Junior project manager

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE: SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, with over 100 000 employees working in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting plants and 62 paper mills. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.


We are looking for an enthusiastic Junior Project Manager to join our Research and Development team based at our facility in Epernay (France) or Ibi (Spain). In this role you will lead innovation and development projects from idea to market launch. You’ll work closely with customers, sales, production, and external partners to deliver packaging solutions that meet business needs and drive product innovation.



🚀 What You’ll Be Doing


Client-Focused Projects

* Analyze customer needs and create detailed packaging specifications.
* Coordinate feasibility studies and contribute to technical proposals.
* Oversee prototype creation and sample production.
* Support internal and customer trials and assist with technical validation.
* Regularly review project performance with the sales team.


Development Projects

* Support new packaging components and solution development (films, spouts, caps).
* Monitoring of timelines, costs, and compliance with specifications.
* Lead cross-functional project meetings and report progress to stakeholders.


Cross-Functional Initiatives

* Contribute to packaging standardization, optimization, and innovation projects.
* Provide technical support (client meetings, internal training, webinars).
* Attend conferences and exhibitions as part of technology scouting.



⭐️ What You Bring


* Technically skilled – You hold a Master’s degree in engineering, packaging, or food science. Previous experience with plastic materials and manufacturing processes.
* Fluent in English – Fluency in other languages like Spanish is plus.
* A natural project driver – You enjoy working in teams and being multi-tasking.
* Proactive and curious – You don’t wait to be told what to do—you seek answers, think creatively, and act fast.
* Organized and people-savvy – You’re structured, collaborative, and comfortable engaging with clients and colleagues.
* Ready to travel – Occasional trips across Europe will be required to connect with various stakeholders.



📦 Projects You’ll Work On


* Quick Wins (Fast Track): Fast-paced projects using proven technologies in new applications.
* New Developments: Mid-range projects where you help design and test entirely new packaging components or concepts.
* Big Innovations: Long-term strategic work—think breakthrough technologies and next-generation packaging aligned with our global vision.




Smurfit Westrock is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, status as a Vietnam Era, disabled veteran, special disabled veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal Veteran, recently separated or other protected veteran. Smurfit Westrock also complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination in places where Smurfit Westrock operates.