Labor Relations Manager

Suzano Packaging; Pine Bluff (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Plan

HSA & HRA

FSAs

Voluntary Benefits

Job summary

Suzano Packaging in Pine Bluff, AR, seeks a Senior Union Manager to lead labor relations and serve as the primary company representative with the United Steelworkers (USW). Reporting to the CHRO, you will own union relationships, drive collective bargaining, and ensure regulatory compliance across labor matters in a dynamic industrial setting.

You will guide change management, support M&A integration, and partner with plant leadership to develop and execute long-term labor relations strategy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in labor relations or related field.
• 10–20 years of progressive labor relations experience in manufacturing or industrial operations.
• Experience with USW or comparable unions is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact with USW representatives at local and district levels.
• Lead collective bargaining negotiations and administer the CBA, including renewals and interpretation.
• Manage the grievance process end-to-end, including investigations and arbitration support.
• Ensure compliance with NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, USERRA, OSHA, and Arkansas regulations; coordinate with legal counsel.

Skills

Labor relations

Union negotiations

Contract interpretation

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations or related field

Job description

Nice to meet you, We Are Suzano!

At Suzano, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. This union gave rise to a meaningful attitude: innovability, which guides us in thinking outside the box and looking beyond to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. We plant and grow trees. We transform this renewable raw material into innovative and sustainable bioproducts that are part of the everyday life of over 2 billion people. We cultivate life on the sheet of the notebook that teaches children, in the diaper that protects babies, in the biodegradable cup of coffee that does not harm the environment, in absorbent papers and in the convenience of using sustainable packaging.

Get to know us in 2 minutes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Dksqf_Nb4

About the Role:

We are looking for a Union Manager to lead labor relations at Suzano Packaging’s Pine Bluff paperboard mill, serving as the company’s primary representative with United Steelworkers (USW). Reporting to the CHRO, you will own the relationship with union leadership, lead collective bargaining, and ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws.

This role plays a key part in supporting organizational transformation in a dynamic industrial environment, requiring someone who combines deep labor relations expertise with adaptability, business acumen, and the ability to engage union partners constructively through periods of growth, M&A integration, and operational evolution.

What You’re Going to Do:

• Serve as the primary point of contact with USW representatives at the local and district levels, building constructive, transparent labor-management relations.

• Lead collective bargaining negotiations and the administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, including renewals and contract interpretation.

• Manage the grievance process end-to-end, including investigation, written responses, and representation in arbitration proceedings.

• Ensure full compliance with NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, USERRA, OSHA, and Arkansas state labor regulations; partner with legal counsel on NLRB and litigation matters.

• Advise plant leadership and supervisors on labor relations issues, contract interpretation, and disciplinary procedures.

• Support change management, M&A integration, and operational excellence initiatives, anticipating and mitigating labor relations risks.

• Develop and execute long-term labor relations strategy aligned with business objectives and Suzano’s growth in North America.

• Train managers and supervisors on labor law, contract provisions, and effective handling of employee relations matters.

• Track labor relations metrics, identify trends, and report status and recommendations to plant leadership and the CHRO.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of negotiations, grievances, and labor relations activity to support compliance and legal defense.

What We Expect from You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or related field; Master’s preferred.

• 10-20 years of progressive labor relations experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including direct collective bargaining and arbitration experience on the company side.

• Substantial experience working with USW or comparable industrial unions strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience supporting M&A integration, plant transformation, or large-scale organizational change is a strong differentiator.

• Deep working knowledge of NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, USERRA, OSHA, and Arkansas labor regulations.

• Industry experience in paper, packaging, chemicals, or similar manufacturing sectors preferred.

• Availability to work fully on-site at the Pine Bluff industrial mill, ensuring close partnership with operational teams and union representatives.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strategic Labor Relations Leader: Brings expertise in collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and labor law to protect company interests while maintaining strong, professional union relationships.

• Adaptable and Transformation-Minded: Thrives in dynamic, fast-changing environments and leads labor relations through periods of growth, integration, and operational change.

• Skilled Negotiator and Communicator: Builds credibility with union leaders, employees, supervisors, and senior leadership through clear communication and creative problem-solving.

• Analytical and Strategic: Uses data, legal insight, and business context to anticipate risks, shape strategy, and inform decisions.

• Hands-On and Present: Comfortable on the plant floor, accessible to operational teams, and engaged in day-to-day labor relations matters.

• Growth-Oriented Professional: Committed to continuous learning and aligned with Suzano’s values of respect, sustainability, and innovability.

• Professionals who share our values Suzano - People and Culture. Read more here: https://www.suzano.com.br/en/suzano/about-us/people-and-culture

We are pleased to offer an attractive compensation and benefits package for this role, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance : Multiple plan options with nationwide networks to support your physical health and preventive care.

• Life and AD&D Insurance : Company-paid basic coverage and optional plans to protect you and your loved ones.

• Disability Insurance : Short-term and long-term coverage to help protect your income in case of illness or injury.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Automatic enrollment with a generous company match to help you plan for the future.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Tax-advantaged accounts with company contributions to help manage healthcare expenses.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Options for healthcare, limited-purpose, and dependent care expenses.

• Voluntary Benefits : Additional protection through accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.

Suzano is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Suzano provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Suzano complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every work location. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

All positions at Suzano are subject to random drug and alcohol screening, performed in conformance with applicable law and internal Policy.