Westrock Jobs in Battle Creek, MI (NOW HIRING)

General Information
Job ID
ATR59656
Posting Job Title
General Manager
Locations
MI Battle Creek Mill
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
03-Mar-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: Battle Creek, MI
The Opportunity:
The General Manager is responsible for directing and managing production operations for the Battle Creek Mill in Battle Creek, MI, including safety, production, maintenance, quality control, performance excellence, environmental compliance, shipping and receiving. Ensures quality systems are in place to comply with customer specifications. Responsible for managing, developing and coaching managers and team members to effectively and efficiently perform the functions of their jobs in order to increase production, operate safely, and service our customers. As a key member of the leadership team this position is responsible to drive cultural development; manage staff, materials and assets to maximize profits by developing and executing plans to meet safety, quality, delivery, costs and employee engagement objectives.
How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Demonstrate an "Owner/Operator" model.
• Oversee and coordinate all phases of mill operations and production processes for recycled paper manufacturing. Establish goals, track results, uptime and quality productivity. Monitor all controls procedures. Prepare and submit reports as required. Complete initiatives and communication to higher levels in the organization.
• Develop capital strategy and oversee the deployment of capital expenditures.
• Oversee the maintenance of all production equipment, vehicles and facilities to coordinate with customer and manufacturing needs.
• Balance quality, productivity, cost, safety and morale to achieve positive results in all areas of mill operations. Work to continuously improve in all areas of safety, cost and productivity. Assure that daily all WestRock standards and customers commitments (safety, quality, output, etc.) are met within the mill.
• Manage profitability at or above budget.
• Develop, coordinate and maintain on-going, effective safety plan to provide a safe work environment and engagement of all employees.
• Build and maintain an effective partnership with union to improve overall plant production. This includes being an active member in the Labor-Management meetings.
• Oversee legal and agency compliance.
• Stay current with new technologies and trends in the paper industry and effectively communicate this to all personnel.
• Monitor quality of all goods produced. Ensure all customer feedback is promptly dealt with and all complaints are addressed immediately.
• Partner with Sales on opportunities.
• Monitor all expenses incurred in mill. Develop and control expenses within budget constraints.
• Foster team environment to embrace Smurfit Westrock's Values of Integrity, Respect, Loyalty, and Safety.
• Champion Performance Excellence system objectives.

Competencies

• Leadership: Must be capable of setting a course of action for self and others to accomplish goals; be an effective motivator, and clear communicator.

• Planning and Organizing: Establishing a course of action for self and others to accomplish a specific goal; planning proper assignments of personnel and appropriate allocation of resources.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with others in the organization to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems.
• Ethics and Integrity: Behaves in accordance with Smurfit Westrock's values and operating principles at all times and rewards the same behavior in others. Acts based upon the best interest of the Company rather than how it affects him/her personally. Builds trust.
• Customer Orientation: Ability to operate with the customer's best interest in mind while consistent with Smurfit Westrock goals.
• Communication Proficiency - Verbal and Written; and use computer applications
• Technical Capability in manufacturing of paper production processes.
• Adaptability to Change: Able to respond quickly to changing demands, processes and updated information
• Decision Making Ability
• Proficient in Problem solving/Analysis

Supervisory Responsibility
This position manages all employees of the lead team managers and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within the business unit.
Work Environment
At times, this job operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment including computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines. Frequently, while performing duties of this job, the employee is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibration in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment is sufficient to require that the worker shout in order to be heard above ambient noise. The worker is subject to extreme heat (above 100 degrees for period of more than one hour).
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and\or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university; or seven or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• 5+ years' experience in each phase of paper production operations, including managing employees, process implementation and process improvement. Lean Manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Experience in production and/or maintenance department management.
• Exposure to formal safety systems and OSHA training.
• Willing and able to work required hours and meet physical demands of position.
• Must possess strong strategic planning and analytical skills
• Able to make effective decisions independently.
• This is a full-time position. The position regularly requires long hours and frequent weekend work. Minimal travel.

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.