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 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 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; relevan...