Georgia Pacific Packaging is seeking a Vice President of Research and Development. The Vice President of Research and Development will lead the innovation, research, and development initiatives within GP Packaging's Innovation Institute. This role is responsible for directing all aspects of the organization's R&D policies, objectives, and strategies to improve the business's competitive position and profitability. The VP will report to the President of Packaging and oversee R&D activities across Corrugated, Mailers, and Hummingbird (digital printing) resources, as well as the Packaging Design and testing lab organizations. This leader will play a crucial role in developing preferred partnerships with our key strategic customers, including some of the world's leading brands and E-Commerce companies.
This role will be located at GP's Innovation Institute in Norcross, outside Atlanta GA. Some days at GP Headquarters downtown, some travel (20-30%) to GP plants and/or customers.
What You Will Do
- Lead the R&D team to deliver against the vision of the packaging business; steward the Innovation Institute brand and physical plant.
- Advance the culture and talent position of the organization.
- Develop preferred partnerships with key strategic customers by leveraging the Innovation Institute as a "customer showroom" and the Design Capability as a customer-facing innovation engine.
- Collaboratively develop opportunities of mutual value.
- Execute project work to address customer pain points and desired outcomes.
- Drive optimization opportunities across the business where the R&D team brings comparative advantage to the table.
- Utilize design to improve performance, reduce cost, or improve runnability of key items.
- Oversee testing and technical support for Containerboard Mills and Corrugated, Mailers, and Hummingbird operations and quality organizations, with an emphasis on rapid, data-driven issue resolution.
- Contribute to business opportunities where appropriate (examples: board grade optimization, flute profile optimization, plant debottlenecking, implementation of quality standards & statistical process control, etc.).
- Profitably explore and invest against new growth opportunities.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
- Proven experience in a senior R&D leadership role, preferably within the packaging, paper, film, or converting industries.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing process development and optimization.
- Experience partnering with large FMCG or E-Commerce companies to drive innovation and sustainability.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- Strong business acumen with a focus on aligning R&D efforts with financial goals and market strategies.
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field is preferred but not mandatory; relevant experience will also be considered.
What Will Put You Ahead
- Familiarity with the latest trends in packaging design and sustainability.
- Experience in managing complex R&D portfolios with a focus on risk management and value creation.
- Experience in customer-facing and/or commercial roles.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value, and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers.
Who We Are
As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products, and much more, Georgia-Pacific works to meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify.
