2026 Innovative Closure Solutions Management Trainee

Ready to ignite your career? Discover a high-impact opportunity with Greif. 

Greif offers a unique opportunity to learn, lead, and make an immediate impact on a global organization where your ideas are valued. As a leader in industrial packaging, Greif delivers essential solutions and legendary customer service across 35+ countries. 

Proud recipient of the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, Greif is committed to sustainability and to developing future leaders who drive our success. Our journey to becoming the best-performing customer service company is powered by people, purpose, and strong leadership. 

If you are ready to build a career that grows with you, you have come to the right place. 

About the Management Trainee Program 

The Greif Management Trainee Program is a structured, hands-on rotational experience designed to prepare early career talent for future roles across the organization. This role is aligned to Greif’s Innovative Closure Solutions business unit, where the cohort of Trainees will support the development and delivery of high-performance closure solutions while gaining exposure to key business functions. Trainees gain exposure to key business functions while developing the skills needed to lead teams, manage operations, and drive results. 

What You Will Have the Opportunity to Do 

• Participate in a cross-functional rotational program across key areas such as product development, sales, and plant operations / maintenance (based on business needs) 

• Gain hands-on experience supporting day-to-day business and operational priorities 

• Learn how leaders manage safety, quality, and customer expectations 

• Build foundational skills in workplace effectiveness, problem‑solving, and decision‑making 

• Analyze business processes and identify continuous improvement opportunities 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives and projects 

• Receive training, coaching, and mentorship from experienced leaders 

• Prepare for placement into a full-time role upon successful program completion 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, Paper Sciences, Plastics Technology, or Polymer Sciences, or a closely related engineering or technical discipline

• Recent graduates or early-career professionals with 0–3 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or supply chain environments 

• Willingness and ability to work in plant-based / manufacturing settings 

• Legal authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements 

• Ability to work full-time, on-site in Carol Stream, IL, for the duration of the program 

• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require 

• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to change, and thrive in a fast-paced, performance-oriented environment 

• Foundational understanding of manufacturing processes, Lean principles, and continuous improvement methodologies 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with the ability to analyze data and present insights effectively 

What Sets You Apart 

• Demonstrated leadership experience through internships, co-ops, student organizations, or campus and community involvement 

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively 

• A problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze information and make sound decisions 

• Curiosity and motivation to understand how various parts of the business work together 

• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team 

• Resilience, adaptability, and openness to feedback and continuous improvement 

• Interest in developing people, processes, and business outcomes 

• Willingness to participate in rotational learning experiences that may vary by location or function 

Ready to embark on this exciting leadership journey? We have a place for you here. Apply now! 

EEO Statement:  

https://www.greif.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HR-101-Equal-Employment-Opportunity-Policy-English.pdf  

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunity for growth. Greif, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, gender, religion, age, national origin, color, disability, or veteran status. EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran. For more information read Greif’s Equal Opportunity Policy.