Title:  Manufacturing Excellence Director, Advanced Process Control and Digitization

If you are a GPI employee, please click the Employee Login before applying.

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.

Manufacturing Excellence Director, Advanced Process Control and Digitization

Graphic Packaging International’s (GPI) Center of Excellence (COE) works with the GPI Paperboard Manufacturing Facilities to make them safer, more efficient, and more profitable. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing processes, a deep understanding of modern digital technologies, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams towards achieving strategic goals.

The GPI COE Advanced Process Control and Digitization Leader works with the facility manufacturing teams to optimize the pulp and paper manufacturing processes. The individual will establish rapport with the facility teams and will guide these teams of process and automation experts, ensuring alignment to an overall vision and strategy. The individual will partner with IT to drive the digital transformation of our manufacturing operations, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data-driven insights to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and accelerate innovation.  This subject matter expert will ensure the successful execution of advanced process automation projects, adherence to quality and safety standards, and the development of innovative solutions to help drive the profitability and growth of the enterprise.

Scope of Job Responsibilities:

• Develop a strategic vision for Digital Mill of the Future utilizing advanced technologies to optimize and enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of manufacturing processes.
• Lead the development of a division digitalization roadmap and an advanced process control/automation strategy to improve the competitiveness of the paperboard manufacturing facilities (improve HSE, reduce energy, water, and material usage, reduce manual touches).
• Partner with GPI IT to develop strategies and oversee digital transformation initiatives, leveraging emerging technologies and automation to drive process improvement, enhance decision-making, and enable innovation across the division.
• Lead, inspire, and guide the team of process control and APC experts within the division toward the proliferation and adoption of best practices (alarm management, control loop diagnostics, loop maintenance, leverage automation and control solutions, minimize operator workload, and improve process control (reduce variation and shift the mean).
• Lead the collaboration with GPI IT and paperboard manufacturing facility resources in the development of a division process control hardware obsolescence strategy and system OT security standard.
• Establish clear objectives, monitor progress, and cultivate a culture aligned with GPI core values.
• Oversee end-to-end management of APC projects, ensuring they are on time and within budget.
• Partner with IT, Operations, and other stakeholders to execute high value use cases while working with Finance to ensure direct line of sight to benefits.
• Coordinate projects to deliver maximum value to our internal customers.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Formulate and execute APC strategies customized for GPI.
• Work with Paperboard manufacturing leadership to fund and staff overall programs.
• Align APC goals with customer needs and broader business objectives.
• Influencing technology recommendations and decisions, ensuring investments are aligned with operational objectives.
• Offer technical guidance on complex process control challenges and lead in developing optimal solutions.
• Ensure team adherence to industry regulations, safety standards, customer requirements, and the GPI Quality Management System.
• Collaborate with team members and subject matter experts to develop comprehensive training programs for process and automation experts.
• Implement training programs in line with industry best practices and organizational needs.
• Measure individual and team performance and provide constructive feedback for professional growth.
• Maintain accurate project documentation.
• Produce presentations and reports as required to communicate project status and results effectively.

Job requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree or diploma in engineering
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of manufacturing experience, six (6) years of experience in industrial process control and/or automation with at least four (4) of those years in APC, including successful APC implementations
• Minimum of two (2) years’ project management experience
• Strong knowledge of Pulp & Paper industrial processes
• Proven leadership experience and team management skills
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English)
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Strong understanding of industry regulations, safety standards, and quality management systems
• Knowledge of business functions, processes and supporting technology in a Paperboard manufacturing company
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for data analysis and process control; programming experience with DCS (Distributed Control Systems) and PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) an asset
• Working knowledge of Honeywell DCS TDC3000 and Experion
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of electrical and instrumentation
• Valid passport and ability to travel up to 50%
• Authorized to work in the US.

Willingness to travel:  50% (Required)

Work Location: Remote and at GPI paperboard manufacturing facilities

Pay Range:   $164,745.00 - $219,660.00

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.

​