Sr. Project Manager

Smurfit Kappa

$110K — $130K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related discipline (Master's preferred).
  • 8+ years of progressive HR, program management, or organizational development experience.
  • Experience leading complex, cross-functional programs from planning through to measurable outcomes.
  • Knowledge of HR practices and interdependencies among HR teams and business leadership.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience analyzing workforce and operational data.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage cross-functional HR programs that support strategic business priorities.
  • Translate strategic goals into detailed program plans with clear deliverables and success metrics.
  • Coordinate HR leadership's strategic planning, priority setting, and progress reviews.
  • Establish governance and reporting mechanisms for visibility into program progress and risks.
  • Analyze data to provide insights for leadership decision-making and program adjustments.

Benefits

  • Culture grounded in integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
  • Competitive compensation based on skills and experience.
  • Opportunity to work in a global organization focused on sustainability, safety, and inclusion.
Full Job Description
General Information

Job ID
ATR66494

Posting Job Title
Senior Project Manager

Locations
GA Atlanta Headquarters

Employment Type
Full Time

Date Posted
27-Aug-2026

Relocation Support
No

Description & Requirements

The opportunity

The Senior Project Manager will serve as a strategic member of the Consumer Packaging Human Resources team, leading complex, cross-functional programs that advance business and HR priorities. This role translates strategic objectives into structured plans, measurable deliverables, and sustainable processes across the Consumer Packaging HR team, HR Centers of Excellence, HR business partners, and business leadership.

Working closely with the Vice President, Human Resources, Consumer Packaging and Senior Human Resources Directors, the Senior Project Manager will establish program governance, coordinate execution across stakeholders, identify risks and dependencies, and provide insights that support effective decision-making. The role will also support the operating rhythm of the Consumer Packaging HR leadership team by coordinating strategic planning, prioritization, communications, and progress reporting.

The successful candidate will combine strong HR and business acumen with advanced program management, analytical, communication, and change leadership capabilities. This individual must be able to operate independently, manage competing priorities, influence across organizational boundaries, and convert complex information into clear recommendations and executive-ready materials.

How you will impact Smurfit WestRock

  • Lead complex, cross-functional HR programs aligned with Consumer Packaging and Smurfit WestRock strategic and annual business priorities.
  • Translate strategic priorities into clearly defined program plans, including scope, milestones, accountabilities, resource requirements, dependencies, risks, and success measures.
  • Support the operating rhythm of the Consumer Packaging HR leadership team, including strategic planning, priority setting, progress reviews, executive communications, and follow-through on key commitments.
  • Partner with Consumer Packaging HR leadership, HR business partners, and Centers of Excellence to develop and execute short- and multi-year plans aligned with business objectives and enterprise HR priorities.
  • Establish program governance and reporting mechanisms that provide leadership with clear visibility into progress, risks, decisions, and required actions.
  • Analyze workforce, financial, operational, and program data to identify trends, generate insights, and inform leadership decisions.
  • Lead organizational development, change management, and integration initiatives that strengthen organizational capability and support sustainable adoption.
  • Coordinate the piloting, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR programs, processes, tools, and ways of working.
  • Develop practical resources, training, documentation, and communication plans that enable consistent execution and long-term sustainability.
  • Strengthen connectivity and alignment among Consumer Packaging HR, HR Centers of Excellence, the Smurfit WestRock Program Office, and other enterprise partners.
  • Support the development and effectiveness of business-facing HRBPs through coordinated planning, tools, communications, and capability-building efforts.
  • Build and maintain program calendars, milestone tracking, and accountability mechanisms across multiple concurrent initiatives.
  • Develop concise, executive-ready presentations, recommendations, and status updates for senior HR and business leaders.
  • Anticipate program risks, resolve issues within the role's authority, and escalate decisions requiring leadership alignment.
  • Serve as a trusted strategic partner who brings structure, sound judgment, and a continuous improvement mindset to complex priorities.


What you need to succeed

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related discipline. Master's degree preferred.
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in human resources, HR business partnering, program management, organizational development, or a related business function.
  • Demonstrated experience independently leading complex, cross-functional programs from planning through implementation and measurement.
  • Strong knowledge of HR practices, operating models, and the interdependencies among HR business partners, Centers of Excellence, and business leadership.
  • Experience supporting a complex, matrixed organization. Manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop program governance, manage milestones and dependencies, identify risks, and drive accountability across stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience using workforce, financial, or operational data to develop insights and recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and gain alignment without relying on direct authority.
  • Strong executive communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convert complex information into concise, decision-oriented materials.
  • Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment while managing multiple priorities and maintaining close attention to detail.
  • Experience leading organizational change, process improvement, integration, or transformation initiatives.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and program or project management platforms is preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to Smurfit WestRock values, integrity, inclusion, accountability, and excellence.


What we offer

  • A culture grounded in integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
  • Competitive compensation reflecting skills, experience, and demonstrated capabilities.
  • A career with a global packaging organization where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are foundational to how we operate.


#LI-DNI

#LI-DNP

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Smurfit Kappa

  • Anlst, Sls Eff & Ops
    $61K — $103K *
    Richmond, VA 23223 (Richmond City County)
    Business Services
    In-Person
  • Sr. Project Manager
    $110K — $130K *
    Atlanta, GA 30349 (Fulton County)
    Business Services
    In-Person
  • Anlst, Maintenance
    $87K — $145K *
    West Point, VA 23181 (King William County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Mgr II, Mfg Ops
    $95K — $115K *
    Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327 (Monroe County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Mgr II, Mfg Ops
    $95K — $115K *
    Gap, PA 17527 (Lancaster County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person

More Business Services Jobs

Find similar Sr. Project Manager jobs: