Corrugated Business Associate (Sales) Lancaster, PA

Packaging-Corporation-of-America; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corrugated Business Associate role is part of PCA’s GIFT Program, a 10–12 month rotational training track designed to develop recent graduates into Sales Representatives. The program covers four departments—Design, Production, Customer Service, and Sales—and includes group conferences for professional training and networking.

Participants work with a dedicated GIFT Mentor, rotate through departments, complete departmental projects, and learn how plants operate together.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required to start the position.
• Ability to travel as necessary with valid travel documents.
• Capacity to lift up to 20 pounds and to stand/sit long periods.
• Preferred internship or co-op in related field.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through Design, Production, Customer Service, and Sales departments.
• Work on department projects under supervisor guidance.
• Collaborate with GIFT Mentor and other associates.
• Identify issues and suggest improvements during rotations.
• Attend GIFT program training conferences and network with peers.
• Contribute to delivering value to customers and supporting PCA’s service commitments.

Skills

Fast learner

Strong written communication

Strong verbal communication

Leadership potential

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Sales/Marketing/Business mgmt degree preferred

Job description

Description of role

The Corrugated Business Associate is part of the GIFT (Generational Investment for Tomorrow) Program, which focuses on hiring recent college graduates into a rotational training experience with the goal of developing them into well-rounded employees and future leaders at PCA. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits.

What is PCA’s GIFT Program?

The GIFT Program is a comprehensive rotational training program designed to give recent college graduates experience in the major departments of a corrugated box plant and a well-rounded knowledge of the corrugated packaging industry as a whole. The program lasts anywhere from 10-12 months and is focused on sales development. The department rotations included in the program are Design, Production, Customer Service, and Sales. The program also has group conferences where Corrugated Business Associates will network and participate in professional training with others in the same position. Upon successful completion of the program, the Corrugated Business Associate will transition into a new full-time role as a Sales Representative.

Principle Accountabilities

• Work closely and communicate often with the assigned GIFT Mentor throughout the program to help stay on track and reinforce the goals of the role.
• Rotate through the four main departments at a corrugated plant: Design, Production, Customer Service, and Sales.
• Work on any assignments or projects in the given department under the instruction of the department supervisor.
• Learn about the specifics of how the main departments in the plant work together.
• When possible, identify issues and areas for improvement and present findings as well as possible solutions to the department supervisor and GIFT Mentor.
• Attend and participate in the GIFT program training conferences.
• Collaborate with other Corrugated Business Associates to complete projects.
• Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
• Strive to continually strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service that involves doing what is right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.

Basic Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required upon starting the position.
• Must obtain Bachelor’s degree between designated dates: 12/2026 – 05/2027
• Ability to start position on a day between designated dates: 05/2027 – 07/2027
• Must be able to travel as necessary and possess valid documents for travel via air and car.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds.
• Capacity to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Capability to squat, kneel, bend over as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of one Internship or Co-op is preferred especially in an environment related to the GIFT position type.
• Obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in preferably Sales, Marketing, Business Management or a related field.

The successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to learn quickly and put new knowledge into practice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Leadership experience or strong leadership skills with the drive to lead others.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experiences and professional levels both within and outside of the company.
• Quick and concise decision and problem solving skills.
• Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members.

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