Human Resources Specialist

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. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

About the Role

The Human Resources Specialist directly supports the Area Human Resources Manager with Labor Relations, employee relations, benefits, and payroll. The Human Resources Specialist will counsel employees concerning work-related problems, provide managers with suggestions and strong recommendations to address personnel issues, and benchmark market practices, present analysis and proposals to management for approval. The Human Resources Specialist will manage the recruitment function for both hourly and salaried positions within their assigned location(s).

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the hiring process at the plant for both hourly and salaried open positions, including initiating the requisition, creating and posting the position, managing the applicant flow log, interviewing, assisting the hiring manager with selecting the best qualified candidate, preparing and extending the offer, completing the Applicant File Folder, and handling the on-boarding process of the new hire.
• Serve as a contact for any communication and relationship issues between the union and management, hourly and salaried employees, operators and managers, etc.
• Coordinate all hourly employee relation issues under the oversight of the Area HR Manager and work with management and the employee on a swift and appropriate outcome.
• Perform staff support activities and analysis to develop, implement, and administer market-compatible human resource practices.
• Counsel both hourly and salaried employees with issues/concerns related to health and welfare benefits, enlisting the assistance of the Corporate Benefits staff when needed.
• Counsel both hourly and salaried employees with issues/concerns related to their pay, enlisting the assistance of the Corporate Payroll staff when needed.
• Administer the hourly absenteeism policy and recommend disciplinary action up to a written warning.
• Participate with the Area Human Resources Manager, plant management, and corporate Labor Relations team in planning and developing labor contract negotiations for the Plant.
• Act as a resource for fair interpretation of contract language, Plant rules, and regulations.
• Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team, and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
• Support PCA’s Commitment to Service by doing what’s right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.
• Understand and adhere to the compliance aspects of the hiring process as a federal contractor and ensure the plant adheres to federal, state/local, and PCA HR policies and practices.
• Provide support in situations related to union and management communication issues, interpret policies and processes, and provide direction to management.
• Work with hiring managers on issues related to the hiring process and seek direction from the HR Regulatory and Compliance Manager as needed.

Requirements

• Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Communications, or Business preferred.
• PHR certification is a plus.
• Four (4) years of previous work experience in a related capacity, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of labor relations, contract administration, workers’ compensation administration, and employee orientation/training on human resource matters.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ previous work experience in a manufacturing facility.
• Solid understanding of all current federal and state laws and regulations relating to employment.
• Demonstrable experience delivering classroom training.
• Strong working knowledge of PC applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with multiple audiences throughout the company on procedures, policies, and requests for information.
• Strong appreciation for the retention and management of confidential information.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.
• Strong listening, evaluating, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle numerous details, deadlines, and requests.
• Previous experience working in a team environment preferred, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing among co-workers.
• Must be able to travel and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Pay

Starting salary range for position: $70,400–$88,000.

Annual bonus based upon individual contribution and overall company performance.

Benefits

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