Food Packaging Equipment Specialist

Veritiv Corporation; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Veritiv Corporation in California is looking for a Food Sales Specialist to support the Field Sales organization. This role involves providing technical support for food processing customers and driving sales growth through specialized packaging solutions.

The ideal candidate should have over 5 years experience with direct food contact packaging equipment and knowledge of GMPs. Benefits include healthcare, profit-sharing, and extensive training opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in direct food contact packaging equipment.
• Familiarity with GMPs and HACCP plans.
• Strong knowledge of automated systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical sales support to meet customer requirements.
• Lead pipeline reviews to achieve revenue and profitability objectives.
• Drive growth activities within current customers and new business development.

Skills

Technical sales support

Leadership in audits

Customer service skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Salesforce.com

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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. Work with Veritiv Corporate Accounts Managers, execute against provided and newly identified DFC opportunities and at the plant level.

Additional Responsibilities & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience servicing direct food contact packaging equipment in one or more of the following types: thermoforming, hot‑fill vertical form fill seal, or rotary vacuum chamber.
• Proven ability to lead audits and provide feedback.
• Familiarity with GMPs, HACCP plans, and PPE usage in food manufacturing environments.
• Experience working with production management, maintenance teams, and QA professionals within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of automated systems as well as electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Understand PLC/control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues to ensure reliability and optimal performance.
• Up to 70% travel 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 time‑scales 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.

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, 401(k), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and other fringe benefits.
• Annual Profit‑Sharing Program and other incentives.