Student Associate - Global Continuous Improvement

Toppan Flexible Packaging Inc; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company 
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Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

TOPPAN Packaging Americas is seeking a student-oriented professional to support the rollout of POKA, our connected worker platform, across manufacturing sites. You will assist in onboarding, training, and maintaining digital applications while collaborating with site teams to ensure adoption and standardization.

The role emphasizes collaboration across countries and time zones, with a focus on continuous improvement, safety programs, and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

• College student status (junior/senior/graduate) pursuing degree in a related field.
• Majors include Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Information Systems, or Business Administration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint, Teams; quick to learn new digital apps.

Responsibilities

• Assist onboarding plants and users to POKA with site setup, training, and launch support.
• Coordinate rollout with continuous improvement coordinators and local teams.
• Maintain naming conventions, equipment structures, and content organization across sites.
• Review platform setup against global standards and escalate gaps.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

MS Teams

Communication

Education

Industrial Engineering

Operations Management

Information Systems

Business Administration

Tools

POKA

SharePoint

Power BI

Power Automate

Job description

TOPPAN Packaging Americas specializes in designing and manufacturing sustainable, high-performance flexible and thermoformed packaging solutions for the food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high barrier films, pouches, clamshells and trays, utilizing advanced technology to enhance product safety, visibility and environmental sustainability. TOPPAN Packaging Americas operates as part of the global TOPPAN group, with 22 manufacturing facilities across North America, Latin America and Europe.

Summary Description

Reporting directly to the Global Continuous Improvement & Safety Manager, you’ll support the rollout, standardization, and effective use of digital applications across our global manufacturing sites. Your primary focus will be POKA, our connected worker platform, with additional support for other operations applications as needed. The Global Continuous Improvement & Safety Manager will define the priorities, rollout approach, platform structure, and global standards. You’ll help put that direction into practice and work with plants to ensure consistent adoption and use.

What you’ll be doing:

• Help onboard plants and users to POKA through site setup, training, and launch support.
• Coordinate with site continuous improvement coordinators and local teams to execute the rollout plan, track milestones, and follow up on outstanding actions.
• Implement and maintain approved naming conventions, equipment structures, content organization, and templates across sites.
• Review platform setup and content against global standards, help sites correct gaps, and elevate issues or proposed exceptions to the Global Continuous Improvement & Safety Manager.
• Follow up regularly with plants to ensure POKA is actively and correctly used in daily operations.
• Help address adoption barriers and identify additional training or support needs.
• Assist with organizing work instructions, training materials, and shared knowledge, working with site owners to keep information accurate and current.
• Develop practical user guides, answer routine questions, and coordinate technical issues with the appropriate support teams.
• Monitor platform usage, training completion, and adoption.
• Provide regular updates highlighting progress, gaps, and actions needed.
• Share best practices across plants and help teams incorporate POKA into daily operations, continuous improvement activities, and safety programs.
• Push for the use of AI across the different platforms ( POKA AI, copilot, etc.)
• Support the evaluation, rollout, and improvement of other operations applications, along with related reporting and process improvement projects, as directed by the Global Continuous Improvement & Safety Manager.

Location

This is an ONSITE position located out of Charlotte, NC Office (South End).

Qualifications

You are a college junior, senior, or graduate. You are majoring in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field. You are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable tracking multiple projects and following up with different teams. You communicate clearly and enjoy working with people across different countries, cultures, and time zones. You are comfortable with Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Teams, and can quickly learn new digital applications. You have an interest in manufacturing, continuous improvement, digital tools, and employee training. You can work independently within established guidelines, suggest improvements, and seek alignment before changing shared standards. You are adaptable and comfortable supporting different operational priorities as business needs evolve. Experience with POKA, SharePoint, Power BI, Power Automate, or similar applications is a plus, but not required.

Compensation

Based on year of college student is enrolled in:

• Freshman - $15.50
• Sophomore - $16.25
• Junior - $18.00
• Senior - $19.50

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. We also provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment processes. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.

Our Thermoformed and Flexible Packaging business serves North America, Latin America and Europe with 22 locations. We create and manufacture sustainable packaging solutions. Our customers span the food, retail, and medical sectors. Our packaging meets the needs of a wide range of applications including snacks, condiments, healthcare items, prepared meals, fresh produce, coffee, and pet food. We are committed to responsible packaging that protects products and supports a healthier planet.

Vision and Mission

Vision: Change the World through Packaging Innovation

Mission: Foster a society focused on well-being and sustainability, while safeguarding our planet for future generations, through the continuous development of innovative packaging solutions that explore cutting-edge materials and technologies.

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