Sales Director, Key Accounts

Stora Enso; Karlstads kommun; On-site; SEK 1,325,820 - 1,988,730; Full time

Job summary

Stora Enso seeks a Sales Director, Key Account to lead and develop commercial operations for major customers within the Containerboard Business Area, ideally based in Helsinki with flexibility for other European locations.

The role carries full accountability for commercial performance, customer value creation, and profitable growth, reporting to the Head of Product & Sales Containerboard and collaborating with operations, supply chain, product development, marketing, and finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance or related field; MBA or equivalent is an advantage.
• Proven senior‑level sales experience with a track record of profitable growth and managing high‑value relationships.
• Strong ambition, resilience, and ability to perform in demanding environments.
• Business acumen, integrity, and credibility enabling sound decision‑making with customers and stakeholders.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills at executive level.
• Ability to build constructive, long‑term relationships with customers and internal/external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Fluency in English; French and/or German is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop key customer relationships and implement the account strategy and roadmap.
• Define the customer value proposition, account priorities, pricing principles, and sales resource allocation.
• Balance growth, profitability, and long‑term customer partnerships.
• Collaborate with sales teams to deepen customer understanding and develop new opportunities.
• Work cross‑functionally with operations, supply chain, product development, marketing, and finance.
• Drive commercial excellence through disciplined processes and data‑driven decisions.
• Influence short‑ and long‑term strategy within the Containerboard segment.

Skills

Senior-level sales experience

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Fluency in English

Travel willingness

Education

Relevant university degree in Business, Economics, Finance or related field

Job description

Sales Director, Key Account

We are looking for an experienced Sales Director, Key Account to lead and develop the commercial operations of some of Stora Enso’s key customers as part of the Containerboard Business Area. The preferred location is Helsinki, Finland, but other European locations may be considered.

This senior sales role carries full accountability for commercial performance, customer value creation, and profitable growth within our key customer segment. The Sales Director reports to the Head of Product & Sales Containerboard based in Helsinki.

Responsibilities

As Sales Director, you will:

• Lead and develop key customer relationships and implement the account strategy and roadmap.
• Define the customer value proposition, account priorities, pricing principles, and sales resource allocation.
• Ensure a balance between growth, profitability, and long‑term customer partnerships.
• Work closely with sales teams to deepen customer understanding, expand relationships, and develop new business opportunities with existing and new customers.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with operations, supply chain, product development, marketing, and finance.
• Drive commercial excellence through disciplined processes, performance management, and fact‑based decision‑making.
• Influence short‑term business performance and long‑term strategic direction within the Containerboard segment.

Qualifications

• Relevant university degree in Business, Economics, Finance or related field (MBA or equivalent is an advantage).
• Proven senior‑level sales experience with a strong track record of driving profitable growth and managing high‑value customer relationships.
• Strong ambition, resilience, and stress tolerance required for demanding results‑driven environments.
• Business acumen, integrity, and credibility, enabling sound decision‑making and trusted relationships with customers, teams, and senior stakeholders.
• Negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to influence and engage at executive level.
• Ability to build constructive, long‑term relationships with customers and key internal and external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Fluency in English; speaking French and/or German is an advantage.

Our Offer

At Stora Enso you will have the opportunity to make a real commercial and strategic impact in a key business segment within a global renewable materials company. You will shape the future of the Containerboard business by driving customer value, commercial performance, and sustainable growth.

We value diversity, inclusion, and different perspectives and support your physical and mental wellbeing.