Sr. Mgr, Labor Relations

Requirements

Description & Requirements

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

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Senior Manager of Labor Relations who will have responsibility for supporting multiple manufacturing facilities in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States. 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 a large area. Training and coaching Company management in positive employee relations will be critical. This person also will ensure that all labor relations matters and activities are conducted in a manner consistent with WestRock’s labor relations and legal strategies, operational and strategic business objectives, safety standards, and Company values.

How You Will Impact WestRock

• 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;
• Conducting labor arbitrations, as first chair, 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;
• Assisting operational leaders with employee counseling, corrective actions, and terminations;
• Keeping current on changes to relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations which impact labor relations 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;
• 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

• 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 a plus.
• A minimum of 10 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.
  
  

Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit 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.