Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Tennessee

General Information
Job ID
ATR62131
Posting Job Title
Production Manager
Locations
TN Humboldt
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
07-May-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.
Production Manager - Corrugated Container Facility
WestRock is a company where each of us genuinely belongs, is respected and valued, can do our best work, and where diversity, inclusion and equity are competitive advantages!
The Opportunity:
The Production Manager - will manage direct reports, coordinate manufacturing activities utilizing knowledge of product functions, production methods, procedures and machine and equipment capabilities. You will lead your team in setting the objectives and ensure that these objectives are met. These objectives include, but are not limited to, production volumes, quality, safety, inventory, customer satisfaction, as well as meeting fiscal budgets.
How you will impact WestRock:
Maintain safe and clean work environment by educating and directing personnel on the use of all control points, equipment, and resources; ensure compliance with established WestRock policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with OSHA and WestRock regulations and guidelines to uphold quality expectations of customer and company.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and monitor all control procedures, recommending improvements to the General Manager as appropriate.
Revise production schedules and priorities as needed because of equipment failure, operating problems, or last-minute customer demands.
Review and analyze production reports (OEE, downtime, waste, etc.) to determine causes of nonconformity with product specifications, and/or operating or production problems.
Collaborate with the General Manager in the development and implementation of operating methods and procedures designed to eliminate operating problems and improve product quality
Develop strong relationships with key members of the organization to better understand the overall business and upstream and downstream connections to prevent possible delays in production and shipment and impact on customer satisfaction
Ensure all WestRock standards and customer commitments (i.e., safety, waste reductions, R&A, output, and on-time delivery) are followed within the plant
Partner with Plant Safety Manager to effectively communicate and enforce the safety program
Manage workforce planning to ensure proper staffing levels to maintain productivity activities (i.e., order readiness, customer specifications, speed trails, etc.)
Maintain working relationship with the union by following the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Identify training and development opportunities for facility's Production Supervisors and monitor progress against performance goals
Collaboration: Works effectively with others to complete a task or achieve a common objective; ability to cooperate in both interpersonal and team relationships to foster enthusiasm and maintain mutual trust, candor, and respect for others. Works through conflict constructively
Adaptability: Demonstrates agility, flexibility, and a willingness to modify one's approach to achieve desired results; responds quickly to changing demands, processes, and updated information
Accountability: Holds self and others responsible for actions and results
Communication: Creates and delivers engaging presentations to internal and external audiences; develops new communication strategies and approaches to communicate data, insights, and critical messages resulting in clear understanding
Decision-Making: Uses strong problem-solving skills and supporting information to arrive at optimal decisions in an appropriate timeframe; knows when to decide and/or when to seek additional input, and drive for consensus
Problem-Solving: Applies knowledge to frame, simplify and solve complex issues; focuses on identifying root causes to create solutions in a timely and decisive manner; reconciles conflicting and/or incomplete information to develop solutions.
What you need to succeed:
High School diploma or G.E.D - Required
Associate degree or higher in Business, Applied Science i.e. Technical - Preferred
5+ years of supervisory experience in the corrugated/converting industry - Required.
Knowledge of machinery and how to identify issues and troubleshoot equipment
Inspire others to develop themselves and seek out continuous learning opportunities by serving as a role model and seeking out personal developmental opportunities.
Leverage manufacturing knowledge to achieve business objectives, such as to solve problems, develop new ideas, or build the business.
Demonstrate a general ability to use multiple methods for measuring employee performance.
Proven experience with lean and continuous improvement.
Ability to communicate effectively to all employees and to customers, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to deal effectively with others in challenging situations, using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to resolve internal and external conflict.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office - Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
Ability to learn proprietary software programs for the Corrugated Manufacturing systems
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 and 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.