At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major sales initiatives across Europe and secure transformational business wins.
- Company: Join Smurfit WestRock, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to influence major brands.
- Why this job: Shape the future of packaging while engaging with top executives across Europe.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in sales leadership, strong relationship-building skills, and market knowledge.
- Other info: Flexible location with opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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.
Sr. Dir, Acct&Client Mgmt in East Kilbride employer: WestRock Company
Contact Detail:
WestRock Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr. Dir, Acct&Client Mgmt in East Kilbride
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and market position. We want to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to sell yourself just as well as you’d sell their products. We suggest rehearsing common interview questions and your unique value proposition until it feels second nature.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which is always a plus in any hiring manager's book.
We think you need these skills to ace Sr. Dir, Acct&Client Mgmt in East Kilbride
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Sr. Dir, Acct&Client Mgmt. Highlight your sales leadership experience and any relevant achievements in multi-national environments to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built relationships at the executive level.
Showcase Your Cultural Awareness: Since this role involves working across Europe, it's important to demonstrate your understanding of different markets and cultural dynamics. Mention any international experience or language skills you have to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WestRock Company
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Smurfit WestRock's business model and the packaging industry. Research their recent projects, values, and market position. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing large teams and driving growth in complex markets. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented and the results achieved, as this role demands strong executive-level influencing.
✨Cultural Awareness is Key
Since this role involves working across various European markets, demonstrate your understanding of cultural dynamics. Share experiences where you've successfully navigated cross-border challenges or built relationships with diverse stakeholders.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company's future direction and how you can contribute. Inquire about their strategic plans for growth in Europe and how they envision the role of the Multi-National Sales Director in achieving those goals.