• Purchasing Summer Internship

    Packing Corp of America (Lake Forest, IL)


    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

    About Us:

    PCA’s Corporate Purchasing Team manages the selection and oversight of preferred vendors supporting our mills and box plants. We collaborate with Mill and Corrugated leadership, Finance, Legal, and Engineering teams to ensure reliable supply and cost-effective solutions for successful production.

    About the Role:

    As a Corporate Purchasing Intern, you will gain hands-on experience in procurement processes with a strong focus on vendor selection, contract and agreement support, and project-based initiatives. You will assist in maintaining compliance with purchasing policies while supporting strategic sourcing activities.

    Key Responsibilities:

    + Vendor Selection & Management

    + Assist in preparing and analyzing RFPs/RFQs for vendor evaluation

    + Maintain vendor records and support onboarding processes

    + Participate in meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders

    + Contracts & Agreement Support

    + Organize and maintain contract files and procurement documentation

    + Track and review purchase orders, leases, and agreements

    + Collaborate with Legal and Finance teams to ensure compliance

    + Project Support

    + Contribute to defined procurement initiatives and present findings

    + Track, report, and analyze cost savings and spend data using Excel

    + Support cross-functional projects and resolve procurement issues

    Qualifications:

    + Currently enrolled in college, majoring in Business, Finance, or related field

    + Completed sophomore year with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0

    + Eligible to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis

    Skills & Abilities:

    + Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; ERP familiarity (SAP, Coupa, Trident) is a plus

    + Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

    + Detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

    + Team player with a proactive approach and willingness to learn

    COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

    + Starting hourly range for this position: $25.00 - $30.00 depending on your academic year.

    + Paid Holidays.

    + 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.

    + Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

     

    PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

     

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

    Job Details

    Pay Type Hourly

     

    Hiring Min Rate 25 USD

     

    Hiring Max Rate 30 USD