Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging, operating in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting operations and 59 paper mills. With the circular economy at the core of our business, we use renewable, recyclable and recycled materials to create sustainable packaging solutions. For home and beauty products, our paper-based consumer packaging solutions combine elevated form and reliable function to meet the needs of today’s brands and shoppers. Our team of over 100,000 professionals drives operations across 40 countries on 6 continents and Smurfit Westrock are proud to be included on TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies 2025 list for the second year running.

Our Consumer Packaging business in Europe supplies paper-based packaging, leaflets and labels for a wide variety of household names in industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, beauty and personal care, premium wines and spirits, and much, much more. With more than 5,500 colleagues across 10 countries and ~34 operating locations, Smurfit Westrock's European Consumer Packaging operation is ideally positioned to provide innovative, sustainable packaging solutions to customers across the globe.

Our Values

Safety, Loyalty, Integrity and Respect are the core values and foundations on which our organisation is built. Our values are who we are: People who value life above all else; People who do the right thing, always. People who show a deep respect for each other and all of our differences. We are a team of over 100,000 people that are united behind a shared commitment to create, protect and care - We are Smurfit Westrock.

General Manager Melle (m/w/d)

General Manager

As General Manager, you will have overall accountability for the performance and success of the site(s), leading Sales, Operations, Quality, Health & Safety and financial performance. You will set the strategic direction, build a high-performing team and ensure the business delivers sustainable, profitable growth.
A key part of the role will be commercial leadership. You will own the sales agenda, develop a strong understanding of the market, customers, competitors and emerging trends, and translate these insights into clear sales and growth strategies. You will identify new business opportunities, strengthen existing customer relationships and ensure our products and services continue to meet changing market and customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the management team and take overall accountability for Sales, Operations, Quality, Health & Safety and P&L performance.
Develop and execute the site strategy, ensuring alignment with wider business objectives and delivering sustainable, profitable growth.
Own the commercial and sales strategy, setting clear growth targets and working closely with customers and the sales team to deliver revenue and margin growth.
Maintain a strong understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, competitor activity and industry trends, using market insight to identify opportunities, manage risks and shape future product and service offerings.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, leading customer visits, commercial discussions and initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and retention.
Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and financial controls, with clear accountability for profitability, cost control and cash performance.
Drive operational excellence, improving productivity, efficiency, quality, service and on-time delivery while controlling waste and operating costs.
Ensure production, manpower and capacity plans meet customer and market requirements effectively.
Lead continuous improvement and capital investment programmes to strengthen operational performance and competitiveness.
Ensure compliance with all relevant Safety, Health, Environmental, Quality and employment requirements, maintaining high standards across the business.
Create a high-performance, customer-focused culture through effective leadership, communication, coaching, development and succession planning.
Develop strong relationships with regional and corporate functions to maximise commercial and operational performance.
Lead change effectively, identifying opportunities to improve the business and ensuring successful implementation of agreed initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Degree in a relevant technical, business or management discipline preferred, with 5–7+ years’ senior experience in manufacturing, operations, commercial or a related environment.
Proven leadership experience with accountability for business performance, sales/commercial growth and operational delivery.
Strong understanding of markets, customers, competitors and commercial drivers, with the ability to turn market insight into actionable business strategy.
Demonstrable experience of developing and implementing business strategy and delivering profitable growth.
Strong financial, budgeting, forecasting and P&L management capability.
Excellent leadership, communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
Strong customer focus with the ability to develop trusted senior-level customer relationships.
Experience of continuous improvement, change management and delivering operational efficiencies.
Strong problem-solving, planning and decision-making skills, with the ability to challenge constructively and make fact-based decisions.
Inclusive leadership style with a strong focus on employee engagement, development and performance.
Good understanding of Safety, Health, Environmental, Quality and employment requirements.
Results-focused, commercially aware and resilient, with the ability to balance customer, people, operational and financial priorities.

Environmental, Health and Safety

It is your responsibility to co-operate with Smurfit Westrock in relation to all health, safety and environmental topics. This includes working to the practices shown during training that will be provided to you and the company's health, safety and environmental policies. You will be expected to work in accordance with local site practices and not to interfere with or misuse anything that's been provided for your health, safety or welfare.

Other Requirements

Flexible and adaptable to change and prepared to take on additional responsibilities with other duties as required to meet business needs. Successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions. Be able to be self-motivated, standards driven, with a keen eye for detail whilst being team focused and harnessing collaboration and co-operation of others.

Our Benefits:

Family-like atmosphere: Flat hierarchies, a culture of informality, and plenty of team spirit are the norm here.
Insider insights: Dive into the exciting business processes and structures of an international corporation.
Professional development: Numerous opportunities for professional and personal growth await you.
Free parking, free coffee, and fresh fruit on-site.
Additional benefits: Hansefit, bike leasing, company-sponsored retirement plan

Apply now!

You want more information? Please cantact us:

Smurfit Westrock Melle GmbH
Merle Schneider
An der Schwanemühle 1, 49324 Melle
E-Mail: bewerbungen.melle@westrock.com

www.smurfitwestrock.com

Smurfit Westrock is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. We give all qualified applicants a chance, regardless of generation, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, or disability.

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