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.

People • Customers • Trust

The Human Resources Manager serves as the strategic and operational HR leader for a single plant location, overseeing all HR programs, policies, and practices that support a safe, productive, and engaged workforce. This role manages the full scope of HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, labor relations, training and development, performance management, compliance, and employee engagement. The HR Manager ensures alignment with corporate HR strategies while addressing day-to-day HR needs within the facility.

Role Scope & Dimensions

This position supports a workforce of approximately 160–180 hourly and salaried employees, which may include union-represented team members. The HR Manager oversees all stages of the employment lifecycle for hourly and salaried staff, ensures compliance with company policies and legal requirements, and facilitates a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Policy Administration

• Provide guidance to plant leadership on the interpretation and administration of HR policies, ensuring alignment with corporate HR direction and legal requirements.
• Develop, implement, and communicate plant-specific HR initiatives that support operational goals and strong employee–management relations.
• Manage the plant HR budget and collaborate with leadership to balance cost control with investment in employee development.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for all plant roles, partnering with managers to understand workforce needs and develop effective hiring strategies.
• Manage job requisitions, candidate screening, interview coordination, offer development, and background checks.
• Maintain applicant tracking records and ensure accurate, compliant documentation.
• Deliver new hire orientations and ensure compliance with Federal Contractor Program standards.

Employee Relations & Labor Relations

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers on performance issues, workplace concerns, investigations, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Support the development of negotiation strategies for labor contracts; advise on contract interpretation, grievances, disciplinary actions, and arbitration coordination.
• Proactively identify and address issues that may pose legal or employee-relations risks.

Compliance, Reporting & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate personnel, medical, leave, and workers’ compensation files.
• Ensure compliant HR documentation for all employment changes (promotions, reclassifications, separations, etc.).
• Prepare required HR and EHS reporting and support corporate and government compliance audits.
• Stay current with changes in employment laws, regulations, and corporate HR policies.

Benefits, Leave Administration & Safety Support

• Act as the plant benefits representative, assisting employees with questions or issues.
• Coordinate workers’ compensation and unemployment claims, serving as a liaison with third-party providers.
• Administer the plant’s leave programs, including FMLA and disability leaves, partnering with Disability Management Associates (DMA).
• Support safety initiatives and ISO Quality Systems compliance.

Training, Development & Engagement

• Coordinate training programs, career development initiatives, employee meetings, and engagement activities.
• Assist with compensation program administration, including job descriptions, performance appraisals, and merit/bonus submissions.
• Support corporate community involvement and public affairs activities.

Other Responsibilities

• Serve as backup for hourly payroll as needed.
• Promote and model the company’s commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations through service, quality, and continuous improvement.

Decision-Making Authority

The HR Manager exercises significant discretion in interpreting HR policies, advising plant leadership, and recommending appropriate actions related to employee relations, labor management, staffing, and compliance.

Key Internal & External Relationships

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with plant managers, supervisors, employees, corporate HR partners, and union representatives.
• Collaborate with third-party HR vendors and government agencies supporting the employment lifecycle.
• Ensure timely and consistent communication of HR policies and practices across all levels of the facility.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years in an HR Manager role.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of labor relations, contract administration, workers’ compensation, HR training, and new hire processes.
• In-depth knowledge of EEO, FLSA, NLRB, OFCCP, and Affirmative Action regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with applicant tracking systems.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal abilities and skill in influencing and coaching at all levels.

Ability to manage confidential information appropriately and work independently with sound judgment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary range for position: $95,000 - $125,000
• Bonus: Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance. 
• 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, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
• Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

#LI-HS1