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Job Analysis:
The Senior IT Strategic Operations Director role at Smurfit Westrock is fundamentally about bridging strategic vision with operational execution, specifically within the Cybersecurity function. This position requires a seasoned leader capable of partnering closely with the Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to translate high-level cybersecurity strategy into actionable programs, while ensuring alignment with the company's broader digital transformation and operational goals. The role demands expertise in program and project management, emphasizing not just task completion but the orchestration of cross-functional initiatives that cut through complexity and siloed processes — common challenges in a large, global enterprise like Smurfit Westrock. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are vital because the individual must manage stakeholders at multiple levels, from technical teams to executive leadership and potentially the Board. The position also prioritizes fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, reflecting a need for a proactive problem solver who identifies inefficiencies, streamlines operations, and drives measurable outcomes through KPIs and dashboards. A successful candidate will understand IT governance, have the dexterity to balance strategic planning with the detailed follow-through of change and meeting management, and bring a high level of discretion given the sensitive nature of cybersecurity. Travel hints at the global scope and complexity of coordination required. In the first 6–12 months, success likely means establishing credibility with the CISO and cybersecurity leadership, delivering initial projects on time, enhancing communication flows, and beginning to measure and improve cybersecurity operational effectiveness.
Company Analysis:
Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in paper-based packaging solutions with a vast international footprint involving thousands of employees and numerous operational sites. This scale and market leadership suggest a complex, matrixed organizational environment balancing tradition with innovation. The emphasis on sustainability, safety, and inclusion signals a company culture anchored in responsibility and long-term value creation, but also a readiness to embrace disruptive technologies to stay competitive in the digital age. The company’s positioning as an industry leader implies that innovation in IT — particularly cybersecurity given the role — is not just about risk management but a strategic enabler for business transformation. For this role, the culture probably values integrity, loyalty, and respect, which dovetails with the confidential and trust-dependent nature of cybersecurity leadership. Working at Smurfit Westrock means engaging with a purpose beyond profit: contributing to a sustainable future through innovation in packaging. The Director will likely have significant visibility within IT and cybersecurity leadership and report to a senior executive, reflecting a high-impact, strategic role that must influence diverse teams across geographies. This setting offers significant growth potential for the incumbent who can navigate complexity, cultivate collaboration, and help embed digital transformation throughout cybersecurity operations—driving business success at a global scale.