Human Resources Generalist (Escanaba, MI)

Billerud Finland Oy

Escanaba (MI)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Billerud NA in Escanaba, MI seeks a Human Resources Generalist to support HR strategy, labor relations, and employee development across the mill. You will advise leadership, analyze HR data, and drive workforce initiatives in a fast-moving manufacturing setting.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field with 3–5 years of HR experience, plus knowledge of labor law and AR/negotiation skills. Travel minimal, and a strong change agent is desired.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Organizational Development, or related field with 3–5 years of HR 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.
Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
Ability to collaboratively work with and/or lead teams.
Strong presentation and facilitation skills

Responsibilities

Maintain safety as the top priority and model Billerud values.
Advise leadership with data-driven recommendations on people and organizational decisions.
Analyze HR and labor analytics to identify trends and drive improvements.
Provide leadership coaching and training for managers and mill leaders.
Lead or assist in labor relation activities, including arbitration and negotiations.
Manage administrative systems supporting CBA and labor relations processes.
Lead investigations, issuing discipline, and other contractual issues.
Partner with leadership on succession and workforce planning, performance management, and staffing strategies.
Promote changes in hourly work environment to increase engagement and productivity.
Lead or assist in hourly and salaried hiring processes.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee benefits

HRIS systems

Compensation management

Arbitration experience

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Job description

Human Resources Generalist (Escanaba, MI)

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.

Qualifications

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.

Personal qualities

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

Application information

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).
Comprehensive Benefits –
- Multiple medical plans with virtual care options
- Generous 401(k) offerings
- HSA contribution match + additional preventive exam contribution
- Dental & vision coverage
- Company‑paid disability insurance
- Prescription benefits

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

Do you want to help create a sustainable future through your work?

At Billerud, we are fully committed to reduce our and our customers carbon footprint by offering high-performance paper and packaging materials. We are convinced that the right solutions can be important toolsto help fight climate change. That's why we see it as our responsibility to enable the best packaging choices, for a bettertomorrow.

Our proud history in the forestry and paper industry goes back more than 150 years. Since then, we’ve grown to what we are today: a world leading company in high-performing paper and packaging materials - passionately committed to sustainability, quality, and customer value. Our materials are the basis of packaging and paper products used by millions of people around the world, 24 hours a day, all yearround.

We serve customers in more than 100 countries through our three business areas Liquid Packaging Board, Paper and Paper Board. Our nine production units are located in Sweden, USA, and Finland and we have around 5,200 employees in 16 countries. Our annual turnover is approximately SEK 40.5 billion and the share is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. At Billerud we always put safety first, care for each other, and do what we say.

Join us in redefining sustainable packaging and drive meaningful change for a bettertomorrow.