HR Governance & Compensation Lead

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Description & Requirements

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 integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence, we use leading science and technology to advance fiber-based packaging.

Operating in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting operations and 62 paper mills, Smurfit Westrock employs over 100,000 people worldwide. Our core values of loyalty, integrity, and respect underpin our organization.

Job Purpose/Summary:

Reporting to the HR Director for the EMEA Consumer Packaging business, the HR Governance and Compensation Lead ensures our pay and compensation practices comply with all relevant employment laws, regulations, and internal policies. They will manage compensation processes for Consumer Packaging, mitigate risks, promote ethical practices, and support a fair workplace. Responsibilities include compliance audits, policy development, reporting on legislation such as Pay Transparency, Modern Slavery Act, and Gender Pay Gap, and providing strategic guidance on compensation planning to attract and retain top talent.

Job Responsibilities/Key accountabilities:

Compensation:

• Participate in annual salary surveys and data analysis for Consumer Packaging Europe.
• Design, model, analyze, and communicate current and future incentive plans, recommending best practices aligned with market standards.
• Conduct market pricing, provide compensation recommendations, and ensure alignment with job architecture and market trends.
• Collaborate with the Compensation & Benefits Manager Europe, MEA & APAC on year-end and new year rewards processes.
• Assist in automating and standardizing compensation processes, including technology and data management.
• Build partnerships with European Business Leaders and HR Managers to ensure proper administration of compensation programs.
• Deliver training on compliance topics, including job architecture, pay equity, and classification standards.

Compliance:

• Ensure HR practices comply with employment laws and regulations.
• Monitor legislative changes and assess their impact on job classifications and pay equity.
• Oversee compensation policies supporting legal compliance and ethical conduct.
• Review and update job families and levels regularly.
• Conduct internal audits to identify and mitigate compliance risks.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare compliance reports.
• Advise senior leaders and HR colleagues on compliance and job architecture.
• Partner with Legal, Compensation, and Talent Management teams for alignment.
• Act as GDPR Data Controller for Consumer Packaging Europe, ensuring full compliance with GDPR requirements.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or related field.
• Typically 5+ years of progressive HR experience focusing on compliance, compensation, or HR operations.
• Proven experience in designing compensation structures and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, GDPR, and related regulations.
• Experience with job architecture, evaluation, and benchmarking.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and compensation tools like Mercer or Willis Towers Watson.
• Analytical skills for market data interpretation and internal equity assurance.

Behaviours:

• Attention to detail, integrity, ethical judgment, analytical thinking, initiative, collaboration, adaptability, resilience, strategic thinking, tenacity, thoroughness, communication skills, and efficiency focus.

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