General Manager

General Information

Job ID
ATR62184

Posting Job Title
General Manager

Locations
SC Cowpens

Employment Type
Full Time

Date Posted
03-Jun-2026

Relocation Support
Yes

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.


Position: General Manager

Job Code: MOGMM6 + General Manager

Location: Cowpens, SC

The Opportunity

This position is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, safety, and compliance of a paper mill that produces containerboard used in corrugated packaging. Responsible for achieving the facility's safety, environmental, quality, customer satisfaction, cost, production, and financial goals. Maximizes the efficiency of manufacturing though systematic process improvement. Lead the development of budgets, capital, and strategic plans. Implements government and company policies while fostering positive employee, community, and government relations. Builds an empowered team and supports individuals to develop and operate at their full potential.

How you will impact Smurfit WestRock:

• Safety - Lead safety systems and processes that support achieving our continually improving annual goals
• Environmental - Lead environmental management systems to ensure compliance and environmental stewardship
• Quality/Customer Satisfaction - focus on the "no fail basics" of quality and service coupled with innovation to be our customers preferred supplier
• Cost - Produce a competitive product at the lowest system cost.
• Production - Maximize the efficiency of manufacturing and maintenance processes
• Financial Budget/Results - Develop stretch operating budgets and deliver financial results
• Capital Execution - Implement projects on time and within budget to drive improved EHS, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Strategic Planning - Develop a facility plan aligned with the company and division strategy
• People Development - Invest in our People to help them develop and operate at their full potential
• Employee/Labor Relations - Build positive relations based on the Smurfit WestRock culture of trust, respect, and empowering employees to always do the right thing.
• Community/Government Relations - Develop positive relations that support sustained operations and becoming the most respected company

Key Behaviors

• Create an environment of respect and trust for our co-workers and customers
• Empower and engage co-workers to improve our performance and lower our costs
• Satisfy our customers every time
• Do the right thing for Smurfit WestRock - always

Competencies

Business Acumen:

Knows how business work; knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, and information affecting his/her business and organization; knows the competition; is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.

Command Skills:

Relishes leading; takes unpopular stands if necessary; encourages direct and tough debate but isn't afraid to end it and move on; is looked to for direction in a crisis; faces adversity head on; energized by tough challenges

Customer Focus:

Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

Integrity and Trust:

Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keep confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.

Motivating Others:

Creates a climate in which people want to do their best; can motivate many kinds of direct reports and team or project members; can assess each person's hot button and use it to get the best out of him/her; pushes tasks and decisions down; empowers others; invites input from each person and shares ownership and visibility; makes each individual feel his/her work is important; is someone people like working for and with

Drive for Results:

Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

Building Effective Teams:

Blends people into teams when needed; creates strong morale and spirit in his/her team; shares wins and successes; fosters open dialogue; lets people finish and be responsible for their work; defines success in terms of the whole team; creates a feeling of belonging in the team.

Managing Vision & Purpose:

Communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; talks beyond today; talks about possibilities; is optimistic; creates mileposts and symbols to rally support behind the vision; makes the vision sharable by everyone; can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations.

What you need to succeed:

• Safety, Health and Environmental
• OSHA, EPA, State, and local laws/regulations
• Safety Leadership, systems, and management

• Paper Making Processes (Pulp, Paper, Power, and Recovery)
• Product Knowledge and Customer use
• People Management
• Legal HR Regulations and Guidelines
• Leadership Skills
• Work System including labor management
• Talent and Performance Management
• Team Building
• Working knowledge of relevant Computer Systems
• Process Improvement and Management Tools
• Lean, 6 Sigma, Statistics, Kepner-Tregoe, etc.
• Quality Management Systems - ISO
• Systems and Business Compliance
• SOX, Ethics, Business Conduct, etc.
• Communication
• Written/Presentation Skills
• Purchasing and Asset Management (EPAM)
• Precision Maintenance
• Maintenance Planning and Scheduling
• Reliability Systems
• Finance
• Product Cost Accounting
• P&L Reporting
• CapEx Procedures & Guidelines
• Working Knowledge of Financial Indicators
• Budgeting and Forecasting Processes

Critical Learning Experiences

• Department Manager in Pulp, Paper, Power, or Maintenance
• Operations Management Role in multiple functional areas or locations
• Maintenance and Engineering experience/exposure
• P&L report(s) exposure/experience
• Experience leading resolution of a difficult situation or crisis
• Project Management Experience (Capital, Process Improvement, Product development)
• Involvement in budget or operating plan development
• Leadership Success in Manufacturing role
• Disciplined Problem Solving
• Participation in Union negotiations and/or Work Systems implementation

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.
• Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

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.