Sr. Mgr, Process Improv, MBB

General Information Job ID ATR60629 Posting Job Title Master Black Belt Locations AL Mahrt Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 06-Apr-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: Mill Master Black Belt

Job Code: MOPIM5 + Sr. Mgr, Process Improv, MBB

Location: Cottonton, AL

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Master Black Belt to work in partnership with the leadership and employees at our Mahrt Paper Mill, located in Cottonton, AL. This individual will lead the Operational Excellence Program focusing on continuous improvement utilizing Lean-Six Sigma Tools and Methodology. This individual will also lead and/or support all Mill Division Initiatives. Must work effectively with leadership and the financial community to translate sustainable process improvements into budgeted financial improvements (productivity impact). The Master Black Belt will coach and support part-time belts on projects and lead multiple process improvement teams concurrently.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Work with mill leadership in the identification and alignment of mill productivity priorities, business needs, and project opportunities.
• Align overall productivity project pipeline with annual financial plan and division objectives.
• Consistently identify project opportunities to improve the business.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in process and systems improvement projects that result in significant financial impact.
• Coach and mentor multiple Yellow, Green, and Black Belt projects per year.
• Identify Lean-Six Sigma training candidates and support local and corporate training programs.
• Work effectively with operations to translate process improvement findings into production specifications and standard work.
• Maintain project documentation within the project management system.
• Ensure standards of project execution for DMAIC and Kaizen projects are met.
• Support business unit or divisional initiatives.
• Support mill during upset events and be responsible for a department on the weekend duty roster.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or Paper Science preferred.
• 5 – 10 years of relevant industry experience with progressive growth in leadership and business.
• Passion and drive to improve systems and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to execute complex projects in fast paced and dynamic environments using team-based, data-based approach.
• Capability to coach, teach, and mentor technical and non-technical knowledge to hourly and salaried employees to drive business results.
• Strong financial acumen with ability to create financial models used to support project selection and determine net project value to the P&L.
• Intermediate knowledge of Lean Six Sigma Tools and Methodology.
• Smurfit Westrock Black Belt certification within 2 years.
• Driven with a sense of urgency to achieve results.
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills from the shop floor to executive level.
• Skilled decision maker and systematic problem solver.
• Ability to positively influence and persuade others.
• Capable of providing ad-hoc leadership as needed.
• Team builder.
• Average of <10% travel.

Preferred experience

• Subject matter expert with paper manufacturing or related industry experience (e.g., Wood, Packaging, etc.).
• Experience in change management and organizational redesign.
• 2+ years as lean six sigma black belt with documented project portfolio.

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.