Human Resources Specialist

Smurfit-Westrock; Milton; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training with learning &

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock, based in Milton, Ontario, seeks an HR Specialist to lead core HR programs and employee-related initiatives for a 200-employee plant operating 24/7. You will champion HR strategy, onboarding, benefits, safety, and employee relations, partnering with Talent Acquisition and plant management to support a robust talent pipeline and compliant operations.

The role emphasizes inspection of attendance, discipline, performance, and workforce planning, requiring strong communication, data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR Management or Labour Relations or equivalent
• 3–5 years of related HR experience
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to travel in Canada and the US on occasion
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Experience in HR policy deployment, employee relations and talent development

Responsibilities

• Partner with frontline employees and supervisors to foster positive employee relations
• Implement HR strategies, policies and procedures that align with business goals
• Provide guidance on HR-related matters to plant management and staff
• Develop and monitor progressive discipline plans for attendance, conduct and performance issues
• Ensure compliance with provincial and federal laws and reporting requirements
• Coach managers on employee relations and diversity initiatives; support talent acquisition and training
• Investigate and resolve employee relations issues and respond to surveys for policy planning
• Collaborate with HR to manage workforce planning and development of compensation and training initiatives

Skills

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Oral and written communication

Data analysis

Job design & project management

Ambiguity tolerance

Organized

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR Management or Labour Relations

Job description

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.

Our Milton plant manufactures corrugated boxes and operators 24/7. We are looking for an HR Specialist to join our team.

The HR Specialist 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. This role serves as employee champion, managing the lifecycle of the employee’s employment, training, participating in safety and health and employee relations.

With approximately 200 employees, the HR Specialist will perform a variety of human resources responsibilities that include recruiting, onboarding new hires, timekeeper responsibilities, benefit and pension administration, employee relations, and any other Human Resources related activities.

The fully competent professional; possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures to complete complex assignments in a fast paced environment.

How you will impact WestRock:

• Create strategic business partnerships with front-line employees and supervisors to promote positive employee relations.
• Implement HR strategies, policies, and procedures that support the overall business objectives and ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance and expertise on HR-related matters to plant management and employees.
• 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 Provincial and Federal regulatory requirements and reporting.
• Coach and advise front-line employees and managers regarding employee relations policies, and proper operating procedures. Develop strategies to increase workforce diversity, optimize core and pivotal talent, and endure a robust talent pipeline for future hires.
• Partner with Talent Acquisitions to manage the workforce plan development and implementation, assisting with compensation and training initiatives.
• Investigate questions and/or complaints to resolve employee relations issues.
• Ensure compliance with all application federal and provincial applicable legislations and ensure compliance with company policies
• May conduct and summarize internal and external surveys to gather information for policy development and planning.
• Works as a change agent within the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelors’ degree in HR Management or Labour Relations or equivalent education.
• Minimum 3 - 5 years of related experience
• Possess strong computer skills utilizing Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to travel in Canada and the US on occasion.
• Possess exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of: business acumen, consulting, systems thinking, data analysis, job design and project management in a human resources role and structure
• Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity, recognize trends, and identify systemic approaches to solving problems in a fast-moving, constantly changing environment
• Must be exceptionally organized and able to multi-task

What we offer:

• Corporate culture is based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• An attractive salary reflects skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

This posting is for an existing job vacancy.

The salary range for this position is $78,000 - $128,000. The range listed is the expected pay for roles in Ontario, Canada.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Smurfit Westrock will, upon request from the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact Smurfit Westrock, Human Resources about your needs and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

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.