Manager, Technical Services (Color Management)

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.

About the role

The Manager, Technical Services (Color Management) leads color management, print quality, and process control support across manufacturing operations. This role advances Global Color Excellence by helping facilities implement and sustain consistent standards, measurement practices, workflows, and training programs. Working closely with North American Prepress, Pressroom Support, Operations, Quality, Sales, and customer-facing teams, the position supports 30+ manufacturing facilities through technical leadership, facility assessments, gap analysis, troubleshooting, process improvement, certifications, consumables support, and software utilization. This role is focused on improving consistency, building plant capability, and sustaining division-wide print quality expectations through data-driven decision making and standardized processes.

This is a work-from-home position with travel to manufacturing facilities as required, expected to be up to 50% of time, mainly in the US and Canada but may include some international travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and continuous improvement of the Global Color Excellence program.
• Develop and maintain color management standards, print quality specifications, measurement methods, and operating procedures.
• Conduct facility assessments and gap analyses to identify opportunities for improved print quality, process capability, and operational consistency.
• Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing facilities, customers, and internal teams.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives related to print quality and process performance.
• Standardize workflows, measurement practices, reporting methods, and best practices across facilities.
• Partner with site leadership to identify, prioritize, and close performance gaps while sustaining improvements.
• Build plant capability by coaching local teams to use standardized tools, procedures, and data to manage color performance independently.
• Monitor quality metrics and key performance indicators to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support customer meetings, product qualifications, project reviews, approval processes, and new business development activities.
• Lead technical projects from planning through implementation, including readiness assessments, timelines, risks, milestones, and performance measurements.
• Develop and deliver training programs on color management, process control, print quality, industry standards, and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to specialists and site personnel through coaching, collaboration, and influence.
• Work with equipment manufacturers, software providers, industry organizations, and external partners to evaluate and implement new technologies and workflows.
• Stay current on industry standards, emerging technologies, market trends, and best practices related to color management and print quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, technical degree, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in color management, with demonstrated expertise in technical services, manufacturing, quality systems, and process improvement.
• Expertise in color management, G7, Extended Color Gamut (ECG), process control, and print quality systems.
• Knowledge of MeasureColor, ColorCert, pressSIGN, spectrophotometry, and related print quality technologies.
• Experience with technical assessments, gap analyses, and improvement planning.
• Project and change management experience.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, build alignment, and influence change across multiple facilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functional teams.
• Commitment to Smurfit Westrock Values and Behaviors.
• Commitment to all safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to travel as needed to support facilities, customers, and business initiatives (up to 50% of time).

Benefits

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are foundational to how we operate.
• Competitive total rewards package including medical, dental, and vision coverage options starting on your first day.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions and flexible spending account (FSA) options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and automatic contributions to support your long-term financial goals.
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage for financial protection.
• Mental health support and wellness programs designed to promote overall well-being.
• Generous paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Additional voluntary benefits such as legal services, identity protection, pet insurance, and more.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.