Account Manager in Bishop Auckland

Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock! Are you a relationship-driven sales professional who can create value, build trust and shape long-term customer partnerships? Do you thrive on being out in front of customers, covering miles, making real connections and driving growth face-to-face? This is the role where external engagement comes first—always. Smurfit Westrock is looking for an ambitious Account Manager to join our External Sales team and help deliver our growth strategy across the Integrated Division.

About Us: We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.

The Role: This is an exciting opportunity to manage the full sales cycle—using insight, creativity and commercial awareness to explore customer needs, develop tailored proposals, and deliver solutions that make a real impact. Reporting to the Sales Director, you will play a vital role in strengthening customer relationships, shaping our proposition and ensuring we meet site and commercial objectives. As an Account Manager, you will work within our Sales Competency Framework, which supports both recruitment and ongoing development. You will manage a portfolio of customers from initial discovery through to successful implementation, ensuring each interaction adds value and builds long-term partnership. You will work closely with internal teams, understand customer strategies and technical requirements, and use data-driven insights to guide commercial proposals. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to negotiate win-win agreements that benefit both the customer and Smurfit Westrock.

If shortlisted, you will receive the full Competency Framework to support your interview preparation. And even if you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply — support and development will be provided for successful candidates.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Explore: Develop a deep understanding of customers across all levels and create strategies to grow value.
• Qualify: Identify and engage key stakeholders to shape commercial and technical opportunities.
• Develop: Build compelling proposals that demonstrate value through tailored solutions.
• Propose: Present structured solutions including scope, timescales and commercials.
• Close: Secure agreement through collaborative negotiation that achieves mutual benefit.
• Implement: Ensure all agreed actions are delivered effectively by liaising with internal teams and supporting customer rollout.

What We’re Looking For:

• A strong communicator with the ability to build and maintain trusted relationships.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to interpret data and identify opportunities.
• Someone who operates with integrity, loyalty and trust — our core values.
• A confident negotiator able to find balanced, mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Committed to delivering value for both the customer and the business.
• Willing to uphold all Health & Safety responsibilities and company policies.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• 24/7 confidential support for you and your family.
• Flexible working options and family-friendly policies.
• Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer).

So if you’re energised by face-to-face customer time and a role that keeps you out front and on the move, you’ll thrive here and we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.

Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment. We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.