[Hiring] Account Manager @Sonoco

Role Description

This role integrates technical, commercial, and account management responsibilities to drive profitable growth within the tissue/towel market segment. The position serves as the technical-commercial lead for assigned accounts and new product development initiatives, translating customer manufacturing, performance, and sustainability requirements into differentiated value propositions. The role partners cross-functionally with operations, quality, engineering, technology, supply chain, and finance to deliver technically sound, economically compelling solutions while strengthening long-term customer relationships. Safety, health, and environmental stewardship take precedence over all duties in this position.

• Own and execute account plans aligned with divisional objectives, including volume growth, margin improvement, and market share expansion.
• Lead the technical-commercial interface with converters and end users, developing deep, multi-level relationships from plant operations through executive leadership.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and technical developments to inform strategy and proactively identify growth opportunities.
• Act as a technical subject-matter partner to customers by understanding their converting equipment, specifications, performance criteria, and application requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations teams to develop, test, and commercialize new products, grades, and service offerings.
• Translate customer process challenges into actionable internal development projects, including trials, qualifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support value proposition development by quantifying performance improvements, material efficiencies, and operational benefits.
• Lead pricing strategy as well as margin management for assigned accounts.
• Maintain detailed account analytics including sales, volume forecasts, gross margins, competitive positioning, specifications, and contract terms.
• Support sales and operational planning (S&OP) through accurate forecasting and demand insights.
• Manage commercial agreements including pricing structures, supply agreements, inventory programs, and confidentiality agreements.
• Ensure disciplined management of AR/DSO and working capital objectives.
• Serve as the primary commercial liaison across operations, quality, technology, engineering, procurement, and finance to ensure alignment on account strategies.
• Champion internal communication to ensure flawless execution of customer programs from development through commercialization.
• Lead resolution of complex technical or commercial issues by coordinating cross-functional resources to ensure timely, effective outcomes.
• Conduct regular business and technical reviews covering performance, quality, delivery, innovation pipelines, and value creation.
• Promote a continuous improvement mindset focused on operational optimization and customer success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; preference for engineering, materials science, chemistry, business, or related technical discipline.
• 7–10+ years of experience in packaging and paper manufacturing environments with a strong blend of technical and commercial responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in strategic or national account management and complex opportunity development.
• Proven ability to quantify and communicate technical and financial value.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and business acumen.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and advanced use of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience supporting new product development or technical commercialization projects.
• Working knowledge of converting processes, raw materials, and performance-based specifications.
• High integrity with a strong commitment to safety and compliance.
• Customer-focused, technically curious, and results-driven.
• Structured, methodical approach to complex problem-solving.
• Willingness to challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Travel required to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and internal meetings as business needs dictate.
• Travel will be at least 50% in Southern California and will travel throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services.
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family.
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.