Role Description
The Technical Sales Team partners closely with customers and internal Smurfit Westrock teams to drive strategic initiatives, deliver technical excellence, and support packaging innovation. This role plays a critical part in aligning technical capabilities with customer needs to achieve measurable business outcomes.
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Customer & Commercial Partnership
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Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to execute strategic goals and account plans.
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Engage with prioritized accounts to:
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Drive margin improvement and sales growth
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Meet technical and cost-saving contractual requirements
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Support customer-specific objectives and innovation
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Technical Leadership & Collaboration
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Collaborate with customers and engage subject matter experts on packaging projects involving:
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New or modified materials, paperboard, inks, coatings, and adhesives
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Provide subject matter expertise in:
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Paperboard specifications and mill capabilities
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Converting processes and supply chain efficiencies
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Engineering & Design Support
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Partner with customer packaging engineers to deliver:
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Material science insights and structural design recommendations
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Performance evaluations to ensure packaging meets functional and sustainability goals
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Manage CAD designs, prototype development, and quote requests to streamline packaging innovation and vendor engagement
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Testing & Data-Driven Decision Making
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Coordinate technical testing across functional and analytical domains
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Ensure accurate, timely reporting to support data-driven decisions
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Translate technical findings into actionable insights for internal and external stakeholders
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Business Impact & Innovation
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Align with SWR and divisional strategies to deliver measurable business outcomes
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Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities for customers
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Share proven approaches across teams to scale success
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Provide technical differentiation and value during contract negotiations
Qualifications
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Bachelorβs degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
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Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in packaging, technical sales, or a related field
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Strong project management skills; PMP certification is a plus
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Deep knowledge of paperboard manufacturing, converting processes, and supply chain dynamics
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Proven ability to apply functional and analytical testing methods to meet customer specifications
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Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to collaborate across technical and commercial teams
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Demonstrated ability to drive technical initiatives from concept through implementation
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Proven experience developing and executing impactful technical solutions for customers
Benefits
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Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
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Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
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An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential
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A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work