Sr. Manager, Workflow Development
Smurfit Westrock · Michigan, United States
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Michigan, United States
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Job highlights
- Lead automated prepress workflow design and implementation.
- Drive digital transformation for efficiency and quality.
- Collaborate with operations, IT, and vendors.
- Improve cycle time and reduce manual errors.
- Requires 10+ years in prepress/packaging automation.
About the role
Sr. Manager, Workflow Development
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.
The Opportunity
This role is based in North America Consumer Packaging and is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and standardization of automated prepress workflows across operations. The Sr. Manager, Workflow Development drives the digital transformation of prepress by delivering scalable, high-performance workflow solutions that improve speed, quality, and cost efficiency.
This position leads pilot-to-scale deployment of workflow solutions, establishing system architecture, automation strategy, governance, and best practices to enable enterprise-wide adoption. The role collaborates closely with plant leadership, prepress teams, Technical Services, IT, and OEM partners to ensure alignment, successful implementation, and long-term sustainment.
How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock
- Lead the creation, development, and rollout of standardized prepress workflows across all North America Consumer Packaging facilities
- Design and oversee automated workflow solutions that deliver high stability, repeatability, throughput, and minimal manual intervention
- Drive measurable improvements in prepress cycle time, automation rates, labor efficiency, and throughput through workflow standardization
- Development of workflows to support integration with legacy systems
- Reduce manual touchpoints, errors, and rework while improving overall workflow performance and cost efficiency
- Establish and enforce enterprise workflow standards, governance models, and compliance across all facilities
- Partner with plant leadership to drive adoption and consistent execution of standardized workflows, ensuring sustained performance over time
- Lead change management efforts, including training, communication, and adoption strategies to ensure successful implementation and long-term sustainment
- Define, track, and report key workflow performance metrics, building visibility through dashboards to support data-driven decision making
- Validate software, hardware, and system releases prior to deployment into production environments
- Partner with IT and vendors (e.g., Esko) to support system roadmap, upgrades, and integration strategies
- Develop and maintain documentation, best practices, and training programs to support long-term performance
- Alignment with project manager on timelines and deliverables from other departments/vendors
- Support process control, quality management, and workflow compliance across all supported facilities
- Enable a consistent customer experience through standardized processes and print readiness
What You Need To Succeed
- 10+ years proven experience in prepress, printing, packaging, or workflow automation environments
- Strong technical expertise with prepress systems (e.g., Esko Automation Engine, WebCenter, ArtPro+ or similar)
- Deep understanding of file preparation, color management, trapping, and print production requirements
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across multiple locations
- Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and sustainable solutions
- Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and drive execution at the plant level
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
- Commitment to continuous improvement and standardization across multiple facilities
- High level of organization and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%
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.
Key skills/competency
- Workflow Automation
- Prepress Systems
- Esko Automation Engine
- Color Management
- Print Production
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Change Management
- Process Standardization
- Project Management
Skills & topics
- Workflow Development
- Prepress
- Packaging
- Automation
- Esko
- Sr. Manager
- Remote
- Digital Transformation
- Process Improvement
- Leadership
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in prepress, printing, packaging, or workflow automation, emphasizing Esko systems.
- Showcase leadership: Detail your experience leading cross-functional initiatives and driving execution at the plant level.
- Quantify achievements: Provide examples of how you've improved cycle times, automation rates, or cost efficiency.
- Prepare for travel: Be ready to discuss your willingness and ability to travel up to 50% domestically.
- Understand company values: Align your application and interview responses with Smurfit Westrock's values of safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect.
Technical preparation
Master Esko Automation Engine, WebCenter, ArtPro+.,Deepen knowledge of color management and file prep.,Study printing and packaging production requirements.,Familiarize with legacy system integration strategies.
Behavioral questions
Describe leading cross-functional initiatives.,How do you drive execution at plant level?,Share a complex problem-solving example.,How do you influence stakeholders at all levels?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Sr. Manager, Workflow Development role at Smurfit Westrock?
- The Sr. Manager, Workflow Development position at Smurfit Westrock is a remote role. However, it does require approximately 50% domestic travel.
- What technical skills are essential for the Sr. Manager, Workflow Development position?
- Essential technical skills include 10+ years of experience in prepress, printing, packaging, or workflow automation, with strong expertise in prepress systems like Esko Automation Engine, WebCenter, or ArtPro+. A deep understanding of file preparation, color management, trapping, and print production is also crucial.
- What is the travel requirement for this Sr. Manager, Workflow Development job?
- The Sr. Manager, Workflow Development role requires approximately 50% domestic travel to various operational sites.
- How does Smurfit Westrock approach diversity and equal opportunity for this Sr. Manager, Workflow Development position?
- Smurfit Westrock is an equal opportunity employer. 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.
- What is the expected experience level for the Sr. Manager, Workflow Development role at Smurfit Westrock?
- This role requires a minimum of 10 years of proven experience in prepress, printing, packaging, or workflow automation environments.
- Will there be a drug screening for the Sr. Manager, Workflow Development position?
- Yes, candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.