HR Business Partner

Canfor; DeRidder (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Canfor seeks an HR Business Partner to align people strategies with Wood Product Operations. You will partner with HR Centers of Excellence to deliver HR initiatives, supporting Regional HR Managers, Operations employees, and mill leadership across U.S. regions.

The role emphasizes policy guidance, compliance with federal/state/local laws, and impactful talent programs, including project management for mill acquisitions/openings in 2024–2025. Strong communication and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in human resources or in a leadership position with hands-on experience.
• Solid understanding of the key principles of employment law (FLSA, FMLA, ADA).
• Experience handling investigations and employee relations issues.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents including Profit and Loss statements.

Responsibilities

• Consult HR Managers and Operations on company policies, employee relations, and HR management.
• Ensure HR compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Drive strategic HR initiatives with the Senior Director of HR and Regional HR Managers.
• Support mill leadership across Central U.S. Operations and Fiber Procurement & Residuals in all U.S. regions.
• Act as HR project manager for mill acquisitions and new mill openings (2024–2025).
• Partner with learning and development to deliver onboarding, leadership, and technical training, including Apprenticeship Maintenance and Industrial Leadership programs.
• Support annual performance and talent reviews and career development planning.
• Coordinate global mobility transfers between Canada and the U.S., including immigration/relocation support.
• Provide HR advice and consultation on performance management, conflict management, and resolution.

Skills

Relationship management

Policy compliance

Employee relations

Leadership collaboration

HR systems

Education

Post-secondary diploma/degree in a relevant field

Job description

You excel in relationship management, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with ease. Your deep understanding of policies and procedures ensures ethical and aligned decisions. With meticulous attention to detail and strong problem‑solving skills, you tackle challenges head‑on, creating a harmonious work environment.

Reporting to the Regional HR Manager, this HR Business Partner role supports the strategic alignment of business objectives for all people‑related activities within our Wood Product Operations.

In this role, you’ll support our Regional HR Manager, Operations employees, leadership, and HR Managers, focusing on partnering with HR Centers of Excellence (Talent Management, Talent Acquisitions, Total Rewards, HR Service and Systems) to deliver against HR’s corporate strategy.

A day in the life of the HR Business Partner includes:

• Consultation and Advice: Provide guidance to HR Managers and Operations on company policies, employee relations, and human resources management.
• Compliance: Ensure HR compliance with federal, state, and local laws relating to equal employment opportunity, unemployment compensation, and other employment‑related legislation.
• Strategic HR Initiatives: Partner with the Senior Director of HR and other Regional HR Managers to drive business‑critical HR initiatives, aligning programs, processes, and projects with strategic business objectives.
• Support and Leadership: Provide support to HR Managers and mill leadership within Central U.S. Operations and Fiber Procurement & Residuals across all U.S. regions.
• Project Management: Act as HR project manager for mill acquisitions and new mill openings, with a primary focus in 2024 and 2025.
• Training and Development: Partner with the corporate learning and development department to assist with developing and delivering training content for onboarding, leadership, and technical skills. Support the newly created Apprenticeship Maintenance program, Industrial Leadership Program, and other programs fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Performance and Talent Management: Support Regional HR Managers and mill leadership with the annual performance review process, talent review process, and career development planning. Act as a talent ambassador for high‑potential employees, focusing on creating opportunities to expedite the capabilities and growth of our most important asset: our people.
• Employee Relations: Provide HR advice and consultation on performance management, conflict management, and resolution.
• Safety and Compliance: Coordinate with the Safety Manager regarding workers’ compensation, DOT, OSHA, and EPA compliance.
• Employment Activity: Facilitate all employment activity within the region in coordination with HR Managers, General Managers, and mill management.
• Record Keeping: Ensure HR Managers maintain impeccable records of employee data, benefits enrollment, and personnel transactions while managing complex employee relations matters with sensitivity and discretion.
• Community and Education Initiatives: Support community and education initiatives in the region that help foster Canfor’s brand awareness.
• Reporting and Analytics: Responsible for reporting and analytics of key HR metrics and KPIs.
• Global Mobility: Coordinate global mobility transfers between Canada and the U.S., including support for immigration and relocation.
• Communications Liaison: Act as a communications liaison for the mills, including support for mill hourly newsletters and digital signage initiatives.

For this role come equipped with the following:

• A post‑secondary diploma/degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of previous experience in human resources or in a leadership position where practical hands‑on experience was obtained.
• A demonstrated understanding of client service.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully supporting multiple operating locations.
• Solid understanding of the key principles of employment law, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, etc.
• Experience in handling investigations and employee relations issues.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents, including Profit and Loss statements.

Ideally, you also possess a SHRM designation or have commitment to obtaining one, you have previous experience working in the forestry industry or manufacturing, along with familiarity with HR systems.

If you have excellent verbal and written communication skills coupled with the capacity to maintain composure in high‑pressure scenarios, click that “apply” button today!

At Canfor, we embrace diversity, valuing everyone’s unique qualities. We believe that inclusion and diversity are crucial for our productivity, creativity, innovation, and competitive edge. Our recruitment process is fair and equitable, based on qualifications and experience.

Why Canfor?

We’re a global leader in low‑carbon forest products like lumber, pulp, paper, wood pellets, and green energy. We prioritize innovation, environmental practices, and community support. In the U.S., we operate as Canfor Southern Pine, offering high‑quality, sustainable Southern Yellow Pine.

Join us today, and together, we can build a sustainable future.

We appreciate all candidates’ interest but will contact only those selected for interviews. Our hiring for various positions is ongoing and includes different screening processes such as behavioral assessments, references, criminal record checks, and drug testing, depending on the role and location.