Senior Project Manager

Smurfit-Westrock; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit WestRock is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex HR programs and drive strategic initiatives across Consumer Packaging HR, Centers of Excellence, and business leadership. This role requires independent operation, prioritization, and executive-ready communication.

You'll partner with HR leadership and COE teams to define plans, governance, and milestones while delivering insights for leadership decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, cross-functional HR programs aligned with Consumer Packaging and Smurfit WestRock strategic priorities.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive communication

Program governance

Stakeholder influence

Analytical thinking

Change management

Project management

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Leadership"

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related; Master’s preferred

8+ years HR/program management/organizational development

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Teams/SharePoint

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

The opportunity

The Senior Project Manager will serve as a strategic member of the Consumer Packaging Human Resources team, leading complex, cross-functional programs that advance business and HR priorities. This role translates strategic objectives into structured plans, measurable deliverables, and sustainable processes across the Consumer Packaging HR team, HR Centers of Excellence, HR business partners, and business leadership.

Working closely with the Vice President, Human Resources, Consumer Packaging and Senior Human Resources Directors, the Senior Project Manager will establish program governance, coordinate execution across stakeholders, identify risks and dependencies, and provide insights that support effective decision-making. The role will also support the operating rhythm of the Consumer Packaging HR leadership team by coordinating strategic planning, prioritization, communications, and progress reporting.

The successful candidate will combine strong HR and business acumen with advanced program management, analytical, communication, and change leadership capabilities. This individual must be able to operate independently, manage competing priorities, influence across organizational boundaries, and convert complex information into clear recommendations and executive-ready materials.

How you will impact Smurfit WestRock

• Lead complex, cross-functional HR programs aligned with Consumer Packaging and Smurfit WestRock strategic and annual business priorities.
• Translate strategic priorities into clearly defined program plans, including scope, milestones, accountabilities, resource requirements, dependencies, risks, and success measures.
• Support the operating rhythm of the Consumer Packaging HR leadership team, including strategic planning, priority setting, progress reviews, executive communications, and follow-through on key commitments.
• Partner with Consumer Packaging HR leadership, HR business partners, and Centers of Excellence to develop and execute short- and multi-year plans aligned with business objectives and enterprise HR priorities.
• Establish program governance and reporting mechanisms that provide leadership with clear visibility into progress, risks, decisions, and required actions.
• Analyze workforce, financial, operational, and program data to identify trends, generate insights, and inform leadership decisions.
• Lead organizational development, change management, and integration initiatives that strengthen organizational capability and support sustainable adoption.
• Coordinate the piloting, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR programs, processes, tools, and ways of working.
• Develop practical resources, training, documentation, and communication plans that enable consistent execution and long‑term sustainability.
• Strengthen connectivity and alignment among Consumer Packaging HR, HR Centers of Excellence, the Smurfit WestRock Program Office, and other enterprise partners.
• Support the development and effectiveness of business‑facing HRBPs through coordinated planning, tools, communications, and capability‑building efforts.
• Build and maintain program calendars, milestone tracking, and accountability mechanisms across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Develop concise, executive‑ready presentations, recommendations, and status updates for senior HR and business leaders.
• Anticipate program risks, resolve issues within the role’s authority, and escalation decisions requiring leadership alignment.
• Serve as a trusted strategic partner who brings structure, sound judgment, and a continuous improvement mindset to complex priorities.

What you need to succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in human resources, HR business partnering, program management, organizational development, or a related business function.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading complex, cross‑functional programs from planning through implementation and measurement.
• Strong knowledge of HR practices, operating models, and the interdependencies among HR business partners, Centers of Excellence, and business leadership.
• Experience supporting a complex, matrixed organization. Manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop program governance, manage milestones and dependencies, identify risks, and drive accountability across stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including experience using workforce, financial, or operational data to develop insights and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and gain alignment without relying on direct authority.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convert complex information to concise, decision‑oriented materials.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast‑paced, evolving environment while managing multiple priorities and maintaining close attention to detail.
• Experience leading organizational change, process improvement, integration, or transformation initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and program or project management platforms is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to Smurfit WestRock values, integrity, inclusion, and excellence.

What we offer

• A culture grounded in integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation reflecting skills, experience, and demonstrated capabilities.
• A career with a global packaging organization where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are foundational to the way we operate.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.