Gluing Assistant

Description & Requirements

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.

Smurfit Westrock the global leader in paper-based packaging is offering opportunities at their Belfast based plant (Mallusk Newtownabbey) The Belfast plant is the largest pharmaceutical packaging facility in Ireland and has been in existence for over 100 years. We offer secure full-time employment with excellent career development opportunities, highly competitive salary and employee incentives. The Belfast site has an annual turnover >£40 million and 170 FT employees. Due to continued growth, we are seeking to fill the role:

Production Operative / Gluing Assistant – Pharmaceutical Packaging

Are you a reliable, detail-focused team player looking for a role where quality, consistency, and teamwork really matter? We’re looking for a proactive Gluing Assistant to support our finishing operations, playing an important role in delivering high-quality packaging to our customers.

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and take pride in accuracy, teamwork, and learning new skills, this is a great opportunity to develop your career within pharmaceutical packaging.

Job Purpose

You will support the final finishing stage of our production process, working as part of a crew on the Finishing production line. You will follow standard operating procedures to ensure cartons are fed, glued, inspected, and packed to the required customer and quality standards, while supporting the Machine Operator and wider team.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Quality

• Work as part of a crew on the Finishing production line, reporting to and supporting the Machine Operator
• Feed cartons into the gluing machine in line with standard operating procedures
• Quality check cartons whilst feeding into the gluing machine
• Quality check glued cartons as they exit the gluing line
• Pack finished products into the correct corrugates in line with customer specifications
• Comply with sampling processes as per customer requirements
• Rotate duties across the finishing department as required
• Work in accordance with company procedures to comply with Health & Safety requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• No experience required full training provided
• Experience in manufacturing/ print is desirable
• Ability to take ownership of output and product quality

Person Specification

• Results‑driven with a strong focus on quality
• Flexible and able to work a double‑day shift pattern, Monday to Friday
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication skills
• Confident problem‑solver with a proactive mindset
• Adaptable and open to change

Salary

Competitive salary: £30,000 – £32,000 (depending on experience)

Opportunities for Progression

Fully trained Gluing Assistants who demonstrate initiative, leadership, and strong technical ability will have opportunities to progress into:

• Trainee Machine Operator roles
• Technical specialist or trainer roles
• Continuous improvement or project roles

Benefits

• Free onsite parking
• Enhanced pension contributions
• 195 hours flexible holiday allowance, plus 8 annual bank holidays
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company sponsored education opportunities
• Employee perks and discount platform
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Long service awards
• Reward and recognition initiatives
• Shift premium paid in addition to basic salary