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Manages and oversees continuous improvement programs in both Direct and Indirect procurement, primarily domestic, for Smurfit Westrock. This role will be involved in facilitating continuous improvement projects, operations performance excellence and supplier innovation projects by effectively engaging supplier and mill resources. Additionally, this role will be involved in aspects of the strategic sourcing process, including project planning, specifications development, and supplier engagement, evaluation, selection, and new supplier implementation. Leads continuous improvement projects for the Direct and Indirect Procurement area of spend, capturing savings through project realization and Total Cost of Ownership contracts with suppliers in support of company goals and objectives. Works closely to build a working relationship with functional stakeholder teams and suppliers to ensure effective implementation plans and cost savings are executed, tracked, and continuously improved. The ideal candidate must be comfortable working independently and in a team environment.

Position Requirements:

* Willingness to travel to domestic locations and possible international locations as needed (~25%).

* 3-5+ yrs of work experience in a paper manufacturing environment

* Highly Capable in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint and ability to support and lead data analytics

* Expertise in project management

* Strong capability to forecast value (saving, working capital and avoidance) associated with continuous improvement and sourcing benefit

* Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship building skills

* Strong organizational and presentation skills

* Leadership and managerial experience

Responsibilities:

* Serve as the primary liaison for supplier-led continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across all relevant facilities

* Schedule and lead regular follow-ups with internal and external stakeholders to monitor progress, remove roadblocks, and ensure alignment

* Maintain and update project trackers, value capture databases, and performance dashboards

* Drive annual value improvements for categories:

* Monitors field compliance to strategy and ensures TCO reductions are realized.

* Forecasts budgetary impact and tracks actual savings towards annual individual goals.

* Works with stakeholders to ensure savings are incorporated into annual operating plans.

* Target of implemented Continuous Improvement savings of $8MM - $10MM per year

* Maintains expertise in assigned spend categories:

* Remains current with market trends and internal customer needs through relationships with suppliers, market experts, local sites, and BU leadership.

* Participates in regular supplier business reviews to stay updated on business and upcoming changes that may affect WestRock and suppliers.

* Identifies and communicates new technologies and solutions to stakeholders.

* Identifies categories and suppliers where national agreements are not in place where we have CI opportunity.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

* Act as a bridge between procurement, plant operations, engineering, and supplier teams

* Understand manufacturing and converting processes to engage credibly with engineers and technical stakeholders

* Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and value-based partnerships

General Management Responsibilities:

* Actively participates in annual budgeting process at the Division level.

* Provides fact-based understanding of bottom line benefit of all decisions and opportunities.

* Responsible for identifying production or cost saving opportunities and complete, or assist in completing, analysis to determine potential upside and a path to achieve value.

* Ensures compliance of internal controls as it relates to WestRock policies and procedures.

Experience/Educational Requirements:

* Bachelor\u2019s Degree required, preferably in Engineering, but will consider Purchasing and Finance with relevant expereince.

* Experience in the pulp and paper industry.

* 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

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 safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

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.