HR Generalist

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.

Job Summary :

The HR Generalist is responsible for overseeing labor relations, policies and procedures, recruitment and talent management for assigned client group at the Blue Springs, MO and Liberty, MO plants.

This position is responsible for serving as the business liaison for managing union relationships while assisting with human resource initiatives designed to drive continuous improvement of HR and mill metrics.

Overall, the HR Generalist is responsible for providing day-to-day HR functional support for the facility.

Major Job Responsibilities :

Business Excellence

• Manage recruitment and hiring efforts for the facilit(ies) including partnering with University co-op programs
• Create strategic business partnerships with front-line employees and supervisors to promote positive employee relations
• Create progressive discipline plans to monitor, review and make suggestions for corrective actions for attendance, punctuality, conduct and performance issues
• Implement human resource policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements and reporting
• Coordinate recruitment efforts, establish interview and selection procedures, develop job announcements and interview materials, and conduct interviews for hourly employees
• Investigate questions and / or complaints to resolve employee relations issues People and Culture
• Serve as first point of contact for labor relations to manage grievance procedures and administration of the collective bargaining agreement and labor union contract negotiations
• Coach and advise front-line employees and managers regarding employee relations policies, contractual labor agreements interpretation and proper operating procedures
• Partner with Talent Acquisitions to manage the workforce plan development and implementation, assisting with compensation and training initiatives

Critical Skills / Capabilities :

Time Management : Plans, prioritizes, and manages time spent on accomplishing tasks to increase productivity and efficiency;

demonstrates awareness and control over amount of time spent on activities; meets deadlines

Communication : Clearly exchanges thoughts, ideas, and messages through written, verbal, and non-verbal methods that promote an understanding with the target audience;

listens carefully and attentively

Analytical : Demonstrates a general understanding of various sources of information or data that are relevant to the business;

summarizes or integrates information for routine problems or issues with oversight from others as necessary

Customer-Oriented : Demonstrates concern for satisfying external and / or internal customers; resolves customer issues in a timely manner;

communicates with customers to ensure alignment and satisfaction; ability to operate with customers' best interests in mind

• Interpersonal Skills : Can relate to and communicate effectively with others to build rapport and relationships
• Problem-Solving : Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions;

makes recommendations; demonstrates tackling a problem by using a logical, systematic, or sequential approach

Decision-Making : Plans and decides on the course of action while allowing for flexibility to support ad-hoc scenarios;

demonstrates ability to balance competing priorities

Collaboration : Works effectively with others to complete a task or achieve a common objective; ability to cooperate in both interpersonal and team relationships to foster enthusiasm and maintain mutual trust, candor, and respect for others.

Works through conflict constructively

Technical Skills :

• Microsoft Office - Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word
• Working knowledge of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and payroll systems
• Working knowledge of labor relations, employment laws, benefits, HR principles

Other Qualifications :

To perform the duties of the job, this role requires :

• Frequently reaching by extending two arms
• Frequently using fingers to grasp with two hands
• Frequently using fingers to type with two hands
• Occasionally positioning oneself low to the ground in a crouching position for up to 10 minutes at a time
• Occasionally positioning oneself low to the ground in a kneeling position for up to 5 minutes at a time
• Occasionally reaching by extending fingers on two hands
• Occasionally using fingers to pinch with two hands
• Occasionally exerting force by pulling up to 30 lbs of weight
• Occasionally exerting force by pushing up to 30 lbs of weight
• Occasionally exerting force by lifting up to 30 lbs of weight
• The spoken exchange of ideas to be performed loudly 75-100% of the time
• The spoken exchange of ideas to be performed quickly 75-100% of the time
• The safe and accurate preparation and analyzing of data and figures, monitoring of a computer terminal, or inspection of small defects or parts

Work Environment :

• Primarily works indoors, in an environment that is climate controlled
• Occasionally works outdoors in natural environmental conditions (both hot and cold)
• Occasionally works indoors in an environment that is not climate controlled and has high temperatures
• Occasionally works indoors in an environment that is not climate controlled and has low temperatures
• The role is frequently sedentary, which entails sitting or being stationary
• Occasionally stands or walks for 1-2 hours at a time
• Mix of office and heavy industrial manufacturing environments; noisy work environment; maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations

Experience :

• Required : 3 to 5 years of HR Generalist experience in a fast paced environment
• Preferred : Labor relations experience within a unionized manufacturing facility

Education :

• Required : Bachelor’s degree in HR or Business-related degree
• PHR / SPHR certification preferred

Position will primarily sit in the Liberty, MO plant, with some days being spent in Blue Springs, MO plant. Position is on-site.

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.