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 Sr. Mgr, Packaging Design, manages a team of primarily experienced Professionals. Establishes and executes short to mid-term operational plans. Problem-solving with moderate to significant impact on performance within Smurfit Westrock. Requires the ability to influence others outside of own job area regarding policies, practices and procedures.

Collaborates with division management, sales teams, and divisional and corporate resources on innovation and differentiation strategies.

Develop designs (graphics and structural) to meet various design challenges. Provides direction to design team and leadership on how the team will both interface and provide design resources to maximize value to Smurfit Westrock and its customers. Provide support for design excellence initiatives, and serve as a strategic partner to commercial, innovation, and operations teams.

 

 

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

 

Ensure packaging design work aligns with commercial priorities, sustainability goals, and customer performance expectationsAbility to monetize & quantify impact through redesignPotential sales or cost take out details to eventually report on monthly basisSubject matter expert support for our design excellence programPartner with Sales, Marketing, and Innovation teams to support customer-facing design projects, Innovation events, and strategic prospecting effortsProvide technical oversight on structural packaging design for performance, automation compatibility, and manufacturabilitySupport value-selling initiatives by translating technical solutions into customer-centric value propositionsCollaborate closely with Sales leadership to understand and develop account strategies.Allocates design resources to maximize value to Smurfit Westrock's customers and Smurfit Westrock.Develops and delivers customer value propositions in conjunction with Smurfit Westrock sales professionals.Motivates and leads the team to develop winning solutions.Sets goals and tracks results for sales growth.Manages the performance of a design team in possibly more than one location.Manages department budget

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you need to succeed:

10+ years of experience in corrugated or packaging design, with a track record of design team leadershipDeep technical expertise in structural design (ArtiosCAD, parametric design) and strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative SuiteTechnical expertise with packaging performance standards (BCT, ECT, compression, etc.) and plant converting processesStrong facilitation and storytelling skills to communicate packaging value internally and externallyExperience leading cross-site or regional teams and scaling best practicesProven ability to influence commercial, technical, and operations teamsHighly collaborative mindset with the ability to create alignment in a matrixed organizationCommunicates well, demonstrates excellent organization and time managementHas strong business acumen and self-awareness and a robust design & management skillsetProvide advice, support and coach peers and colleagues on complex design-related challenges

 

 

 

What We Offer

A corporate culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellenceA competitive salary and bonus structure that reflects skills, competencies and potentialComprehensive training and development opportunitiesCareer growth within a global packaging leader where safety, quality, sustainability and people are fundamental to daily operations 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 $138,375.00 - $230,625.00, 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 14-Jan-2026.