Senior Manager, Labor Relations

Smurfit Westrock; Atlanta (GA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global packaging company seeks a Senior Manager Labor Relations to oversee labor relations strategies across multiple facilities. The role involves negotiating agreements, managing grievances, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Candidates should have extensive experience in HR and labor relations, particularly in unionized environments. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to influence employee relations and support operational success.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of HR and Labor Relations experience in a unionized environment.
• Substantial experience as first chair in collective bargaining and arbitrations.
• Experience in a manufacturing industry and handling multiple worksites.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate local collective bargaining agreements and participate in union grievances.
• Serve as first chair for labor arbitrations and handle legal matters.
• Guide operational leaders with employee counseling and corrective actions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project management

Leadership

Education

B.A. in Employee Relations or related field

M.A. or M.S. in Employee Relations or Labor/Industrial Relations

Law degree with Labor Law experience

Job description

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Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

The Opportunity:

The role oversees a geographically diverse employee population and requires regular travel. Therefore, no set office location is required. The individual in this role will counsel, support, and service clients through the implementation of Labor Relations strategies and activities to support the success of our operations and manufacturing teams, its leaders, and employees. The role will be the primary contact handling issues involving bargained and non-bargained employees across multiple mills and box plants. Coaching and influencing Company management in employee relations will be critical. This person also will ensure that all labor relations matters and activities are conducted in a manner consistent with Smurfit Westrock’s labor relations and legal strategies, operational and strategic business objectives, safety standards, and Company values.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

In addition, the Senior Manager Labor Relations is responsible for:

• Negotiating local collective bargaining agreements as first chair for Company facilities that align with business objectives and operational needs, as well as strategic Labor Relations priorities.
• Participation in third-step or higher union grievances and support of operational teams in the grievance process, as necessary.
• Serving as first chair for labor arbitrations on behalf of the Company and in support of local management.
• Acting as primary contact for local legal and litigation matters pertaining to labor.
• Responding to and/or filing unfair labor practice charges at the National Labor Relations Board, including drafting position statements and coordinating with outside counsel, as necessary.
• Aiding operational business groups in all aspects of labor relations and engaging directly with HR business partners, responding to issues in a timely and comprehensive manner.
• Guiding operational leaders with employee counseling, corrective actions, and terminations.
• Keeping current on changes to relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations and apprising operational leaders on such changes to ensure compliance and efficient operations.
• Supporting non-union locations and engaging such management teams with positive employee relations trainings and site valuations of vulnerability.
• Supporting the Labor Relations Department in implementing of strategic Labor Relations initiatives.
• Supporting managers, supervisors and employees with problems by coordinating to provide value-added and solutions wherever possible.

What you need to succeed:

• Residence in the southeast or south is a plus.
• B.A. with strong academic achievement; M.A. or M.S. in Employee Relations, Labor/Industrial Relations, or a Human Resources-related field of study.
• Law degree with Labor Law experience is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant Human Resources and Labor Relations experience in a heavily unionized environment.
• Substantial experience as a first chair in collective bargaining.
• Substantial experience handling arbitrations as a first chair.
• Experience in a manufacturing industry.
• Responsibility for multiple worksites over a broad geographical area, supporting several local management teams.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Leadership experience, including clear examples of self-directed project management.
• Experience providing direct, high-volume counsel to a diverse client base.
• An independent worker, who can get the job done with minimal supervision, who is also a team player with a sense for escalating matters as and when required.
• High energy and commitment.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.

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
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Smurfit WestRock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. WestRock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Human Resources

• Industries

  Packaging and Containers Manufacturing

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

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Director, Labor Relations and Compliance

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