Human Resources Specialist

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM 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. 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). Principle Accountabilities: Oversee and manage the hiring process at the plant for both hourly and salaried open positions. This includes initiating the requisition, understanding the needs of the hiring manager, 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, operators and managers, etc. Under the oversight of the Area HR Manager coordinates all hourly employee relation issues and works 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. Enlists the assistance of the Corporate Benefits staff when needed. Counsel both hourly and salaried employees with issues/concerns related to their pay. Enlist the assistance of the Corporate Payroll staff when needed. Administer the hourly absenteeism policy and has discretion to recommend disciplinary action up to a written warning. Participate with the AreaHuman Resources Manager, plant management and corporate Labor Relations team in planning and developing labor contract negotiations for the Plant. Act as a resource when necessary 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. Strive to continually strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service which involves doing what’s right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make. Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is the fourth largest manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging in the United States. The Human Resources Specialist position supports the Area Human Resources Manager and is required to understand and adhere to the compliance aspects of the hiring process as a federal contractor and ensure the plant is adhering to the federal, state/local and PCA HR policies and practices. The Human Resources Specialist can provide suggestions and make decisions regarding the hiring process and how it relates to the candidate/s based on his/her understanding of compliance and regulatory laws as well as PCA’s hiring process. The Human Resources Specialist will provide support in situations related to union and management communication issues, interpret policies and processes and provide direction to management. Under the guidance of the Area Human Resources Manager, the Human Resources Specialist may make other HR-related decisions related to employment life cycle. The Human Resources Specialist works with the hiring managers with issues related to the hiring process. As a means of support, he/she will seek the direction and advice of the HR Regulatory and Compliance Manager. Generally, the Human Resources Specialist interacts with all plant employees and management and HR type vendors on a regular basis. Position 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 previous work experience in a related capacity, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of labor relations, contract administration, workers’ compensation administration, 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. Strong working knowledge of PC applications including an understanding of 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. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Starting salary range for position: $70,400-$88,000 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr