Manufacturing/Operations Leadership Development Program

Title:  Early Career: Manufacturing/Operations Leadership Development Program

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re 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 products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities. 

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

OUR MISSION:

GPI’s Manufacturing/Operations Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a prestigious 12-month rotation designed to prepare the next generation of leaders. As an LDP participant, you will gain manufacturing insight through project and role-based learning experiences, developing your operations skills at an accelerated rate. You will be immersed in business development processes and strategies with the opportunity to lead or contribute to operations projects that impact key business initiatives. You will gain exposure to leadership and a chance to work with an assigned peer mentor and an onsite manager. After successful completion of the program, you will graduate and join the company as an LDP Alumni and immediately enter the operations track. You will begin an operations development plan that is aligned with business needs and your career goals.  Relocation may be required, and we provide relocation assistance to support you. We operate throughout North America and are looking for future leaders to support our operations.

Key Competencies for LDP Participants

To be considered for the LDP program, you must show capability in the following GPI self-leader competencies:

• Results
  • Focuses on outcomes, not activities
• Innovation
  • Be curious and make it better
• Resilience
  • Refuse to lose
• Inclusive Leadership
  • Welcome everyone’s ideas and contributions
• Accountability
  • Do what you own, own what you do

Job Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Complete a 12 month rotation through different parts of a paperboard manufacturing facility or packaging facility.
• Complete a learning curriculum and assessments designed to develop operations skills, provide fast- track industry experience, and teach “hands-on” operations processes and strategies.
• Participate in the “Chip2Ship” learning experience, covering the entire production process from wood chips to final product shipping.
• Network with other members of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) and alumni.
• Lead a variety of projects impacting key business initiatives, either individually or as part of a team.
• Develop relationships with senior leadership, leader sponsor, peer mentor and onsite manager.
• Participate collaboratively and report regularly on special projects.
• Manage multiple priorities.
• Work well within a team environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Background Experience

• Prior experience in paid or unpaid positions related to manufacturing
• Leadership roles in student or college-affiliated organizations
• Previous full-time experience in manufacturing is considered but not required

Education Experience

• Undergraduate degree (GPA of 2.8 or higher) in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical), Pulp and Paper Science, Packaging, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Advanced degree is considered but not required

Work Environment:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time (up to 8-hours).
• Occasional lifting (up to 20 lbs).
• Extended reading computer screen or other electronic devices.
• Use of various office hand and electrical tools or equipment.
• Generally, your schedule is a shift assignment, and we make efforts to schedule you during daylight hours; however, you may be asked to work alternate schedules needed, including early mornings, nights, and/or weekends.

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.

​