PURCHASING CO-OP – SUMMER & FALL 2026 (VALDOSTA)

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers – large and small – package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People * Customers * Trust

We are seeking resumes for a Purchasing Co-op in our Valdosta, GA. Paper Mill.

position Requirements:

Must be a student in good standing with the University, currently enrolled majoring in Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Business or equivalent applicable program. The student will either have completed the Freshman year or the Freshman year when co-op begins and express interest in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing as a career. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required; you must pass a drug screen and be eligible to work in the US full-time. PCA’s paper mills operate on a continuous basis – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Candidates for this position must be able to occasionally work long hours and all shifts. During annual outages – typically two (2) times per year for a duration of seven (7) consecutive days – and during unscheduled shutdowns, all employees are scheduled to work 12-hour shifts.

Principal Accountabilities:

Process purchase requisitions and create purchase orders

Ensure accuracy of the vendor management system

Ensure accuracy and compliance with accepted purchasing policies and principles

Record purchase order confirmations, validate insurance requirements, and ensure accuracy of store stock requirements.

May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a business or supply chain management program

Broad understanding of purchasing principles, theories, concepts, and practices

Must be a student in good standing with the University

The student will have either completed the freshman year or will have completed the freshman year when co-op begins

experience using Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Project

Successful completion of drug screen required and authorization to work in the U.S.

A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0

Preferred Qualifications:

Pulp & Paper industry experience preferred

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

Ability to be able to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers

Ability to exhibit excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and computer skills.

Capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem-solving, ambiguity, and change.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.

Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports.

Ability to apply skills to continuous process improvement while maintaining maximum levels of safety.

Demonstrate leadership skills and abilities.

Strong planning and follow up skills.

Excellent people and process management skills.

PAY & BENEFITS:
Salary Range: $30.00 hr. Seniors, $29.00 hr. Juniors, $27.00 hr. Sophomores & $25.00 hr. Freshman

$1000.00 Monthly Housing Stipend

1.5 pay over 40 hours in a week

Reimbursement of Relocation to and from co-op assignment

Retirement Savings Plan

Compensation and Benefits

$30.00 hr. Seniors, $29.00 hr. Juniors, $27.00 hr. Sophomores, $25.00 hr. Freshmen

Medical Insurance if eligible

Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer-provided matching contributions.

Paid Holidays

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.