VP, Innovation

Requirements Description & Requirements 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. 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 Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Strategy, Corporate Development, Manufacturing Operations, and Finance on the technology, design and product roadmap. Prepare, monitor, and deliver on business objectives, plans, budgets, and ROI measures. Encourage continuous learning, exploration, and innovation of new products and processes. Lead long-term technology planning with internal and external teams. Partner with strategy and corporate development/M&A for technology scouting and acquisition. Track and report on KPIs with innovation leaders and guide the team to evaluate and accelerate business opportunities. Develop relationships with internal partners, customers, and industry associations to promote innovation. Discovery Partner across sales, segments, and market development teams to organize and prioritize projects (desirable, viable, feasible). Research, Scientific Development, Testing & Technical Focus on new product development, R&D, barrier testing requirements. Conduct supply chain audits, cost takeout, and margin analysis. Commercialization Bring products and designs to market through operations, finance, and commercial channels. Design & Packaging Engineering Lead a Center of Excellence focused on design innovation to meet customer demands at a local and account level. Customer Experience Facilitate a different dialogue with all stakeholders through a customer experience center with a clear focus on the customer. Project Management Implement project management tools to measure progress and drive efficiencies across the portfolio. Develop a resourcing model to support business priorities and manage technical resource allocations. Consult with and influence management across functions and business units to ensure alignment and drive issue resolution. Provide portfolio and project status updates to senior management monthly and drive quarterly project prioritization. Leadership Skills Coach, mentor, and teach key skills in leadership, stakeholder management, problem-solving, risk management, and budgeting. Recruit top talent to the organization. Develop technology value propositions to address customer pain points and champion customer needs. Build robust business cases to commercialize R&D projects in partnership with marketing and product commercialization teams. Foster a culture of creativity and structured problem-solving. Influence P&L leaders and decision-makers across functions to drive decisions and issue resolution. Oversee the continuous improvement and training of the stage-gate process. Qualifications Effective communication skills (verbal and written). Thought leadership with the ability to craft and articulate a compelling vision for innovation. An owner’s mindset with a bias for action and the ability to set clear goals and drive accountability. Proven expertise in Portfolio Management with the ability to manage multiple large projects simultaneously. Ability to manage and gauge risk while working with ambiguity. Experience leading a Project Management Office (PMP or other PM certifications preferred). Expertise in driving a cross-functional stage-gate process. Prior R&D experience developing and launching new products. Change agility with experience driving organizational change acceleration. 15+ years of leadership experience in a large multinational industrial or consumer products company. 10+ years of Portfolio and Project Management experience managing a diverse portfolio of complex R&D projects. Experience managing teams with 10 or more professionals. Experience building and managing annual operating budgets. Ability to recruit and develop top talent and sponsor professional development to build a robust talent pipeline and succession plan. Technical Skills Pulp & Paper Manufacturing Engineering Strategic Planning Material Science Technical learning (quickly master new knowledge) Education A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a Masters/PhD preferred. 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 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.

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