Packaging Specialist - Great Lakes Region

Reiser Canada; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food equipment supplier is looking for an experienced Packaging Specialist to join their Great Lakes Regional Sales Team. The ideal candidate will be technically skilled and customer-focused, responsible for driving sales and optimizing packaging solutions in the region. Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, especially in the food industry, is required. This role involves 70% travel and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. The candidate may reside anywhere within the region, preferably near an airport.

Qualifications

• Experience in the meat/food/cheese industries is preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate across various levels from shop floor to executives.
• Willingness to travel overnight approximately 70% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales and profitability of packaging equipment.
• Collaborate with the sales team on packaging initiatives.
• Specify thermoforming packaging machines as per customer needs.

Skills

Direct experience selling or providing technical support of packaging equipment

Knowledge of Horizontal Form Fill and Seal

Familiarity with Thermoform and Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Strong relationship-building skills

Ability to work independently and prioritize

Education

Undergraduate degree preferred

Job description

Description

Packaging Specialist
Great Lakes Region
Travel Required
Open to speak with candidates in Greater Chicago, IL, WI, MN, MI

About Reiser

For more than 60 years, Reiser has been a global leader in the food equipment industry, recognized for high-quality machinery, innovative engineering, and exceptional customer support. Our commitment to our customers drives everything we do, making Reiser the trusted partner for smarter, more efficient food processing and packaging solutions.

We take pride in providing the tools and expertise our customers need to succeed. Our team of dedicated professionals works collaboratively, embraces challenges, and are passionate about delivering results. This customer-first mindset has fueled our continued growth — and we’re now seeking an experienced Packaging Specialist to join our Great Lakes Regional Sales Team.

About the Role

We’re looking for a technically skilled, customer-focused professional who thrives in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate is energetic, detail-oriented, and driven to help our customers find the best packaging solutions.

The Packaging Specialist will partner closely with Regional Sales Managers and Territory Representatives to drive growth and profitability across the Great Lakes region (Greater Chicago, MI, WI, MN, ND). Candidates may be based near any major regional or international airport. Some international travel may be required for supplier training, customer visits, or tradeshows / events.

It is pivotal for us to find someone with customer facing presentability and technical skills with thermoforming packaging solutions.

Our Vision

• Robert Reiser & Co. will serve the food industry and other selected markets by selling and supporting equipment that provides solutions to customer needs.
• Every customer contact will result in an improved relationship with that customer.
• We will continuously strive to strengthen our supplier partnerships.
• We will encourage our fellow employees to reach their potential.
• Therefore, we will earn a fair profit and ensure our future.

What You’ll Do

This role requires both strong relationship-building and technical acumen. You’ll work with the entire sales team in the Great Lakes Region and will be responsible for continuing to drive sales, growth, and gross profits of our packaging equipment in the assigned region. You’ll specify thermoforming packaging machines, optimize packaging setups, and ensure customer needs are met through the right solutions. You’d be the “spider in the web” for all Great Lakes packaging initiatives — collaborating with specialists from Reiser and our suppliers, ensuring quotes are accurate, and maintaining relationships with key suppliers such as Repak, Variovac, Supervac, Fabbri, and Ross.

What we’re looking for:

• Direct experience selling or providing technical support of packaging equipment or products (preferably in the meat/food/cheese industries).
• Strong knowledge of Horizontal Form Fill and Seal, Overwrap, Thermoform, Lid Seal and Modified Atmosphere Packaging Applications.
• Understands importance of selling equipment with the added service component and working closely with service team.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize and multi-task.
• Comfortable communicating with people on the shop floor to C Level / Ownership of food processing and packaging companies.
• Ability to travel overnight is roughly 70% regionally based.
• Undergraduate degree preferred but not required.
• May reside anywhere in the greater territory, ideally within an hour radius of a major airport.