Vice President of Research and Development

Georgia Pacific Packaging are seeking a Vice President 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
• Leverage the Innovation Institute® as a "customer showroom" and the Design Capability as a customer-facing innovation engine
• Collaboratively identify Mutual Value Opportunities
• Execute project work to address customer pain points / 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 runability 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. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

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 evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day - to make everyday products. even better.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

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. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

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. Please click here for additional information.