Sr. Manager Talent Acquisition

Description & Requirements

The Sr. Manager, Talent Acquisition will be an essential leader within the Frontline Talent Acquisition team and will be responsible for leading recruitment efforts across the Corrugated Division to include Merchandising Display & Packaging Solutions. In this role, you will design and execute Frontline Talent Acquisition strategies that attract top hourly and Salary Non-Exempt talent and support organizational growth. You will partner closely with HR and business leaders to ensure alignment with workforce planning and deliver a world-class hiring manager and candidate experience. This position offers the opportunity to influence global recruiting practices, mentor teams, and drive impactful initiatives.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to a team of recruiters, ensuring alignment with business objectives, operational excellence, and industry best practices.
• Design, implement, and continuously optimize enterprise level recruiting strategies that accelerate hiring speed, elevate talent quality, strengthen workforce diversity, and enhance the end-to-end candidate experience.
• Work in conjunction with peers and leadership to develop, implement, and continuously enhance standardized operating procedures for Talent Acquisition processes, while training and coaching team members to ensure consistent execution, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Persistently partner closely with HR Business Partners and senior business leaders to understand workforce planning needs and deliver proactive, data-informed talent solutions.
• Serve as a trusted external labor market expert, advising executives on talent supply trends, competitive intelligence, and sourcing strategies that support long-term talent pipeline development.
• Lead employer brand initiatives to position Smurfit Westrock as a top employer of choice across priority markets and talent segments.
• Ensure full compliance with all employment laws, regulatory requirements, and internal policies across the recruiting lifecycle, mitigating risk and promoting equitable hiring practices.
• Collaborate with TA Operations, HR Technology, and TA leadership to evaluate, implement, and optimize recruitment technologies, tools, and workflows that enhance efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
• Leverage recruiting analytics and performance metrics to identify trends, diagnose challenges, and drive continuous improvement across processes, team performance, and hiring outcomes.
• Influence and consult with senior stakeholders through data-driven recommendations, reinforcing Talent Acquisition best practices and enabling effective decision-making.
• Oversee the full recruitment lifecycle for critical or executive-level roles, including intake strategy sessions, interview design, talent assessment, and post-interview debrief facilitation.
• Lead or contribute to strategic initiatives and enterprise-wide projects aimed at strengthening Talent Acquisition capabilities, processes, and organizational readiness.

What you need to succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field.
• 10+ years of corporate recruiting or talent acquisition experience; leadership experience required.
• Proven experience developing and leading recruitment strategies for high volume hourly and skilled trade roles, with strong preference for candidates with production and manufacturing environment experience.
• Strong business acumen to build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with business leaders and HR Business Partners, serving as a strategic talent partner to align hiring strategies with business priorities and workforce needs.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic recommendations.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills to engage stakeholders and candidates.
• Experience recruiting across multiple levels and functions (professional, technical, leadership).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

What Smurfit Westrock offers

• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retail savings plans with company match.
• Paid time off and holiday benefits.
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources.
• Career development opportunities and leadership training.
• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• A career with a global packaging leader where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are core values.