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 TrustWe are seeking resumes for a Purchasing Co-op in our Valdosta, GA. Paper Mill.Position RequirementsMust 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 AccountabilitiesProcess purchase requisitions and create purchase ordersEnsure accuracy of the vendor management systemEnsure accuracy and compliance with accepted purchasing policies and principlesRecord purchase order confirmations, validate insurance requirements, and ensure accuracy of store stock requirements.Basic QualificationsMay perform other duties and responsibilities as assignedCurrently enrolled in a business or supply chain management programBroad understanding of purchasing principles, theories, concepts, and practicesMust be a student in good standing with the UniversityThe student will have either completed the freshman year or will have completed the freshman year when co-op beginsExperience using Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and ProjectSuccessful completion of drug screen required and authorization to work in the U.S.A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0Preferred QualificationsPulp & Paper industry experience preferredThe 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 customersAbility 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 & BenefitsSalary Range: $30.00 hr. Seniors, $29.00 hr. Juniors, $27.00 hr. Sophomores & $25.00 hr. Freshman$1000.00 Monthly Housing Stipend1.5 pay over 40 hours in a weekReimbursement of Relocation to and from co-op assignmentRetirement Savings PlanCompensation And Benefits$30.00 hr. Seniors, $29.00 hr. Juniors, $27.00 hr. Sophomores, $25.00 hr. FreshmenMedical Insurance if eligibleUpon 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 HolidaysPCA is an Equal Opportunity EmployerQualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.