VP, Engineering & Technology

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paperboard and paper-based packaging for global brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care, and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we employ over 25,000 people across more than 130 locations worldwide, prioritizing environmental responsibility, workplace diversity, and industry-leading compensation and benefits.

About the role

The VP, Engineering & Technology will own the mill division’s 6-year capital improvement roadmap and manage $2 billion in capital projects focused on automation, cost savings, ESG, and infrastructure. This role partners cross-functionally to drive operational excellence, implement engineering solutions, and develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the mill division’s 6-year capital improvement roadmap, including $2 billion in projects targeting automation, cost savings, ESG, and infrastructure.
• Lead cross-functional stakeholder management for contractual negotiations and capital project expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement through engineering and technical solutions, leveraging data systems and direct inspections to monitor equipment performance.
• Implement operational and manufacturing technology solutions to advance the ESG agenda and operational excellence.
• Apply project management best practices to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of engineering initiatives.
• Hire, mentor, and lead a multi-disciplined team of electrical and mechanical engineers.
• Provide direct mill support in troubleshooting, asset strategies, project development, and execution.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and data-driven decision-making.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce aligned with short- and long-term business goals.
• Adhere to Safe Quality Food (SQF) responsibilities, including compliance with plant rules, hygiene, allergens, and reporting unsafe conditions.
• Participate in SQF root cause analysis and corrective actions for customer complaints, audits, and validation activities.

Requirements

• 15+ years of broad electrical or mechanical engineering leadership experience in a large manufacturing company.
• Progressive leadership roles in complex, multi-site manufacturing environments with a large geographic footprint.
• Proven track record leading large capital projects ($150M+).
• Experience aligning capital portfolios with business needs and developing site asset strategies.
• Industry experience in fast-paced, high-volume B2B environments (e.g., food and beverage, automotive).
• Strong business and financial acumen, including investment decisions, working capital, free cash flow, and pricing strategies.
• Ability to attract, develop, and retain high-performing teams while implementing performance metrics and accountability.
• Undergraduate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering; MBA or related master’s degree is a plus.

Critical Behaviors

• Unquestionable integrity, credibility, and ethical standards.
• Self-awareness, open-mindedness, and a commitment to inclusivity.
• Results-oriented with a focus on exceeding performance targets and seizing new opportunities.
• Balances data-driven decision-making with speed and adaptability.
• Influences peers and leadership to embrace new ideas and measured risk-taking.
• Leverages failures as learning opportunities and stays abreast of industry trends.

Leadership Capabilities

• Results Orientation: Surpasses team goals, sets ambitious targets, and identifies opportunities to exceed performance expectations.
• Leading and Developing People: Motivates and empowers team members, delegates strategically, and engages teams beyond direct reports.

Pay

$240,100.00 - $320,200.00 per year.