Program Manager - Lansing, MI

The Program Managers serves as the operational leader within assigned Account Teams, ensuring plans, timelines, communication, reporting, budgets, and execution activities are organized, aligned, and successfully completed in support of customer and business objectives They act as the central point of coordination between Customer and Sales and internal departments to ensure projects, programs, and ongoing account activities are executed effectively, accurately, and on schedule. This position drives project visibility, operational excellence, process consistency, and customer satisfaction while supporting profitable growth and continuous improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as the operational leader for assigned accounts and account teams, coordinating planning, communication, execution, and ongoing program management activities.

• Lead cross-functional projects and programs from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment among Sales, Service, Production, Fulfillment, Product Management, Marketing, Engineering, and other stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, account calendars, forecasts, and execution schedules to support customer and business objectives.

• Coordinate and facilitate account team meetings, manage action items, and drive accountability for deliverables, deadlines, and project outcomes.

• Monitor project, program, and account performance through reporting, analysis, and communication of key metrics, milestones, risks, and opportunities.

• Manage new product, program, and process development initiatives, including launch planning, readiness reviews, approvals, and implementation activities.

• Coordinate operational execution activities, including prebuild planning, order readiness, fulfillment requirements, inventory-related activities, and departmental handoffs.

• Oversee the development, maintenance, governance, and accuracy of account-related parts, templates, specifications, online ordering platforms, and supporting documentation.

• Support forecasting, budgeting, estimating, quoting, and cost-management activities while maintaining visibility to program performance, profitability, and operational efficiency.

• Develop customer-facing presentations, reports, business reviews, and other communication materials to support account management and strategic initiatives.

• Serve as a primary point of coordination between customers, sales, and internal departments to ensure timely resolution of issues and achievement of customer expectations.

• Coordinate required documentation, agreements, approvals, compliance activities, and record-keeping to support customer and company requirements.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, standardization, cost reduction, and enhanced customer experience across assigned accounts and programs.

• Participate in customer meetings, presentations, site visits, and business development activities as required.

• Provide backup support for other Program Managers and contribute to team objectives and shared account responsibilities.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 3-5 years\u2019 experience in industry-related field.

• High school diploma or general education degree (G.E.D.); bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field preferred.

• Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and related collaboration tools.

• Experience with reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and operational analysis preferred.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with customers.

• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and drive projects to successful completion.

• Reliable attendance and dependability.

• Ability to perform all essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

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.

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.