Labor Relations Manager

Suzano Packaging • Pine Bluff, AR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Suzano, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. This union gave rise to a meaningful attitude: innovability, which guides us in thinking outside the box and looking beyond to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. We plant and grow trees. We transform this renewable raw material into innovative and sustainable bioproducts that are part of the everyday life of over 2 billion people. We cultivate life on the sheet of the notebook that teaches children, in the diaper that protects babies, in the biodegradable cup of coffee that does not harm the environment, in absorbent papers and in the convenience of using sustainable packaging. We are looking for a Union Manager to lead labor relations at Suzano Packaging's Pine Bluff paperboard mill, serving as the company's primary representative with United Steelworkers (USW). Reporting to the CHRO, you will own the relationship with union leadership, lead collective bargaining, and ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws. This role plays a key part in supporting organizational transformation in a dynamic industrial environment, requiring someone who combines deep labor relations expertise with adaptability, business acumen, and the ability to engage union partners constructively through periods of growth, M&A integration, and operational evolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 10-20 years of progressive labor relations experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including direct collective bargaining and arbitration experience on the company side.
• Substantial experience working with USW or comparable industrial unions strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting M&A integration, plant transformation, or large-scale organizational change is a strong differentiator.
• Deep working knowledge of NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, USERRA, OSHA, and Arkansas labor regulations.
• Industry experience in paper, packaging, chemicals, or similar manufacturing sectors preferred.
• Availability to work fully on-site at the Pine Bluff industrial mill, ensuring close partnership with operational teams and union representatives.

Nice To Haves

• Strategic Labor Relations Leader: Brings expertise in collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and labor law to protect company interests while maintaining strong, professional union relationships.
• Adaptable and Transformation-Minded: Thrives in dynamic, fast-changing environments and leads labor relations through periods of growth, integration, and operational change.
• Skilled Negotiator and Communicator: Builds credibility with union leaders, employees, supervisors, and senior leadership through clear communication and creative problem-solving.
• Analytical and Strategic: Uses data, legal insight, and business context to anticipate risks, shape strategy, and inform decisions.
• Hands-On and Present: Comfortable on the plant floor, accessible to operational teams, and engaged in day-to-day labor relations matters.
• Growth-Oriented Professional: Committed to continuous learning and aligned with Suzano's values of respect, sustainability, and innovability.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact with USW representatives at the local and district levels, building constructive, transparent labor-management relations.
• Lead collective bargaining negotiations and the administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, including renewals and contract interpretation.
• Manage the grievance process end-to-end, including investigation, written responses, and representation in arbitration proceedings.
• Ensure full compliance with NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, USERRA, OSHA, and Arkansas state labor regulations; partner with legal counsel on NLRB and litigation matters.
• Advise plant leadership and supervisors on labor relations issues, contract interpretation, and disciplinary procedures.
• Support change management, M&A integration, and operational excellence initiatives, anticipating and mitigating labor relations risks.
• Develop and execute long-term labor relations strategy aligned with business objectives and Suzano's growth in North America.
• Train managers and supervisors on labor law, contract provisions, and effective handling of employee relations matters.
• Track labor relations metrics, identify trends, and report status and recommendations to plant leadership and the CHRO.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of negotiations, grievances, and labor relations activity to support compliance and legal defense.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options with nationwide networks to support your physical health and preventive care.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Company-paid basic coverage and optional plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage to help protect your income in case of illness or injury.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Automatic enrollment with a generous company match to help you plan for the future.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Tax-advantaged accounts with company contributions to help manage healthcare expenses.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Options for healthcare, limited-purpose, and dependent care expenses.
• Voluntary Benefits: Additional protection through accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees