The HR Specialist will drive positive employee relations, facilitate effective communication, and manage talent acquisition for the facility. Maintain organized HR records and collaborate with the HR Manager to ensure fair and accurate compensation administration. Champion timely and accurate performance evaluations, enforce company HR policies, and implement corporate HR initiatives. Lead organizational improvement by streamlining processes, supporting new programs, and fostering a positive work environment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal employment laws and company regulations. * Track and analyze HR metrics to provide data-driven insights. * Manage employee data and generate reports for mandatory government submissions. * Partner with the HR Manager on wage and benefit program administration to ensure equity and fairness. * Cultivate positive employee relations and proactively address potential issues to maintain a union-free environment. * Investigate employee relations concerns and collaborate with the HR Manager * Analyze turnover trends in partnership with the HR Manager to develop and implement effective retention strategies. * Lead the new employee onboarding process to ensure smooth integration * Collaborate with operations to proactively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and skilled workforce aligned with facility goals. * Partner with managers to ensure timely and accurate performance reviews and collaborate with the HR Manager on employee development plans. * Drive the execution of corporate HR initiatives at the facility level. * Oversee and deliver comprehensive new employee orientation programs. * Conduct HR training, including mgmt. development in areas like interviewing / coaching. * Manage annual open enrollment processes for employee benefits. * Support facility safety programs through training, OSHA relations, and participation in safety committees, including accident investigation and OSHA log maintenance. * Collaboration with the HR Manager on the management of worker\u2019s compensation claims * Represent the company in unemployment hearings and other employee-related legal proceedings. QUALIFICATIONS: * Requirements include BA/BS and a minimum of 3 years\u2019 human resources generalist experience. PHR/SPHR preferred. * Must have strong knowledge of state and federal employment law. * Must have effective written and oral communication skills, including negotiation, persuasion and conflict resolution abilities. * Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products with strong emphasis in Excel and Word, Outlook and HRIS software. * Must have a strong work-ethic as well as a sense of urgency. * Must be able to perform job duties with minimal supervision. * Must be able to relate effectively with others at all levels of the organization. . * Must be available for managers and employees at various hours of the day and night. * Must be willing to work evening and night shifts periodically. 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 safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward. 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.