Production Lead

The Opportunity:

The Production Lead is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of production equipment during their shift. This role provides day-to-day direction to Machine Operator(s), ensures production machines run consistently and without interruption, and supports the achievement of quality, safety, and productivity goals.
The Production Lead monitors material flow, addresses machine alarms in coordination with the Production Supervisor, and maintains a clean, organized assembly area. In the absence of the Production Supervisor, this position reports to the General Manager and helps ensure continuity of operations.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

Promote a safety-first culture by following and enforcing Smurfit Westrock-Vitop safety policies and processes on every shift.
Lead safe and efficient production operations to achieve daily output targets while minimizing waste and downtime.
Direct Machine Operator(s) to maintain steady performance, proper setup, and consistent throughput.
Monitor assembly room hoppers, feeders, vacuum loaders, and material conveyor systems to prevent parts shortages and production interruptions.
Troubleshoot machine alarms and coordinate with the Production Supervisor (and other resources as needed) to restore normal operation quickly and safely.
Perform quality control checks and inspections to ensure part conformity and uphold established product standards.
Document production activity, quality checks, and process changes completely, accurately, and on time to support traceability and repeatability.
Maintain established quality standards, machine efficiencies, and production levels—and communicate expectations clearly to the team.
Train and onboard new team members by explaining role responsibilities, demonstrating safe work methods, and reinforcing standard procedures.
Follow established procedures to sustain a clean, organized environment and support continuous improvement efforts.
Collaborate with all departments to meet daily tasks and operational priorities.
Support other team members and departments as directed and complete other duties as assigned.

What you need to succeed:

Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Experience using basic hand tools.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capability in a fast-paced production setting.
Basic computer proficiency (e-mail, data entry) and administrative skills (filing, organization).
Basic mechanical aptitude.
Ability to operate pallet jacks and move materials safely.
Working knowledge of safe work practices and expectations in a manufacturing environment.
Understanding quality practices and respect for product standards.
Familiarity with applicable safety requirements, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expectations related to machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures.
Ability to understand and follow company quality and environmental policies, and established work instructions/procedures.
Exposure to continuous improvement methods such as 5S, Lean manufacturing, or similar production systems
Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment with varying noise levels
Prolonged standing and walking throughout the shift
Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, stooping, kneeling, and climbing ladders or stairs
Occasional indoor and outdoor work with exposure to temperature variations
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds
Sufficient vision, hearing, and manual dexterity to operate equipment and handle materials safely
Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye, ear, hand protection, and safety footwear as designated

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
A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

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