Human Resources Manager

WestRock Company; Sheldon Springs (VT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

401k with match

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

Job summary

WestRock Company is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager for the Missisquoi Mill in Sheldon Springs, VT. You will lead employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, and HR metrics for a 140‑employee, unionized plant operating 24/7.

You will partner with mill leadership to improve HR services, interpret the CBA, drive compliance with EEO/FMLA/ADA, and support onboarding and compensation decisions. Travel is required as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in HR, OD, or business.
• Minimum 5 years HR experience.
• SHRM or HRCI certifications are a plus.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to investigate and resolve employee conflicts.

Responsibilities

• Act as culture champion, promoting engagement and retention in a unionized manufacturing environment.
• Serve as primary HR business partner to mill leadership for 140 employees.
• Lead labor relations strategy and contract administration.
• Interpret and enforce the CBA across shifts and departments.
• Oversee recruiting and workforce planning for hourly and salaried roles.
• Lead performance management, coaching, and corrective actions.
• Analyze HR metrics to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Provide coaching on employee relations policies and procedures.
• Conduct periodic training on harassment, diversity, and employment law.

Skills

People management

Labor relations

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Change management

Team building

Policy interpretation

Coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business/Organizational Development

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position: Human Resources Manager

Job Code: HRBPM4 + Mgr II, HRBP

Location: Sheldon Springs, VT

The Opportunity

The Human Resources Manager will provide day-to-day HR functional support to the Missisquoi Mill. This position will have responsibility for employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, talent management, labor relations and human resources metrics. The HR Business Partner will be responsible for driving continuous improvement of human resources services as a strategic partner to the business. This position will report to the General Manager at the Missisquoi paper mill located in Sheldon Springs, VT.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock

• Act as a culture champion, promoting engagement, inclusion, and retention in a demanding industrial environment
• Serve as the primary HR business partner to mill leadership, supporting a 140-employee, unionized manufacturing workforce operating 24/7
• Lead labor relations strategy, including contract administration, grievance handling, and partnership with union representatives to maintain a productive labor environment
• Interpret and administer the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), ensuring consistent application across all shifts and departments
• Creates strategic business partnerships with front-line employees and supervisors to promote positive employee relations.
• Implements human resource policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements including EEO, FMLA, ADA, and federal and state wage and hour laws.
• Oversee recruiting and workforce planning for hourly and salaried roles in a continuous manufacturing environment, including skilled trades and operators
• Lead performance management processes, including evaluations, corrective actions, and coaching for front-line leaders
• Analyze HR metrics (turnover, absenteeism, overtime, grievances) to identify trends and recommend operational improvements.
• Coaches and advises front-line employees and managers regarding employee relations policies, policy and procedure interpretation and proper operating procedures.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to manage the recruiting process and ensure accurate, market-based compensation recommendations are provided and best-in-class onboarding practices are utilized.
• Investigates questions and/or complaints to resolve employee relations issues.
• Conducts periodic training on applicable topics including sexual harassment, diversity, and employment law.
• Travel as required.

What you need to succeed

• A bachelor's degree is preferred with a focus on human resources, organizational development or business.
• A minimum of 5 years of Human Resources experience. SHRM or HRCI certifications are a plus.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to investigate and assess employee conflicts objectively and solve such issues using a variety of methods and tools, including coaching and conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and HRIS systems.
• Attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to lead change.
• Team building and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving ability.

What we offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.