National Account Manager

Appleton Finn; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Appleton Finn seeks a Strategic Account Manager for its Specialty Films Division focused on high-temperature, high-abuse applications. The role delivers customized flexible film solutions to aerospace, automotive, medical, and manufacturing sectors.

The ideal candidate will manage national plans, lead long-term contracts, and collaborate with Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, and Customer Service to drive growth while expanding key relationships across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in business, engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of proven sales experience in flexible films or related industries.
• Track record selling into aerospace, automotive, produce harvesting, medical, or manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of plastics manufacturing and industry relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to grow revenue within the Specialty Films Division.
• Lead contract negotiations for multi-year agreements with assigned customers.
• Identify possible specialty broker representatives to drive new business.
• Routinely interface with Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, & Customer Service; support other departments to maximize growth.
• Develop long-standing customer relationships across the value chain from end user to distribution.
• Understand film and the complexities of customized solutions for the sector.
• Provide market intelligence and customer feedback to shape product development and innovation.
• Achieve sales targets and contribute to profitability.

Skills

Strategic selling

Account management

Negotiation

Cross-functional

Remote work

Excel

Communication

Relationship

Market analysis

Travel readiness

Education

BS/BA in business or engineering

Job description

We are seeking a highly driven and experienced Strategic Account Manager to join our Specialty Films Division. This division focuses on high-temperature and high-abuse applications, delivering customized flexible film solutions to meet the unique needs of our diverse customer base. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise and strong relationships in technical market segments like aerospace, automotive, produce agriculture/harvesting, medical, and manufacturing. Strong preference with experience in shelf-life extension packaging, food preservation, produce harvesting or similar.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position requires:

• The ability to develop and execute national market plans to achieve annual sales budget.
• Lead contract negotiations for multi-year agreements with assigned customers.
• Identify possible specialty broker representatives to drive new business.
• Routinely interface with internal partners such as Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, & Customer Service; position will support other departments to ensure customer satisfaction and to maximize growth opportunities.
• Ability to develop long-standing customer relationships throughout the value chain from end user through distribution.
• Understand film, and the complexities of customized solutions for the sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to grow revenue within the Specialty Films Division.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities in target markets including aerospace, automotive, produce harvesting, medical, and manufacturing.
• Promote applications including vacuum bagging, cleanroom, sterilization, solvent recovery, and modified atmospheric packaging.
• Manage and grow relationships with key strategic accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, R&D, and technical teams to deliver customized flexible film solutions.
• Provide market intelligence and customer feedback to help shape product development and innovation strategies.
• Achieve sales targets and contribute to overall business growth and profitability.
• Preferred experience within modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) or vacuum bagging applications.
• Established relationships and networks within specialty markets relevant to flexible films.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• BS/BA degree in business, engineering or related field and 10+ years of proven sales experience in flexible films or related industries.
• Track record of success selling into one or more of the following channels: aerospace, automotive, produce harvesting, medical, or manufacturing.
• The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of manufacturing capabilities in plastic and strong relationships within the specialty films space.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; demonstrates attention to detail.

Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze, target, and close opportunities.
• A pulse on the market to understand the competition, market pricing and changing customer dynamics.
• Excellent customer service skills and the desire to negotiate win/win situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as well as a team to achieve goals.
• Ability to self-manage remotely including strong planning and time management skills.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and logical approach to managing data; proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to respond to inquiries and complaints from customers in both oral and written form.
• Must possess the skills necessary to question, discuss, listen, and present the company’s products to current and potential customers.
• Excellent relationship-building skills.
• Reasoning abilities to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to present to the Company for resolution.
• This position can be remote anywhere in the USA, in proximity to a major airport for travel. Our facilities are located in PA, OH & TX and can serve as a home office as needed.
• The position requires 50% - 75% travel by car and airplane.
• Overnight travel is required.
• Sales are in a business-to-business setting, which may require time spent in a manufacturing environment.
• Must adhere to all safety requirements when on-site/in the plant, as well as the safety regulations of all customer facilities when on-site.