Job Description

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 are seeking a dynamic and strategic executive as Vice President, Human Resources to lead critical talent and human resources initiatives across a multi-unit, owner-operator business model. This executive will serve as a critical architect of organizational effectiveness, critical succession planning priorities, strategic labor relations, and close partnership with regional leadership and implementation of a fully effective owner-operator business model. The VP HR Consumer is responsible for delivering effective workforce transformation, operational excellence, and cultural alignment in a capital-intensive and labor-driven industry.
Operating within the Consumer division demands a nuanced understanding of industrial labor dynamics, environmental compliance, union relations, and continuous process improvement. The successful candidate will bring a sophisticated grasp of these realities, coupled with the agility to navigate decentralized ownership structures and evolving market pressures.
How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Serve as a strategic business partner and key member of the Consumer leadership team, driving HR strategies that enable business performance across all sites.
• Lead HR operations across 35 converting and 2 machinery plants in the US and Canada, ensuring alignment with enterprise HR frameworks, policies, and practices.
• Partner with senior leadership to enhance leadership capability, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness across the Consumer organization.
• Partner with key stakeholders on the company's labor and positive employee relations strategy, including collective bargaining, union engagement, and grievance resolution across represented groups.
• Develop and execute talent strategies focused on attracting, developing, engaging, and retaining a high-performing workforce within a small to medium-scale manufacturing operation.
• Build and mentor a high-performing HR team to provide strategic and operational support across the Consumer organization.
• Serve as a catalyst for change, leading initiatives that advance safety, culture, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Centers of Excellence in areas including Total Rewards and Talent and Inclusion, HR Technology and Employee Contact Center (ECC) to ensure cohesive and effective HR delivery and in support of the Owner Operator Model.
• Advise leadership on organizational design, organizational effectiveness, succession planning, employee relations, and workforce strategy to support business and talent priorities.
• Possesses expert knowledge and understanding of US and Canadian Employment law and regulations to ensure compliance across operations.
• Foster a culture of safety, operational excellence, and employee engagement that reflects Smurfit WestRock's values and business priorities.
• Exemplify the Smurfit WestRock values as a key leader within the Consumer leadership team as well as the NA HR Leadership Team.

What you need to succeed:

• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, preferably in manufacturing, industrial operations, or paper/converting sectors.
• Demonstrated success in strategic HR business partnering, organizational design, and navigating owner-operator or franchise models.
• Effectively led significant cultural transformation in large global manufacturing organizations.
• Deep understanding of labor relations, union environments, and regulatory compliance in heavy industry.
• Exceptional executive presence, influence, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in HR, Organizational Development, or Industrial Relations strongly preferred.
• Certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or Six Sigma are advantageous.

What we offer:

• A values-driven culture focused on integrity, innovation, and excellence
• Opportunities to lead high-impact projects and shape the future of HR
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• A collaborative environment where HR is a strategic driver of business success

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.

Skills Required