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Quality Manager

Overview

Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging, operates in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting plants and 62 paper mills. We offer an unrivalled portfolio of innovative packaging solutions, ranging from corrugated and consumer packaging to Bag-in-Box® packaging and point-of-sale displays.

As a trusted partner to businesses around the world, Smurfit Westrock is committed to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges.

With nine factories worldwide, Smurfit Westrock Bag-in-Box is the European leader in Bag-in-Box® solutions and its Vitop® tap is the world’s number one for wine taps.

Bag-in-Box® is a sustainable packaging choice for many sectors such as wine, juice, liquid egg, dairy and non-food applications such as engine oil and chemicals.

The Quality Certifications Manager is responsible for the governance, maintenance and continuous improvement of all Quality and Food Safety certification systems at the Anderson site. This role ensures full compliance with ISO, Food Safety, and customer-specific standards, leads external and internal audits, and drives a proactive quality culture aligned with divisional and corporate objectives.

The position plays a key leadership role in protecting product integrity, regulatory compliance, and customer confidence.

Key competencies and qualifications

Perform all work in accordance with the highest standards of Smurfit Westrock safety policies and ensure all quality and food safety systems operate in full compliance.
Own and maintain site certifications including but not limited to ISO 9001, FSSC 22000/SQF, HACCP, and any additional customer or regulatory certifications.
Act as primary site representative during external certification audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
Lead internal audit programs and ensure timely closure of corrective and preventive actions.
Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) and Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
Drive root cause analysis for major non-conformances, customer complaints, audit findings and systemic issues.
Ensure full compliance with Food Safety Plans (HACCP), verification and validation processes.
Oversee document control processes including SOPs, work instructions, specifications and record retention.
Monitor and report Quality KPIs to the Plant Manager and Divisional Quality leadership.
Support cross-functional teams (Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain, R&D) to ensure compliance is embedded in daily operations.
Ensure proper management of non-conforming materials and disposition processes.
Coordinate training programs related to quality standards, food safety, GMP and certification requirements.
Ensure readiness for unannounced audits and maintain continuous audit preparedness.
Partner with divisional Quality and Regulatory teams to align site practices with corporate standards and global best practices.
Support environmental and sustainability compliance requirements linked to certification standards where applicable.
Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have

Education/Qualification/Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Food Science, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience managing Quality Systems within a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience leading ISO 9001 and Food Safety certification audits (FSSC 22000, SQF or similar).
Strong working knowledge of HACCP principles and regulatory compliance.
Lead Auditor certification preferred.
Experience within plastics processing, packaging, or food contact materials strongly preferred.

Knowledge

Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems and audit methodologies.
Deep understanding of Food Safety regulations and GMP requirements.
Knowledge of OSHA requirements including Machine Guarding and Lockout/Tag-Out procedures.
Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies (LEAN, 5S, Root Cause Analysis).
Knowledge of corporate and environmental policies.
Familiarity with customer-specific certification requirements and supplier qualification processes.

Skills

Strong leadership and influence skills.
Excellent audit management capability.
Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong organizational and documentation management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality reporting systems.

Our commitment to Inclusive, Diverse and Equality

Smurfit Westrock is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, status as a Vietnam Era, disabled veteran, special disabled veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal Veteran, recently separated or other protected veteran. Smurfit Westrock also complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination in places where Smurfit Westrock operates.

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