Area HR Manager

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.

The Opportunity :

The HR Manager is responsible for leading implementation of core HR programs and employee-related initiatives in the business to ensure an effective, sustainable people strategy over the long term.

The HR Manager serves as employee champion, managing a multi-functional HR Department including compensation, employment, benefits, training, safety and health, employee relations, and labor relations.

This role is responsible for developing talent strategies to increase workforce diversity, optimize core and pivotal talent, and ensure a robust talent pipeline for the future.

Business Excellence :

• Coordinate labor relations activities including contract interpretation and grievance administration
• Serve as strategic partner using data-driven diagnostics for decision-making to foster cultural change in business transformation
• Foster a continuous learning environment through developing and improving the knowledge and skills of the organization, including analyzing training needs, determining how to meet the training needs, as well as coaching and mentoring future leaders
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal and State Laws including EEO, FMLA, HIPAA, ADA, and Collective Bargaining
• Develop and continually improve the safety and health processes for the facility and compliance with regulations
• Manage administrative functions to ensure HR systems and records are accurate, consistent, and efficient
• Oversee budget expense management and adjustments to align with business goals

People and Culture :

• Serve as change agent as WestRock continues to expand with a goal of providing world-class customer and employee experience
• Promote employee and organizational development including leadership development, succession planning, performance management programs, skills gap analysis, and individual career development
• Consult with General Managers and Operations Managers to understand how to navigate operational challenges and engineering issues
• Consult and advise Mill Leadership Team on topics of interest that could have a major impact on employee morale
• Resolve people related issues, settle disputes, and conduct internal investigative procedures

Critical Skills / Capabilities :

• Communication : Creates and delivers engaging presentations to internal and external audiences; develops new communication strategies and approaches to communicate data, insights, and critical messages resulting in clear understanding
• Strategic Thinking : Develops short and long-term courses of action that support the organization's overall vision and mission;
• balances business, technical, and operational issues when determining a strategy; identifies problems with current strategies and suggests ways to resolve them;
• incorporates knowledge of WestRock’s goals / strategy as well as competitive, customer, supplier, industry, or marketplace trends into strategic plans;

capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks

Coaching : Provides people with tools, knowledge, and opportunities to develop themselves; determines employees’ training needs, works with employees to produce continuous development plans, and provides regular feedback and coaching to help employees develop in current and future roles;

visibly supports culture and teams

Leadership : Leads and motivates a team of people to achieve performance excellence; ability to read people and situations and adjust approach accordingly;

proactively leads and enforces initiatives that drive organizational effectiveness; teaches others how to build trust-based relationships

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

Problem-Solving : Applies knowledge to frame, simplify and solve complex issues; focuses on identifying root causes to create solutions in a timely and decisive manner;

reconciles conflicting and / or incomplete information to develop solutions

Technical Skills :

• Microsoft Office - Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint,
• Human Resources Information System (i.e. PeopleSoft, Cornerstone, Success Factors)
• CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
• Applicant Testing and Tracking Systems (i.e. Select International)

What you need to succeed :

• 7 to 10 years of experience as HR Generalist in complex, unionized manufacturing environment
• HR related role in Paper and Pulp Manufacturing industry
• Bachelor’s Degree HR Management or related business degree or Masters in HR, PHR or SHRM Certifications

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.