Job Title: Plant Manager Reports To: General Manager Number of Direct Reports: 7–12 Position Location: Ajax, ON Job Summary The Plant Manager oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the plant facility, ensuring compliance with safety policies, effective personnel management, housekeeping, maintenance, and production activities. The role contributes to sales objectives, coaches direct reports, and serves as a Steering Team member to align plant goals with WestRock objectives. Major Job Responsibilities Business Excellence Provide leadership and guidance for planning with Department Managers and Shift Supervisors to achieve manufacturing objectives efficiently. Formulate solutions to reduce lead times, optimize product quality, improve employee satisfaction, and increase profit margin. Distribute updated safety and quality standards to direct reports. Evaluate maintenance needs and communicate work orders. Collaborate with internal WestRock departments to enhance customer care and service. Manage P&L to control manufacturing costs within budgetary limits and drive long‑term growth. Develop and monitor forecasts and budgets to improve plant profitability. Control waste management to reduce production costs and environmental impact. Maintain an effective safety plan and ensure its implementation. People and Culture Promote continuous improvement and align with WestRock culture. Coordinate relationships with plant support functions such as finance, engineering, materials, quality assurance, and human resources. Assess customer requirements to identify improvement opportunities. Build partnerships with union and union stewards (as applicable). Establish and monitor production schedules to manage labor staffing. Coach employees for growth opportunities and performance excellence. Encourage new ideas for continuous improvement, customer retention, profitability, and job satisfaction.



Manage communication channels across stakeholder groups to build effective relationships. Critical Skills / Capabilities Adaptability – Demonstrates agility and responds quickly to changing demands. Accountability – Holds self and others responsible for actions and results. Growth and Results Oriented – Delivers high quality work within deadlines to achieve maximum results. Leadership – Leads and motivates a team, reads people and situations, and fosters trust‑based relationships. Collaboration – Works effectively with others, cooperates, and resolves conflict constructively. Technical Skills Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) KIWI scheduling software Strong computer skills Work Environment Fast‑paced, JIT (just‑in‑time) environment. Frequent standing and walking in a climate‑controlled area; exposure to extreme hotor cold temperatures. Exposure to machinery conditions above 100⁰F; ability to operate or learn to operate heavy equipment. Strict adherence to safety rules and regulations. Experience Required: 7 to 10 years in manufacturing; 7+ years of production facility leadership. Preferred: Mechanical background, corrugated industry experience, continuous improvement background/Six Sigma certification. Education Required: High School diploma or G.E.D. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree. Physical Requirements Sitting, standing, walking, driving, and climbing. Carries up to 25 lbs. Includes stooping, kneeling, bending, reaching, lifting (0‑25 lbs), lifting overhead, pushing/pulling, and grasping. Additional Information This posting is for an existing job vacancy. The annual salary range is $148,000–$198,000. As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Smurfit Westrock will, upon request, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources for accommodation needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Plant Manager - Ajax
🏢 WestRock
📍 Ajax