Customer Relationship Manager

Smurfit Kappa; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to Work scheme

Career progression into sales

Exposure to commercial strategy

Business development opportunities

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Barnstaple, UK is seeking a Customer Relationship Manager to lead the Internal Sales team and own strategic accounts. You will build enduring customer partnerships and drive improvements in the customer experience.

You will collaborate with production, logistics and commercial teams to ensure top-tier service, and visit sites regularly to strengthen relationships and uncover growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service, account management, or sales within manufacturing, packaging, FMCG, or similar industries.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive, results-driven approach.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead our Internal Sales team and own key strategic customer accounts as primary Account Manager.
• Build long-term customer partnerships and drive improvements in customer experience.
• Collaborate with production, logistics and commercial teams to ensure best-in-class service.
• Develop relationships with key customers via regular engagement and site visits.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Commercial awareness

Job description

Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!

Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we're committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.

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.

We're hiring at Smurfit Westrock - Atlas (Barnstaple, Devon)

We're looking for a Customer Relationship Manager to lead our Internal Sales team, take ownership of our critical strategic customer accounts as the principal Account Manager, build long-term customer partnerships, and drive continuous improvement across our customer experience.

Working closely with production, logistics, and commercial teams, you'll play a key role in ensuring best in class service while identifying opportunities for business growth. You will also be expected to develop strong relationships with key customers through regular engagement and site visits, acting as a trusted partner and ambassador for the business.

This is more than a customer service role. It's a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional looking to develop into a future Sales Leadership position through mentoring, commercial exposure, and leadership development.

What we're looking for:

• Experience in customer service, account management, or sales within manufacturing, packaging, FMCG, or similar industries


• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills


• Commercial awareness and a proactive, results-driven approach


• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving abilities

What you'll gain:

• Career progression into senior sales leadership


• Exposure to commercial strategy, key account management, and business development


• The opportunity to make a real impact within a market-leading organisation

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)

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.