Food Packaging Sales Specialist

Job Purpose:

Our Food Sales Specialist will be responsible for supporting the Field Sales organization in growing and closing profitable sales at food processing customers. This role will provide expertise and skill in how to increase sales with new and existing customers by creating value through custom specific food packaging solutions, finding cost savings and improving packaging processes.

Job Responsibilities:

● Provide technical sales support to ensure direct food contact packaging products meet customer application fitness for use requirements, before and after the sale.
● Actively participate in food segment sales pipeline reviews with Sales Managers and Sales Representatives and ensure revenue, margin and profitability performance objectives are achieved.
● Serve as the Subject Matter Expert and support all required efforts with the sales and marketing teams specific to identified direct food contact (DFC) packaging opportunities.
● Schedule and lead monthly food "cohort" calls with the commercial infrastructure within assigned region. Purpose is to support and educate the sales team and provide sales tools on key growth product categories.
● Lead the identification of suppliers, with focus on preferred suppliers, to support current and new DFC packaging opportunities and collaborate with Veritiv Category Management team to support activities specific to DFC supply base.
● Proactively drive growth activities with regional sales team (RVP, Sales Manager and Sales Rep) with focus on share of wallet growth within current DFC customers and new business development within identified sub verticals. Working with Veritiv Corporate Accounts Managers, execute against provided and newly identified DFC opportunities and at the plant level.

Additional Responsibilities & Qualifications:

● Experience working across entire food industry value chain, including business to business sales experience.
● Proven track record in sales and new client generation in the food industry with high level understanding of flexible and rigid direct food contact packaging materials, associated OEM equipment base, and interaction of flexible/rigid materials through FFS/FS equipment base. 
● Extensive knowledge of food packaging technologies, including: blown, injection molded and thermoformed rigid products; blown, cast, laminated, coated film roll stock and various bag and pouch formats, including roto, flexo, and digital printing decorating technologies. 
● Up to 50% travel is required.

Work Experience:

● 10-15 years of related job experience.● Ability to manage multiple projects, work under pressure, and adapt to sudden changes in the work environment.● Ability to work quickly and efficiently.● Excellent verbal, written, people, and diplomacy skills are required.● Experienced in providing leadership to others regarding work related systems, processes, and challenges.● Experience of interpreting strategy and policy in order to set and deliver objectives.● Experience of planning, managing and organizing resources within short/medium timescales within the overall policy framework.● Experience with Salesforce.com or other CRM is preferred.● Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.● Strong customer service skills (friendly, courteous and helpful).● Strong planning and organization skills are required.

Education:

● Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Physical Requirements:
● A significant portion of the job responsibilities will require computer work that involves the continuous use of the fingers, hands, wrists, and sitting for long periods of time. 
● The position also requires frequent lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds.
● The position requires work in an office as well as travel to customers, suppliers, group meetings, etc.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job, and duties may change from time to time depending on our business needs.

What We Offer

• Engaging and inclusive culture with employee-led Employee Resource Groups, Veritiv Cultural Alliance, recognition platform, etc.
• Extensive training opportunities, professional development programs, career pathing, and mentorship opportunities.
• Collaborative atmosphere with our customers and suppliers to create healthier, safer and more sustainable communities through our responsible operations and innovative solutions.
• Healthcare benefits (including medical, dental, vision, and health savings account), life, AD&D, and disability insurance, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and other fringe benefits.

About Veritiv

Together with its subsidiaries, Veritiv is the leading full-service provider of packaging solutions. Veritiv also provides JanSan, hygiene, print and publishing products and services. Veritiv serves customers in a wide range of industries, through team members around the world helping shape the success of its customers. For more information, visit www.veritiv.com and connect with the Company on LinkedIn.