Title:  HS&E Associate Manager

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.

Position Summary

The HS&E, Quality, and Continuous Improvement Associate Manager plays a critical role within the Prosperity Paperboard Manufacturing Division. This leadership position is responsible for executing strategic and operational initiatives that support both short- and long-term goals. The role ensures the health, safety, and welfare of employees, contractors, vendors, and visitors, while overseeing plant-wide maintenance to optimize asset reliability, uptime, and cost efficiency.

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role collaborates across departments and functions and serves as the primary liaison with HS&E and Quality leadership. The Associate Manager supports the global mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Environmental (HS&E)

• Lead and manage all aspects of the HS&E program for the facility.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, state, and federal regulations.
• Drive process improvements through participation in divisional HS&E initiatives.
• Facilitate HS&E committee meetings and provide guidance to area teams.
• Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions, and promote a safety-first culture.
• Oversee programs including First Responders, Audiometric and Respirator Fit Testing, Process Safety Management, and Industrial Hygiene.
• Manage audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting.
• Coordinate training programs tailored to operational needs.
• Liaise with external agencies including OSHA, Hazmat, and local authorities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, TSCA, SARA, etc.).
• Develop and deliver environmental training and best practices.
• Respond to inspections, citations, and environmental incidents.

Quality Management

• Represent the facility at Quality Summits and ensure alignment with divisional objectives.
• Serve as the primary contact for customer complaints and audits.
• Maintain complaint tracking systems (SAP) and lead resolution efforts.
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) in production and QC areas.
• Communicate quality expectations and monitor performance.
• Promote employee engagement in quality initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with product safety, 5S, and food safety/sanitation standards.
• Maintain and analyze systems such as Proficy and SAP to support quality decisions.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement operational efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and recommend improvements.
• Lead Lean initiatives (5S, VSM, SMED, TPM, Kaizen).
• Monitor and report on operational and financial performance.
• Support daily team activities and cross-functional coordination.
• Ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Present findings and updates in internal meet

Safe Quality Food Responsibilities for all employees:

• Follow all Plant rules, Processes, Hygiene, and Allergens procedures, related to production of Safe Quality Foods.
• Report to person of authority to record any potentially unsafe conditions which may result in unsafe foods or noncompliance to SQF related procedures.
• Participate in SQF Root Cause and Corrective Actions (from customer complaints, SQF audits, validation, and verification activities) as required.
• Follow all procedures related to producing Safe Quality Foods (SQF).
• Report any potentially unsafe SQF conditions or customer complaints to a person of authority to record and/or correct the situation.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Health & Safety or related field with 6+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 4+ years.
• Experience in paper manufacturing is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with HSE data management systems (e.g., Gensuite, Intelex, VelocityEHS, Enablon).
• Advanced technical knowledge and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to influence without authority and drive cross-functional results.
• Strong decision-making, planning, and alignment skills.
• Customer-focused with a results-driven mindset.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods (up to 8+ hours).
• Occasional lifting (up to 20 lbs).
• Frequent use of computers and office equipment.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25% travel required (air, rail, or road).

Pay Range:   $86,700.00 - $115,600.00

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.

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