Bindery Assistant

Bindery Assistant

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.

The Opportunity

The Bindery Assistant supports bindery operations by assisting with the movement of work in process (WIP) and finished products throughout the department. This role is critical to maintaining production flow by loading materials into equipment, unloading and packaging finished goods, assembling packaging materials, and supporting bindery operators to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with customer and safety requirements.

A typical day includes interpreting job tickets, handling materials between operations, inspecting products for quality, and operating or activating machinery systems as trained. This position works closely with cross-functional teams in a regulated environment and contributes directly to safe, accurate, and timely order fulfillment.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

Follow product flow instructions to ensure accurate movement of WIP and finished goods through bindery operations.

Load, catch, unload, and pack products on various bindery and finishing machines.

Inspect labels, inserts, and glued outserts throughout the production process to ensure designated quality criteria are met, including proper labeling and glue alignment.

Assemble and inspect trays and cartons at the start of each customer order.

Receive finished products from machines and place them into trays while verifying quality standards.

Activate machinery systems, including glue systems, barcode scanners, double-sheet detectors, jam detectors, and missing print detectors.

Monitor equipment and report mechanical issues; shut down machinery promptly when problems occur.

Shrink wrap, package finished products, and complete all required production paperwork.

Interpret job tickets and customer specifications to support efficient bindery equipment setup and operation.

Assist operators in locating materials and products as needed.

Maintain daily production records using designated forms.

Participate in cross-functional training and assist other teams as required.

Contribute to quality investigations when necessary.

Work in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).

Maintain a safe and clean work environment in accordance with company safety rules and regulations.

Perform other job duties as assigned to support business needs.

What You Need To Succeed

Required Qualifications

Ability to pass ruler and line clearance tests.

Basic computer skills.

Ability to learn quickly and adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.

Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

Ability to understand and apply safety rules, operating policies, and procedures.

Effective communication skills.

Reliable attendance and willingness to work overtime as required, including significant overtime during peak periods.

Ability to perform all essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

What We Offer

A corporate culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.

Comprehensive training with ongoing 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 daily work.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Employees regularly sit, stand, walk, talk, see, and hear. During an eight-hour workday, employees may continuously bend/stoop, climb, reach above shoulder level, kneel, balance, push/pull, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, and perform repetitive motions.

Employees may be required to lift, push, or pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a continuous basis.

Vision requirements include the ability to distinguish colors, maintain close and distance vision, use peripheral vision, and adjust focus.

The work environment typically involves loud noise levels due to machinery and frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions and outdoor weather may occur.

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.