TAPPI Industry Career Center: Graphic Packaging International Seeks a Mgr., Sr. Research & Development
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Graphic Packaging International (GPI) produces the box you may have poured your child’s cereal from this morning, the microwaveable tray that heated your lunch, the paper cup that held your coffee throughout the day, and the carrier of those bottles of craft beer you may enjoy tonight! GPI is one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet care products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, GPI is a team of collaborative, innovative, passionate individuals who are committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference.
With limited supervision from the R&D Director, the R&D Senior Manager is responsible for design, development, and implementation of process solutions in support of improving board quality or reducing the cost to produce coated paperboard. This person brings new coating solutions from the concept stage through to the commercialization stage. This person also assists in the further development of existing and new GPI coating and papermaking concepts with a focus on implementation.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Manages the R&D pilot coater by composing detailed plans, timelines, and budgets to address project(s) scope and goals. Coordinates work within the R&D team to achieve project timelines, including the management of direct reports.
- Develops cost models for new paperboard machinery and processes, including capital estimation/requirements.
- Leads R&D activities where mechanical/process/industrial engineering expertise is required for obtaining new business objectives.
- Successfully manages several projects simultaneously, keeping extreme focus on customer commitments and project timelines/milestones.
- Writes materials, manufacturing, and performance specifications for new paperboard manufacturing processes.
- Composes detailed presentations on project(s) progress. Leads cross-functional teams on project(s) and presents updates/reports to senior leadership.
- Provided engineering and process solutions for new initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education/ Knowledge/ Skills:
- BS in Mechanical, Process, or Industrial Engineering required.
- MS or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or related field preferred.
- Expert in coating technology, papermaking, and physical properties of coated paperboard and the impacts to end use packaging.
- Good communicator who is comfortable conversing/presenting in group settings with customers, team members, and upper management
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, data management systems (like SAP), data historian systems (like
- Parcview, Panther) with demonstrated ability to quickly learn additional software tools.
Background & Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years paper or paperboard related industrial/manufacturing experience.
- Minimum of 5 years coating experience.
- Ability to work safely in the manufacturing environment, including working with industrial chemicals and manufacturing machines.
With almost 19,000 employees working in more than 80 locations in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim, Graphic Packaging International (GPI) strives to be an environmentally responsible leader in the industry and surrounding communities. GPI is committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make the company successful.
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For more employment opportunities, visit the TAPPI Industry Career Center.
