Government Relations Manager

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.

The purpose of the Government Relations team is to advance and protect the company’s business objectives by proactively shaping state level legislative and regulatory outcomes in alignment with corporate strategy by:

• Advancing the company’s public policy priorities by monitoring, influencing, and shaping legislative and regulatory activity at the state level

• Protecting and enabling business operations, sustainability initiatives, and long term growth by proactively managing government and regulatory risk

• Aligning government engagement with corporate strategy through strong partnerships with internal leaders, policymakers, and external stakeholders

The opportunity:

The Senior Manager State Government Relations is responsible for advancing Smurfit Westrock’s state-level public policy priorities across key U.S. markets. This role monitors and influences legislative and regulatory activity affecting manufacturing operations, sustainability initiatives, and overall business objectives.

The position will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure alignment between public policy engagement and company strategy.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Monitor, analyze, and communicate state legislative and regulatory developments impacting the business, including environmental policy, recycling, extended producer responsibility (EPR), forestry, tax, transportation, and workforce issues.

• Develop and implement state government relations strategies in partnership with the Senior Director and Government Relations team.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with state legislators, governors’ offices, regulatory agencies, and key committee staff.

• Serve as a strategic liaison between government entities and internal business leaders.

• Manage and coordinate external lobbying firms and consultants in assigned states.

• Represent Smurfit Westrock in industry associations, coalitions, and stakeholder forums.

• Prepare clear, concise policy briefings and materials for senior leadership.

• Support site-level government engagement related to economic development, permitting, and regulatory matters.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support issues management and rapid response efforts

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, business, or related field required.

• 8+ years of experience in state government relations, public policy, or related role.

• Experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, forestry, or packaging industries preferred.

• Strong knowledge of state legislative and regulatory processes.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Ability to travel within assigned region as needed.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking

• Relationship management

• Analytical skills

• Collaboration

• Sound judgment

• Results orientation

What we offer:

· Corporate culture based on loyalty, integrity, & respect.

· Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities

· An attractive salary reflects skills, competencies, and potential.

· A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.