What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cutting Operator position at Smurfit Westrock?
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 Operator in the Cutting Department is responsible for the daily operation of cutter equipment, ensuring production goals for quality, safety, and throughput are consistently met. In this role, you will operate cutting machines, perform routine checks, maintain housekeeping and 5S standards, and support the department’s overall workflow. A typical day includes staging loads, preparing machines for cutting, conducting quality checks, and maintaining accurate production entries. This position directly supports the reliability of production and plays a key role in maintaining safe, efficient operations.
Key Responsibilities
A workplace culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
Comprehensive training and ongoing opportunities to learn and grow.
Competitive Compensation Based On Experience, Skills, And Performance.
A career with a global packaging leader where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are foundational to daily operations.
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.
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 Operator in the Cutting Department is responsible for the daily operation of cutter equipment, ensuring production goals for quality, safety, and throughput are consistently met. In this role, you will operate cutting machines, perform routine checks, maintain housekeeping and 5S standards, and support the department’s overall workflow. A typical day includes staging loads, preparing machines for cutting, conducting quality checks, and maintaining accurate production entries. This position directly supports the reliability of production and plays a key role in maintaining safe, efficient operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate cutter equipment safely and efficiently to meet production requirements.
- Perform pre‑make‑ready, make‑ready, and staging activities as required.
- Conduct daily housekeeping, sweeping, and cleaning of the press area.
- Use measurement tools (tape measure, ruler, calculator) to ensure quality standards.
- Enter production data accurately into the computer system.
- Inspect cartons and verify correct cut and register for each die position.
- Perform general maintenance on cutting presses as needed.
- Communicate effectively with the opposite shift to ensure continuity of operations.
- Follow all safety requirements, including PPE standards, S.T.E.P. (Stop, Think, Evaluate, Plan), and Safety Absolutes.
- Support plant policies, SQF expectations, and compliance with all workplace rules.
- Participate in safety programs, initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Assist with planning run speeds, make‑ready needs, and reporting successes or issues.
- Ability to read and use basic measurement tools (tape measure, ruler, calculator).
- Ability to operate production machinery and learn additional equipment (score bend, pallet jack, lift truck with certification).
- General mechanical aptitude required.
- Ability to pass the Farnsworth Munsell‑100 Hue Color Test.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to follow detailed instructions.
- Basic computer skills for data entry and production reporting.
- Ability to perform quality checks on cartons and identify defects.
- Ability to perform physical functions including loading/unloading skids, climbing stairs, using air hoses, sweeping, and cleaning press areas.
- Compliance with PPE requirements: safety glasses, hair nets, beard nets, ear plugs, bump caps, gloves, and steel/composite toe shoes.
- Must follow all safety policies, guidelines, and WestRock Core Values & Behaviors.
A workplace culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
Comprehensive training and ongoing opportunities to learn and grow.
Competitive Compensation Based On Experience, Skills, And Performance.
A career with a global packaging leader where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are foundational to daily operations.
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.