintenance and reliability programsProduction efficiency, uptime and throughput improvementProcess optimization and operational standardizationWaste reduction, yield improvement and fiber recoverySafety, quality, cost and productivity performance

 

Supports implementation and sustainment of standardized manufacturing systems and best practices.Utilizes KPIs, benchmarking, and root cause analysis to identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions.Provides leadership and alignment for maintenance standards and asset reliability strategies.Partners with Division and Plant Leadership in the development of capital planning strategies focused on safety, productivity, cost reduction and cost avoidance.Partners with Operations and Finance on capital prioritization, business case development and execution support.Champions safety, environmental compliance, and quality standards across recycling operations.Collaborates with plant leadership and corporate teams to ensure alignment of manufacturing strategy and execution.

What you need:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field (required).

 

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience in recycling or related industrial operations. Experience in recycling operations preferred.Proven leadership experience supporting multiple manufacturing sites or regional operations.Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement, standardization, and cost reduction initiatives.

 

Knowledge & Skills

Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, preventative maintenance, and reliability best practices.Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.Solid financial and capital planning acumen.Effective leadership, communication, and change management skills.Ability to travel, sometimes on short notice, up to 50% of the time.

 

What we offer:

Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellenceComprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunitiesAn attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potentialA career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

 

 

 

 

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 $178,125.00 - $296,875.00, 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, 10 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 and the application window is expected to close by 30-Apr-2026.