Sr. Dir, Acct&Client Mgmt in Bristol

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

Job Purpose/Summary

We are seeking a highly driven Multi-National Sales Director to lead and accelerate major growth initiatives across Europe. This strategic role is focused on securing transformational new business wins within some of the continent’s largest and most influential companies. You will own executive-level customer engagement, sponsor high-value opportunities, and work closely with Smurfit WestRock senior leadership to convert strategic plans into measurable commercial success. The role location is flexible - based in home country, linked to one of our European manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate European sales activity across a portfolio of major multi-national accounts valued at €350M+.
• Sponsor, pursue, and secure large-scale new business opportunities, delivering step-change growth in strategic accounts.
• Build and strengthen C-suite and senior executive relationships to secure long-term partnerships and influence customer strategy.
• Act as the strategic link between key customers and Smurfit WestRock leadership to ensure alignment, prioritisation, and flawless execution.
• Drive pan-European growth projects, accelerating expansion into new markets and categories.
• Coordinate the Multi-National Account (MNA) network, ensuring seamless cross-regional collaboration and best-practice sharing.
• Elevate account-planning, business-development, and negotiation excellence across the MNA community.
• Identify and deliver synergy opportunities across focus accounts to maximise value creation and operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute a unified multi-national sales strategy aligned with business objectives and market dynamics.
• Prepare and present accurate forecasts, performance insights, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive sales leadership, ideally within a multi-national or pan-European environment.
• Demonstrated success managing large, dispersed teams and driving growth in complex international markets.
• Exceptional executive-level influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Strong understanding of European markets, cultural dynamics, and cross-border commercial management.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed organisation and deliver results under pressure.
• Comfortable operating in a highly mobile, pan-European role requiring regular international travel and on-site engagement with senior stakeholders.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages highly advantageous.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant senior sales leadership or key account leadership experience within the packaging industry, ideally managing complex, multi-national customers.
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a matrixed, international commercial environment with cross-border teams and stakeholders.
• Strong proficiency in CRM systems, pipeline management, and data-driven sales methodologies.
• Degree-level qualification in business, engineering, commercial disciplines, or a related field.

Why Join Us?

• Influence the direction and growth of a major European commercial organisation.
• Engage directly with senior executives and leadership teams of Europe’s largest brands.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping long-term customer partnerships and securing large-scale growth wins.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and significant career-development opportunities.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.