Packaging Project Manager - Cross-Functional Lead

International Paper; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Tuition reimbursement

Disability insurance

Job summary

International Paper in Carol Stream, IL is seeking a Project Manager to oversee complex customer-facing projects and launches. You will coordinate with sales, manufacturing, and suppliers, build material plans, and manage timelines from quote to delivery.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in customer service or order management, knowledge of corrugated packaging, and experience with ERP systems like SAP or Macola. This role offers structured growth and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Customer/retailer requirements are typically complex in nature and often have multi-faceted aspects.
• The life cycle of a particular project from RFQ to execution may be lengthy (in excess of 6 months).
• Fast-paced, constantly changing culture requiring high internal collaboration and effective communication.
• The Project Manager has direct interaction with customers, external and internal business contacts, suppliers, and contractors.
• May mentor CSRs & PMs for cross training based on capabilities and customer base.
• Must be comfortable working independently and with internal stakeholders to support project execution.
• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and accurate with data, able to multi-task and prioritize.
• Must challenge the norm and pursue continuous improvement and waste elimination.
• Must operate within defined systems (Macola, HRMS, SAP, Access databases, etc.).
• Three to five years of work experience in customer service, inside sales, order management, purchasing, or manufacturing planning.
• Associates or BA/BS preferred, commensurate work experience in customer service or management roles.
• Well-developed understanding of the corrugated industry and processes, including printing methods for retail packaging.

Responsibilities

• Directly responsible for project management functions for a complex customer base and launches.
• Supports sales in estimating quotes by reviewing customer expectations and costs for manufacturing and value-added services.
• Coordinates approvals including proofs, draw-downs, press checks, and design changes for production.
• Builds order specifications, materials plans, and sales orders; maintains records and interfaces with design for scope.
• Leads preproduction meetings and develops timelines for order execution and onboarding with cross-department coordination.
• Sets up warehouse accounts and monitors inventory of raw materials and finished goods.
• Investigates and resolves customer complaints with relevant departments and suppliers.
• Applies project management fundamentals within established systems to facilitate work.

Skills

Project management

Customer service

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

Macola

HRMS

SAP

MS Access

Job description

International Paper in Carol Stream, IL is seeking a Project Manager to oversee complex customer-facing projects and launches. You will coordinate with sales, manufacturing, and suppliers, build material plans, and manage timelines from quote to delivery.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in customer service or order management, knowledge of corrugated packaging, and experience with ERP systems like SAP or Macola. This role offers structured growth and a comprehensive benefits package.