Sustainability Project Specialist, TDS Group

~ At Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), we think of ourselves as more than a box manufacturer. ~

We are an ideas and solutions company. We seek to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. It just happens to be that corrugated products are our area of expertise.

At PCA, you’ll find the best people in the industry operating in a “golden rule” culture. We actively promote mutually rewarding relationships with each other and our customers by advocating respect for every individual, ethical and fair practices, and the highest standards in what we say and do. PCA is proud to have a highly skilled and experienced team leading the way.

As a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest producers of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the U.S., PCA offers customers broad expertise and economies of scale, while our multiple plant locations let us rapidly meet the local needs of our customers.

Position Overview

We are seeking resumes for a Sustainability Project Specialist, TDS Group in our Mundelein, IL offic to provide key support to the manager, package Testing and Optimization in pursuit of PCA’s objectives related to sustainability – Specifically three areas that are essential to our long term environmental sustainability strategy: Fiber  sustainability (our raw material), monitoring the GHG Emission and related metrics (Energy, Water, Solid waste, etc.) and Package Design and Engineering.

The most immediate objective specifically includes timely support of PCA’s efforts to build, launch and maintain FSC chain of custody FSC Controlled Wood programs for our corrugated products division. This individual is expected to assume tactical responsibility for operating SFI, PEFC, and FSC programs within 12 months.

Dimensions: 

This individual will contribute to the successful implementation and third party auditing to the FSC Chain of Custody and Controlled Wood Standards for PCA’s inaugural audit, in particular assuring that PCA is able to live the spirit of standards and execute successfully with minimal manpower. This individual will also integrate unique elements of the new FSC standards with PCA’s current fiber sustainability program that includes both SFI and PEFC standards – internal auditing and training will be core to this role.

Responsibilities related to GHG emission monitoring will include data management for emissions and related sustainability metrics in foundation of voluntary reporting to one or multiple platforms/frameworks (CDP, GRI, SASB, etc.). To a lesser degree and more forward looking, this individual will support PCA’s network of designers with new education opportunities so that they are better equipped to design sustainable packaging, leveraging learnings and expertise from the Technical NSD Development Center.

Responsibilities

Principle Accountabilities:

• Assist in the building and launch of two (new-to-PCA) fiber sustainability standards, FSC chain of custody and FSC Controlled Wood.
• Help in developing a program that is driven centrally and with minimal manpower while remaining in compliance with the standards, integrating new FSC standards with existing dual-chain SFI/PEFC and SFI Certified Sourcing programs for efficiency in auditing and training.
• Outline function specific responsibilities at the plant and central office level, and develop guidance documents and visual aids that will facilitate successful execution of those roles.
• Serve as lead auditor for onsite internal audits as part of the inaugural audit.
• Coordinate with PCA Woodlands and CBS (Container Board Sales) throughout the development process and in maintenance of the programs.
• Provide training for fiber sustainability programs (SFI/PEFC/FSC)to employees at box plants and  central office via webinar and or  on-Demand  resources on the Hub (PCA’s SharePoint site).
• Assume day to day responsibility for maintaining SFI, PEFC, and FSC programs.
• Support PCA’s sustainability information database and related dashboards (resource advisor, by Schneider Electric). 
• Gathering and  inputting data (on resources withdrawn from  and returned to the environment).
• Researching requirements and sourcing information necessary forth success and growth of the initiative.
• Provision of analysis required to verify and validate information in the database.
• Provision of other administrative and technical support as required.
• Help PCA reach long term aspirational goals including but not limited to develop training courses/masterclasses/on demand resources for designers to better understand the fundamentals of sustainable packaging, and how they can leverage things we have learned in the lab.
• Actively support initial drafting of sustainability /CSR reports for PCA.

Decision Making:  

• This position requires a professional able to make timely and considered decisions related to finding ways to meet customer needs while maintaining compliance with the appropriate and relevant standards.

Interactions with Customers and Contacts: 

• This position works cooperatively with individuals across the TDSQ group, Box Plants, Woodlands, Environmental/EHS and Containerboard Sales, with frequent verbal and electronic/hard copy communication with internal and external Customers, and PCA/TDS management.
• Requires clear communication, fostering collaboration to meet customer satisfaction goals.

Qualifications

• BS in accounting, packaging, environmental science, forestry, or similar. Interest/background in both corrugated packaging and sustainability (environmental and social) highly desirable.
• 0-2 years prior work experience, ideally with prior background in sustainability.
• Strong attention to detail. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, proficient in word and Power Point. Working knowledge of Microsoft Visio and Project, as well as experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, a plus.
• Experience working with FSC, SFI, PEFC standard desirable.
• Knowledge of ISTA standards, and ASTM test methods related to packaging a plus.
• Willingness to travel regularly (likely>50), by appropriate modes.

Compensation: PCA provides a competitive comprehensive benefits package.

  
~ PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories ~