HR Manager - Yakima, WA

Smurfit Westrock plc; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

401K with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc is searching for an HR Manager in Yakima, WA, to oversee HR programs and employee initiatives. The role involves driving compliance, managing compensation, and fostering a high-performing culture.

Candidates should have 5-7 years of HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing setting, along with a relevant HR degree. The compensation ranges from $90,000 to $120,000 annually, with additional benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of HR experience in a unionized manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of HR compliance guidelines and employment laws.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changes in work environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of HR programs and employee-related initiatives.
• Manage compensation, employment, benefits, safety, and employee relations.
• Drive culture through engagement strategies and compliance.

Skills

Experience as HR Generalist or Manager

Union relations management

Communication skills

HRIS tools knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor Degree in HR Management or related field

Job description

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 compensation, employment, benefits, training, safety and health, employee relations, and labor relations.

This position is located onsite at the Yakima, WA Corrugated Container facility.

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.
• Drive a high performing culture through engagement strategies and survey feedback and action planning.
• 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.
• 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.
• Partner with Safety leadership to promote a culture of safety to include identifying trends, training, accountability and consistent worker compensation practices.
• Coach and advise front‑line employees and managers regarding employee relations policies, absence management, 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.
• Investigate questions and/or complaints to resolve employee relations issues.

What you need to succeed

• 5 to 7 years of experience as HR Generalist or manager in a complex, unionized environment. Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Bachelor Degree HR Management or related business degree preferred; will consider relevant combination of experience and education.
• Working knowledge of Federal compliance guidelines (i.e. OFCCP) and HRIS tools and payroll systems, employment laws, benefits, HR principles.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and HRIS software.
• Experience managing union relationships and labor relations.
• Experience supporting leave management processes.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to quickly adapt to change in the work environment.

Compensation

Summary Pay Range: $90,000 - $120,000. (Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications)

Bonus: Short Term Incentive Plan, plan based on company performance.

Other compensation offered: Merit Increases.

Benefits

• Corporate culture is based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary reflecting 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.
• Group health insurance options, including health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance.
• Paid time off, employee assistance program, 401K with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, and employee referral bonus.