HR Manager - Yakima, WA

Smurfit Westrock; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 173,750; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Yakima, WA, is seeking an HR Manager to lead implementation of core HR programs and employee initiatives at the corrugated container facility.

The role focuses on compensation, benefits, training, safety, employee relations, and labor relations, with onsite responsibilities and close collaboration with plant leadership to drive a high-performing culture and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of HR Generalist or manager experience in a unionized setting.
• Bachelor's Degree in HR Management or related field.
• Knowledge of OFCCP compliance.
• Experience with HRIS, payroll, benefits, and HR principles.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to change in the work environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with front-line staff and supervisors to strengthen employee relations.
• Implement HR strategies and policies that support business objectives and regulatory compliance.
• Provide guidance on HR-related matters to plant management and employees.
• Drive a high-performing culture through engagement and action planning.
• Create progressive discipline plans related to attendance, conduct and performance issues.
• Manage labor relations and administration of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Collaborate with Safety leadership to promote a culture of safety.
• Coach and advise employees and managers on employee relations and leave management.

Skills

HR Generalist

Union relations

Leave management

OFCCP knowledge

Communication skills

Adaptability

Labor relations

HR policies knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR Management or related field

Tools

HRIS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

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. The 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 high‑performing culture through engagement strategies, survey feedback, and action planning.
• Create progressive discipline plans to monitor, review and make suggestions for corrective actions related to 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, including 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 an HR Generalist or manager in a complex, unionized environment. Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in HR Management or related business degree preferred; will consider relevant combination of experience and education.
• Working knowledge of federal compliance guidelines (e.g., OFCCP).
• Working knowledge of HRIS tools and payroll systems, employment laws, benefits, and 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.
• Bonus: Short Term Incentive Plan based on company performance.
• Long Term Incentive Eligible: No.
• Other compensation: Merit Increases.
• Additional salary range: $104,250 – $173,750 (depending on role, level, location).

Benefits

Smurfit Westrock offers a variety of benefits and group health insurance options, the premium costs of which are currently shared by employees and Smurfit Westrock (health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance), paid time off, employee assistance program, 401(k) with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and more.

What We Offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• 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.