What are the responsibilities and job description for the Packaging Account Manager position at Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC.?
The Packaging Account Manager is responsible for managing and growing customer relationships within an assigned region, driving new business development, and supporting packaging programs from concept through production. This role collaborates closely with customers and cross-functional internal teams to deliver value-driven solutions, ensure program success, and support long-term business growth.
The ideal candidate is commercially minded, customer-focused, and able to balance strategic account growth with day-to-day project coordination in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities- Manage and grow existing customer accounts within the assigned region, serving as the primary point of contact for commercial and program-related matters.
- Identify, pursue, and develop new business opportunities to expand market share and support company growth objectives.
- Partner with customers to understand their packaging needs, operational challenges, timelines, and long-term goals.
- Support packaging program development from initial concept through quotation, design collaboration, launch, and full production.
- Coordinate closely with internal teams, including Packaging Design, Customer Service, Operations, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain, to ensure smooth execution of customer programs.
- Help develop value-driven packaging solutions that align with customer requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and business objectives.
- Prepare and present quotes, proposals, presentations, and account updates to customers and internal leadership.
- Monitor account performance, customer forecasts, project timelines, and open issues to ensure timely follow-up and resolution.
- Maintain strong knowledge of products, capabilities, pricing, and market trends to effectively position solutions with customers.
- Support contract, pricing, and commercial discussions in partnership with leadership, as needed.
- Travel within the assigned region to visit customers, support relationship development, and identify growth opportunities.
- Maintain accurate customer activity, pipeline updates, forecasts, and opportunity tracking within CRM or other reporting tools.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Packaging, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 3 years of experience in account management, business development, sales, or program management in manufacturing, packaging, or a related industry preferred.
- Experience supporting customer programs from development through production strongly preferred.
- Strong customer relationship management and business development skills.
- Ability to manage multiple accounts, projects, and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and follow-up skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
- Willingness to travel as needed within the assigned region.
- Experience in returnable packaging, industrial packaging, injection molding, or custom packaging solutions.
- Background working with automotive, industrial, retail, or manufacturing customers.
- Familiarity with product development, quoting, and production launch processes.
- Customer Focus
- Business Development
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Thinking
- Project Coordination
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Accountability
This position operates in a professional business environment with regular interaction with customers and cross-functional internal teams. Travel to customer sites and company facilities will be required based on business needs.