Food Packaging Equipment Specialist

Veritiv; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision

401k and paid time off

Extensive training and mentorship opportunities

Job summary

Veritiv is seeking a Food Sales Specialist in Los Angeles to provide technical sales support in the food packaging sector. This role demands 5+ years in direct food contact packaging and requires excellent communication skills.

The ideal candidate will participate in sales strategy and collaborate with internal teams to maximize revenue and profitability. We offer a supportive culture with professional development and healthcare benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in food contact packaging service.
• Familiarity with GMPs and HACCP plans.
• Experience working with production and QA teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical sales support for food packaging.
• Participate in sales pipeline reviews with the team.
• Lead cohort calls to support the sales team.

Skills

Experience with direct food contact packaging equipment

Strong customer service skills

Leadership and management skills

Technical issue diagnosis and resolution

Excellent verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree Preferred

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

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 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.

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.

Veritiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

EEO Policy US | EEO Policy Mexico

This description does not attempt to define the job's essential functions as defined by applicable disabilities law.