Human Generalist (Escanaba, MI)

Billerud AB; Escanaba, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Medical benefits

Job summary

Billerud NA is seeking an HR Generalist to support the development and execution of HR strategy across mill operations in Escanaba, MI. You will partner with leaders to drive labor relations, talent management, and HR operations while growing independence.

This role emphasizes data-driven decisions, employee relations, coaching for managers, and overseeing CBA administration. Minimal travel, strong communication, and change-management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field with 3–5 years of experience.
• Experience in labor relations, employee benefits, compensation, and HRIS systems.
• Arbitration and negotiation experience and ability to lead change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support HR strategy, labor relations, talent management, and employee relations across mill areas.
• Coach leaders and managers; provide data-driven recommendations on people decisions.
• Administer CBA processes and lead or assist in labor relation activities.

Skills

HR analytics

Leadership coaching

Communication skills

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Labor relations processes

Job description

Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Billerud’s mission to lead the way when it comes to challenging conventional packaging and business? Our decisions are guided by the promise of creating a better tomorrow. Building a future where lighter, stronger, more durable and sustainable packaging is the natural choice not only requires experience and expertise, but also takes dedication, teamwork and perseverance. This is a journey that we are making together with our talented staff and our customers.

Purpose:

The HRGeneralist supports the development and execution of Human Resources strategy and practices that foster an engaged, productive, and positive work environment. This role partners with leaders and employees across assigned departments and provides day‑to‑day HR support while contributing to labor relations, talent management, employee relations, and HR operational initiatives. The position operates with growing independence while receiving guidance on complex or high‑risk matters.

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure safety remains the top priority while exemplifying Billerud’s values.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership by providing objective analysis utilizing data-driven recommendations on people and organizational decisions within area of responsibility.
• Analyze HR and labor analytics to identify trends and drive improvement activities.
• Provide leadership coaching and training for managers, supervisors and key mill leaders. This position will be responsible for supporting multiple departments/areas of the mill.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members and managers at all levels.
• Ensure proper administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) for areas of responsibility.
• Leads or assists in labor relation activities, including arbitration and negotiations as needed.
• Manage administrative systems that support the CBA and labor relations processes.
• Lead investigations, issuing of discipline, and other contractual issues for areas of responsibility.
• Partner with leadership on succession and workforce planning, performance management, goal setting, headcount management, and staffing strategies aligned to operational needs for areas of responsibility.
• Promote and facilitate changes in the hourly work environment to increase employee engagement and productivity.
• Ability to lead change or process improvement projects to their result to include, efficiency improvement, cost reduction and implementing nontraditional or high performing work systems.
• Lead and/or participate in the hourly production and craft hiring processes.
• Responsible for salaried recruiting for positions across the mill.
• Assist with college recruitment efforts.
• Participate in or lead new team member orientation process.
• Lead or assist in the development of employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive working relationship.
• Lead or assist in talent management initiatives for the mill or area of responsibility.

Minimum Required Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field and 3-5 years of experience in human resources or related experience.
• Pulp, Paper or Packaging Industry or 24/7 manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in applying talent & organizational development and training principles.
• Experience in labor relations, employee benefits, compensation, and HRIS systems.
• Ability to define and implement strategic initiatives.
• Arbitration and negotiation experience.
• Experience being a strong change agent.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, dynamic and evolving work environment.
• Knowledge of applicable employment and labor law.
• Possess excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to collaboratively work with and/or lead teams.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills

Travel: Minimal

Billerud NA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

Why us?

At Billerud, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward‑thinking team dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future. We’re committed to supporting your growth, well‑being, and long‑term success.

• Impactful Work – Contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives.
• Career Growth – Access development programs and internal advancement opportunities.
• Education Support – Tuition reimbursement + certificate programs through partner schools.
• Competitive Compensation – Performance‑based bonus eligibility (role dependent).
• Multiple medical plans with virtual care options
• Generous 401(k) offerings
• HSA contribution match + additional preventive exam contribution
• Company‑paid disability insurance

Our recruitment process may include interviews, recruitment test, reference checks, and alcohol & drug testing.