Human Resources Manager - Corrugated

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers.

About the Role

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing and implementing all Human Resources policies and programs for 3 plant locations. This position provides full employment cycle support to a single plant with a population of approximately 400 hourly and salaried employees, including union participants. The role is based onsite in Columbus, IN, with regular travel to Gas City, IN and Vincennes, IN.

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance to plant management in the development and administration of sound HR/Personnel policies aligned with corporate HR direction, ensuring legal viability and fostering good employee-management relations.
• Assists with the development, oversight, and maintenance of the human resources budget, balancing cost control with investment in employee growth to meet business objectives.
• Oversees all plant recruiting and staffing activities, including partnering with managers to understand hiring needs, preparing personnel requisitions, screening candidates, building recruitment plans, and extending offers.
• Maintains applicant tracking and coordinates with hiring managers to ensure data integrity.
• Conducts new employee orientations and processes hiring-related paperwork to ensure compliance with the Federal Contractor Program.
• Prepares documentation, communication, and reporting related to the employment lifecycle, including job title changes, salary adjustments, promotions, demotions, and employee separations.
• Participates in labor contract negotiations and serves as a resource for fair interpretation of contract language, grievance response, and disciplinary actions.
• Handles employee relations issues, including performance counseling, harassment complaints, investigations, supervisory coaching, and terminations, while keeping the Area Human Resources Manager informed of potential legal issues.
• Stays abreast of HR developments, employment laws, and corporate HR policy changes to effectively interpret, administer, and train on policies within the plant.
• Acts as a benefits representative, assisting employees with questions and issues related to benefits, workers’ compensation, and unemployment claims.
• Coordinates training efforts, career development, employee meetings, and engagement activities.
• Provides counsel and support on absenteeism management, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, safety, training, ISO Quality Systems, and benefits administration.
• Assists in the implementation of the plant-wide compensation program, including job descriptions, performance appraisals, and merit/bonus recommendations.
• Maintains department files, including personnel, medical, family leave, and workers’ compensation files, and inputs employee data into HRMS and EHS systems.
• Administers absenteeism policies and serves as the FMLA coordinator for the facility, processing paperwork and monitoring FMLA and short-term disability.
• Assists in developing Company responses to legal issues, including unemployment hearings, EEO charges, and workers’ compensation hearings.
• Serves as backup for hourly payroll as needed.
• Ensures adherence to company policies and procedures, supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service by delivering value and exceeding customer expectations.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Human Resources Management, business, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 8 or more years of HR Generalist experience, including 3-5 years in an HR Manager role.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a corrugated manufacturing plant.
• PHR Certification preferred.
• Demonstrable knowledge of labor relations, contract administration, workers’ compensation, and employee orientations/training.
• Working knowledge of EEO, FLSA, NLRB, Affirmative Action, and OFCCP laws.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and applicant tracking systems.
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build positive relationships within the organization.
• Ability to interact professionally with employees, management, government officials, and business leaders.
• Ability to act independently, exercise good judgment, prioritize tasks, and complete a wide variety of projects.
• Capability to handle confidential information appropriately.

Pay

Starting salary range: $90,000–$120,000.

Annual bonus based on individual contribution and overall company performance.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year (pro-rated during the initial year based on start date).
• Paid Holidays.
• Eligibility to enroll in medical, dental, and vision benefits within the first 30 days of employment (employee and dependents).
• Automatic enrollment in life, AD&D, and disability coverages upon hire.
• Automatic enrollment in the 401k plan with pre-tax and Roth contribution options, including employer-provided matching contributions.