General Manager - Assembly Operations
WestRock
- Location
- TN Knoxville Assembly
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Mid
- Posted
- Aug 19, 2026
About this role
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
The General Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the Assembly packaging facility, including strategic planning, financial accountability and resource management. How you will impact Smurfit Westrock: Plan and direct production scheduling and establish production priorities based on customer needs. Initiate plans and processes that minimize costs and effectively utilize manpower, temporary labor, equipment, material, and capital to obtain plant objectives and performance goals Create and Implement strategy plans that support Smurfit Westrock strategic initiatives Responsible for providing a safe and secure work environment. Direct, maintain and enforce the safety and environmental programs for the department; assure compliance with OSHA and Smurfit Westrock regulations and guidelines; provide leadership and guidance as needed Create facility budget and manage spending against budget and review financials as needed Supervise the facility’s managers and supervisors; responsible for employee training and development Establish individual/group goals with accountabilities and evaluate work performance for direct reports; review and approve performance evaluations for indirect reports Build an effective partnership with plant hourly employees in an effort to improve overall plant production Handle employee relations issues in accordance with Divisional and Corporate policies/procedures; assist in the recruitment and selection of assembly personnel as well as terminations Works with Customer, Permanent, Manufacturing, and Sales groups to achieve Smurfit Westrock strategic objectives Assist on estimating assembly jobs/cost/ and analytics Drive continuous improvement initiatives; monitor all control procedures, recommending improvements to Director/Senior Director of Assembly Participate in Six Sigma projects to increase overall production and cost savings for the facility Perform all other duties as assigned What you need to succeed: Bachelor’s Degree is preferred or High school diploma or GED A minimum of (7) years of equivalent related industry experience; at least 3 years of prior multi-departmental management experience. Proven track record handling full plant budgeting, forecasting, capital expenditures and reporting. Effective written, verbal and presentation skills to various levels of the organization. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen and/or 5S methodologies Proficiency with AS400, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) as well as customer proprietary software programs 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 Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more! 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.