Finishing Lead - 2nd Shift

About the role

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging, dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. The Finishing Lead works closely between the Finishing Manager, Shift Supervisor, and Scheduler to monitor each job in the schedule, playing a key role in the timely delivery of orders to customers and reducing lag time due to department issues.

This position reports to the Finishing Manager.

Responsibilities

• Monitor jobs entered in the production schedule and update the status as needed.
• Coordinate requests for repairs within the department.
• Manage glue inventories and track expiration dates, forwarding information to the materials group for ordering and updates.
• Report on department board, working with operators on issues and wins within the department.
• Assist in department training on all duties within the Finishing Department.
• Set crewing board at the beginning of each shift, working closely with Managers and Supervisors to ensure proper crewing and schedule for the shift.
• Understand and effectively communicate department goals and improvement projects.
• Challenge the crew on Safety (including PPE), Quality, Production Goals, Downtime, and Break Times; communicate expectations and monitor throughout the shift.
• Lead DSM Board Meeting and communicate feedback to Shift Supervisor and Finishing Manager, including wins, losses, and reasons.
• Fulfill all requirements as a Gluer Operator.
• Meet with Production Scheduler before scheduling meetings to set and understand the daily schedule (Day Shift only).
• Maintain open communication with scheduling throughout production runs.
• Perform checks during production runs to ensure cartons are folding properly and glue application is consistent and accurate.
• Monitor identification bars on multiple order jobs to prevent mixed items.
• Monitor Leary Detection system to ensure quality product and identify non-conforming materials.
• Set up and utilize Label-Aire equipment for jobs requiring tags or labels.
• Responsible for repair and preventative maintenance of gluers, either individually or with Maintenance Personnel.
• Perform line clearance according to established QOP.
• Use computer applications such as Outlook, Excel, Access, Radius, VWT, and AC4D.
• Assist crews in troubleshooting machine issues and handling non-conforming products.
• Review job jackets to determine specifications and special instructions; examine approved samples for gluing areas, folding areas, and pre-breaks.
• Assist with make-readies and adjust gluers to achieve specifications, including proper fold/gluing, opening force, and score balance.
• Examine and clean glue pots, check glue levels in pots and drums for extrusion systems.
• Set and challenge barcode scanners and Leary Detection systems to ensure proper function and quality.
• Train new associates and existing operators on additional equipment (e.g., gluers, Label-Aire, hot melt, Leary systems).
• Manage Finishing Materials Inventory every Monday.
• Complete Yellow Belt Training and Yellow Belt Project.
• Participate in and lead E3 Problem Solving Events.
• Participate in Leary Training and pass the Leary Test with a score of 90% or better.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by Supervisor or Manager.

Requirements

• Prior experience as a Glue Operator (Lead Glue Operator preferred).
• 5 years of work-related experience in a manufacturing environment and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience (Glue Operator & Lead Operator).
• Good computer skills, including data entry and machine functions controlled by computer.
• Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose gluer issues and assist others.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong communication skills to monitor and enable Finishing team members to perform responsibilities accurately.
• High-level working knowledge of finishing machinery.
• High-level mechanical aptitude for basic to advanced make-ready on Finishing equipment.
• Ability to follow established QOP/WI is critical.
• Quality-minded with proficiency in fine detail.
• Able to stand for long periods while feeding gluers, highly repetitive at times.
• Use technical knowledge to recognize and generate improvements in process, procedure, and operations.
• Able to work without close supervision while producing a high yield of product.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.