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Graham Packaging

Designs and manufactures sustainable plastic containers

Plant Manager

Full-TimeDeadline 9/15/27
No salary listed
Senior
Bachelor's
Phoenix, AZ, USA
In PersonTravel of 0–25% may be required.
Manufacturing & Production Operations

About the job

Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s Degree and/or related plant management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and related plant management experience, is required.
  • Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.
  • Computer usage and typing skills are essential.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers in verbal and written form.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
  • Ability to work independently and complete assignments within given instructions, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
  • Ability to communicate facts and information clearly both verbally and orally.
  • Ability to collaborate with others and proactively contribute to group objectives.
Responsibilities
  • Understand, follow, and enforce established safety, health, quality, Good Manufacturing Practices, company policies, procedures, and recognized practices.
  • Lead plant safety initiatives through safety training programs, plant safety meetings, safety audits, and employee involvement programs.
  • Lead plant quality initiatives by implementing corrective actions, coordinating new product qualifications, participating in quality system audits, and developing and implementing corrective action plans.
  • Select, train, and support the growth and development of shift and staff personnel to attain organizational goals.
  • Review operating statements for all departments and direct manufacturing operations so plant costs remain within budgetary standards.
  • Develop and maintain customer relationships and identify systems improvements and potential supply chain cost reductions.
  • Develop and implement continuous improvement plans for short- and long-range goals.
  • Oversee production planning to ensure customer requirements are satisfied.
  • Maintain contact with sales and customer service departments to maximize utilization of plant facilities.
  • Act as the plant project manager for new initiatives involving equipment and molds.
  • Participate in monthly, quarterly, and year-end physical inventories in accordance with corporate guidelines.
  • Oversee creation and implementation of the plant’s strategic and tactical plans.
  • Drive continuous improvement plans using Operational Excellence tools across cross-functional departments.
  • Promote an open-door and team-building environment.
  • Perform special projects related to other functional areas as needed.
Desired Qualifications
  • A minimum of five years of experience in an operations supervisory or management role in a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated leadership skills, is strongly preferred.
  • Six Sigma, Lean, and/or Kaizen experience is preferred.

About the company

Graham Packaging designs, manufactures, and sells custom, value-added, and sustainable containers for food, beverage, household, and automotive uses. Its products are plastic bottles and related packaging created to be safe, attractive, and convenient for today’s consumers. The company achieves this through a team of designers and engineers who develop packaging solutions and manage end-to-end production in facilities across North America, Europe, and South America, with more than 16 billion container units produced annually. Unlike generic packaging providers, Graham focuses on tailored packaging solutions for major brands and emphasizes sustainability and performance to meet each market’s specific demands. Its goal is to continue solving customers’ packaging challenges by delivering safe, appealing, and environmentally responsible containers at scale while expanding its global footprint.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

East Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania

Founded

1970

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • May 2026 Graham named Katy Vu CFO, strengthening execution after Kris Warfel’s transition.
  • Hammond, Louisiana expansion commits $35 million, with occupancy targeted for February 1, 2027.
  • Altavista modernization won a $20 million incentive package, funding capacity and workforce upgrades.

What critics are saying

  • Graham faces Amcor patent litigation in Delaware; claim-construction rulings landed September 9, 2026.
  • Ring Container Technologies patent case in Kentucky continued through May 22, 2026, pressuring margins.
  • Headcount fell to 2,079 by March 2026, signaling relentless efficiency pressure and constrained growth.

What makes Graham Packaging unique

  • One of every three plants sits inside customers’ filling facilities, reducing freight waste.
  • Graham ships 15 billion containers yearly across 60-plus sites in North America, Europe, South America.
  • May 2026 CFO Katy Vu brings Bunzl acquisition discipline and operational finance rigor.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Wellness Program

Company News

Central Penn Business Journal
May 15th, 2026
Graham Packaging names Katy Vu as new CFO.

Graham Packaging names Katy Vu as new CFO. Rachel Curry, Contributing Writer//May 15, 2026// Graham Packaging, which manufactures rigid plastic packaging and containers, announced on May 4 the appointment of Katy Vu as the new chief financial officer. Vu previously served as CFO for Bunzl North America, a division of global distribution and services company Bunzl PLC. She managed financials for the nearly $9 billion business and helped drive more than 20 acquisitions for the company. Founded in 1970, Graham is headquartered in Lancaster with a flagship manufacturing location in York. The company produces 15 billion containers per year across more than 60 global locations. "Katy has spent more than 15 years leading global finance and business operations with a strong track record of driving performance, growth and operational excellence," Bob Pyle, president and CEO of Graham Packaging, said in a statement. "Her ability to partner across organizations, apply strong analytical insights and build high-performing teams will be instrumental as we execute our strategy and deliver value for our customers." Vu holds a bachelor of science in economics and international development from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom and an executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA). Vu succeeds Kris Warfel, who will transition to president of Graham's Food & Beverage business.

Intelligence360 News
Nov 20th, 2024
Graham Packaging To Spend $35 Million To Expand Into New Space In Hammond Louisiana.

Graham Packaging to spend $35 Million to expand into new space in Hammond Louisiana. Graham Packaging to spend $35 Million to expand into new space in Hammond Louisiana.Hammond, Louisiana — According to state and local development sources, Graham Packaging plans to invest $35,000,000.00 to build out new space in Hammond. The company plans to occupy the new space at 311 Pride Dr in Hammond, on or about February 1, 2027. According to the company website Graham Packaging is a leader in the design, manufacture and sale of custom, value-added and sustainable food, beverage, household and automotive containers. We work with some of the biggest brands in the world to provide them with safe, attractive and convenient packaging that meets the demands of todays consumer. Graham Packaging was founded more than 50 years ago on the idea that there had to be a better way to store and use motor oil

Louisiana Economic Development
Oct 17th, 2024
Global Packaging Manufacturer Invests $35 Million to Enhance Operations and Upskill Workforce at Hammond Facility

HAMMOND, La. - Graham Packaging, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, announced it is investing $35 million to expand and modernize its production facility in Tangipahoa Parish.

Altavista Journal
Sep 19th, 2024
Incentive package for $20 million awarded to Graham Packing modernization project

Graham Packaging, a global manufacturer of sustainable, recyclable packaging, will be investing $20 million in their Altavista facility which is the largest investment made since opening.

PR Newswire
Mar 1st, 2024
Graham Packaging Company Inc. To Review 2023 Fourth Quarter And Year-End Results On March 5, 2024

LANCASTER, Pa., March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Graham Packaging Company Inc. will host a conference call on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM CST / 14:00 UTC to review its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.The call will include prepared remarks and a question and answer session. Dial-in information and the presentation materials will be available to current investors after approximately 7:00 pm ET on March 4, 2024, through the Investors link on our website at www.grahampackaging.com via access to our investor Intralinks site.About Graham PackagingGraham Packaging is a leading provider of sustainable packaging for a range of markets: industrial, food, beverage, home care and dairy, health food & nutrition. Our 60+ facilities across North America, Europe and South America produce approximately 16 billion container units annually. Since 1970, we've employed some of the best and brightest package designers, who bring inspired, technology-driven solutions to market for essential businesses, from large consumer brands to small startups. Headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with facilities located throughout the world, we are dedicated to excellence in sustainability, innovation and creativity