What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Manager 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.
Quality Manager - Clinton, IA
The Opportunity
As a Quality Manager, you will play a critical role in driving compliance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement across the site. You will lead the development of a strong quality culture, ensuring adherence to regulatory and customer standards while reducing quality costs and enhancing operational performance. This position reports directly to the General Manager and partners closely with site leadership to influence strategy, decision-making, and results.
How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock
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.
Quality Manager - Clinton, IA
The Opportunity
As a Quality Manager, you will play a critical role in driving compliance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement across the site. You will lead the development of a strong quality culture, ensuring adherence to regulatory and customer standards while reducing quality costs and enhancing operational performance. This position reports directly to the General Manager and partners closely with site leadership to influence strategy, decision-making, and results.
How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock
- Lead quality governance by supporting the Regional Manager and site leadership team with data-driven insights, KPI analysis, and decision-making support.
- Oversee and continuously improve the Quality Management System to ensure compliance with customer requirements, accreditation standards, and best practices.
- Serve as the site’s subject matter expert on quality, providing guidance, coaching, and training to build capability and awareness across all levels.
- Manage and develop the Quality team (QA/QC), ensuring a high-performing and adaptable function aligned with business needs.
- Own the customer complaint process, driving root cause investigations, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and long-term solutions to prevent recurrence.
- Partner with customers as a technical resource, supporting audits, site visits, and ongoing relationship management to reinforce quality credibility.
- Lead internal, customer, and external audits, and ensure successful outcomes and ongoing compliance.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, optimize processes, and reduce operating costs.
- Support implementation and validation of new equipment and processes to meet safety and customer expectations.
- Promote a “right first time” mindset and integrate quality, environmental, and health & safety systems across the site.
- Drive safety excellence by identifying hazards, enforcing safe work practices, and supporting a proactive safety culture.
- 3-5 years of experience in a senior or management-level Quality role (manufacturing/production environment preferred).
- Strong knowledge of accredited quality standards, audits, GMP, and industry best practices.
- Proven experience leading change and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and manage performance effectively.
- Expertise in root cause analysis, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making.
- Strong customer-facing skills and ability to manage relationships professionally and effectively.
- Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and Microsoft Office tools.
- Key leadership behaviors and competencies:
- Analytical thinking and results orientation
- Strong communication, persuasion, and negotiation skills
- Commercial awareness and business acumen
- Ability to coach, mentor, and inspire teams
- Organizational effectiveness and continuous improvement mindset
- Adaptability, self-motivation, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to team success.
- Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
- Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
- Competitive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential
- A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are foundational to how we operate
- Competitive total rewards package including medical, dental, and vision coverage options starting on your first day
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions and flexible spending account (FSA) options
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match and automatic contributions to support your long-term financial goals
- Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage for financial protection
- Mental health support and wellness programs designed to promote overall well-being
- Generous paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and paid parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement and ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Additional voluntary benefits such as legal services, identity protection, pet insurance, and more
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.