Job Information
WestRock Company VP, Innovation in Atlanta, Georgia
Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic leader to position our team as the industry leader in packaging through our innovation approach. This role involves developing innovative solutions tailored to meet customer demands, resulting in long-term customer loyalty. The team will focus on differentiating our products and processes through customer inspiration and education, packaging development, commercialization and support.
Key Responsibilities:
\u2022 Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Strategy, Corporate Development, Manufacturing Operations, and Finance on the technology, design and product roadmap.
\u2022 Prepare, monitor, and deliver on business objectives, plans, budgets, and ROI measures.
\u2022 Encourage continuous learning, exploration, and innovation of new products and processes.
\u2022 Lead long-term technology planning with internal and external teams.
\u2022 Partner with strategy and corporate development/M&A for technology scouting and acquisition.
\u2022 Track and report on KPIs with innovation leaders and guide the team to evaluate and accelerate business opportunities.
\u2022 Develop relationships with internal partners, customers, and industry associations to promote innovation.
Discovery:
\u2022 Partner across sales, segments, and market development teams to organize and prioritize projects (desirable, viable, feasible).
Research, Scientific Development, Testing & Technical:
\u2022 Focus on new product development, R&D, barrier testing requirements.
\u2022 Conduct supply chain audits, cost takeout, and margin analysis.
Commercialization:
\u2022 Bring products and designs to market through operations, finance, and commercial channels.
Design & Packaging Engineering:
\u2022 Lead a Center of Excellence focused on design innovation to meet customer demands at a local and account level.
Customer Experience:
\u2022 Facilitate a different dialogue with all stakeholders through a customer experience center with a clear focus on the customer.
Project Management:
\u2022 Implement project management tools to measure progress and drive efficiencies across the portfolio.
\u2022 Develop a resourcing model to support business priorities and manage technical resource allocations.
\u2022 Consult with and influence management across functions and business units to ensure alignment and drive issue resolution.
\u2022 Provide portfolio and project status updates to senior management monthly and drive quarterly project prioritization.
Leadership Skills:
\u2022 Coach, mentor, and teach key skills in leadership, stakeholder management, problem-solving, risk management, and budgeting.
\u2022 Recruit top talent to the organization.
\u2022 Develop technology value propositions to address customer pain points and champion customer needs.
\u2022 Build robust business cases to commercialize R&D projects in partnership with marketing and product commercialization teams.
\u2022 Foster a culture of creativity and structured problem-solving.
\u2022 Influence P&L leaders and decision-makers across functions to drive decisions and issue resolution.
\u2022 Oversee the continuous improvement and training of the stage-gate process.
Qualifications:
\u2022 Effective communication skills (verbal and written).
\u2022 Thought leadership with the ability to craft and articulate a compelling vision for innovation.
\u2022 An owner\u2019s mindset with a bias for action and the ability to set clear goals and drive accountability.
\u2022 Proven expertise in Portfolio Management with the ability to manage multiple large projects simultaneously.
\u2022 Ability to manage and gauge risk while working with ambiguity.
\u2022 Experience leading a Project Management Office (PMP or other PM certifications preferred).
\u2022 Expertise in driving a cross-functional stage-gate process.
\u2022 Prior R&D experience developing and launching new products.
\u2022 Change agility with experience driving organizational change acceleration.
\u2022 15+ years of leadership experience in a large multinational industrial or consumer products company.
\u2022 10+ years of Portfolio and Project Management experience managing a diverse portfolio of complex R&D projects.
\u2022 Experience managing teams with 10 or more professionals.
\u2022 Experience building and managing annual operating budgets.
\u2022 Ability to recruit and develop top talent and sponsor professional development to build a robust talent pipeline and succession plan.
Technical Skills:
\u2022 Pulp & Paper Manufacturing
\u2022 Engineering
\u2022 Strategic Planning
\u2022 Material Science
\u2022 Technical learning (quickly master new knowledge)
Education:
\u2022 a minimum of a bachelor\u2019s degree with a Masters/PhD preferred
\u2022 Preferred: Six Sigma certification, continuous improvement background
If you are a visionary leader with a passion for innovation and a proven track record in the packaging industry, we invite you to apply and join our team in driving excellence and customer satisfaction.
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.
Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.
