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.
Position: Human Resources Manager
Job Code: HRBPM4 + Mgr II, HRBP
Location: Sheldon Springs, VT
The Opportunity
The Human Resources Manager will provide day-to-day HR functional support to the Missisquoi Mill. This position will have responsibility for employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, talent management, labor relations and human resources metrics. The HR Business Partner will be responsible for driving continuous improvement of human resources services as a strategic partner to the business. This position will report to the General Manager at the Missisquoi paper mill located in Sheldon Springs, VT.
How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock
- Act as a culture champion, promoting engagement, inclusion, and retention in a demanding industrial environment
- Serve as the primary HR business partner to mill leadership, supporting a 140‑employee, unionized manufacturing workforce operating 24/7
- Lead labor relations strategy, including contract administration, grievance handling, and partnership with union representatives to maintain a productive labor environment
- Interpret and administer the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), ensuring consistent application across all shifts and departments
- Creates strategic business partnerships with front-line employees and supervisors to promote positive employee relations.
- Implements human resource policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements including EEO, FMLA, ADA, and federal and state wage and hour laws.
- Oversee recruiting and workforce planning for hourly and salaried roles in a continuous manufacturing environment, including skilled trades and operators
- Lead performance management processes, including evaluations, corrective actions, and coaching for front‑line leaders
- Analyze HR metrics (turnover, absenteeism, overtime, grievances) to identify trends and recommend operational improvements.
- Coaches and advises front-line employees and managers regarding employee relations policies, policy and procedure interpretation and proper operating procedures.
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to manage the recruiting process and ensure accurate, market-based compensation recommendations are provided and best-in-class onboarding practices are utilized.
- Investigates questions and/or complaints to resolve employee relations issues.
- Conducts periodic training on applicable topics including sexual harassment, diversity, and employment law.
- Travel as required.
What You Need To Succeed
- A bachelor's degree is preferred with a focus on human resources, organizational development or business.
- A minimum of 5 years of Human Resources experience. SHRM or HRCI certifications are a plus.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Ability to investigate and assess employee conflicts objectively and solve such issues using a variety of methods and tools, including coaching and conflict resolution.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and HRIS systems.
- Attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
- Ability to lead change.
- Team building and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical/problem-solving ability.
What We Offer
- Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
- Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
- An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
- Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!
- A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
The salary range for this position is $104,250.00 - $173,750.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 30-Dec-2026.
