Senior Account Executive - Foodservice

Graphic Packaging International; Atlanta (GA); Remote; USD 93,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Graphic Packaging International is seeking an experienced Account Executive to support a large global quick service restaurant brand, acting as a key liaison between customer and internal teams to drive category management, project execution, supply chain alignment, and client satisfaction.

The ideal candidate brings strong project management, sales support, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with exceptional organizational and communication abilities; remote work with travel is possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Packaging, or a related field.
• PMP certification or other project management cert is a plus.
• 5-7 years of experience in project management or account management.
• Experience in foodservice packaging or manufacturing preferred.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage category-level planning, development, and execution of packaging programs with cross-functional teams.
• Lead project activities including feasibility, material substitutions, plant trials, and launches.
• Serve as primary contact for assigned packaging categories and communicate milestones.
• Support sales team, ensure customer objectives align with internal execution.
• Develop timelines, track performance, and provide data-driven recommendations.

Skills

Project management

Account management

Sales support

Cross-functional

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Packaging/Supply Chain

PMP certification is a plus

Tools

ERP systems

Customer portals

Job description

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

Job Summary

Our Foodservice group team is seeking an experienced Account Executive to support a large, global quick service restaurant brand. This role serves as a key liaison between the customer and internal stakeholders, driving category management, project execution, supply chain alignment, and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in project management, sales support, and cross-functional collaboration, along with exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Account & Project Management

• Manage category-level planning, development, and execution of customer's packaging programs, partnering with engineering, supply chain, planning, operations, finance, and sales teams.
• Lead project activities including feasibility assessments, promotional capabilities, material substitutions, manufacturing evaluations, plant trials, product qualifications, specification development, and product launches.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned packaging categories, ensuring alignment between customer objectives and internal execution.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, launch schedules, and action plans to support successful implementation.
• Communicate project status, risks, and milestones to both internal and external stakeholders.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customer, and key internal stakeholders.
• Understand customer needs and translate requirements into actionable plans for internal teams.
• Provide timely communication on project progress, challenges, and resolutions.
• Support the commercial sales team in achieving account objectives and delivering exceptional customer service.

Category Management & Strategic Support

• Analyze product performance, sales trends, forecast data, and usage rates to support short- and long-term category strategies.
• Utilize knowledge of packaging products, manufacturing capabilities, and industry trends to support customer requests and commercial opportunities.
• Provide technical and operational guidance related to foodservice packaging solutions.
• Maintain awareness of emerging packaging technologies and industry developments.

Supply Chain, Production & Risk Management

• Coordinate with planning and manufacturing facilities to align production schedules with customer requirements and launch timelines.
• Monitor inventory, production performance, and supply chain activities to ensure service levels are achieved.
• Identify potential risks related to inventory, production, supply, or project execution and develop mitigation plans.
• Address supply chain challenges, elevate issues when necessary, and drive timely resolution.

Forecasting, Reporting & Financial Administration

• Track sales performance against forecast and provide reporting on production, inventory, orders, and planned output through customer and supplier reporting tools.
• Lead recurring category production and project review meetings with customers and internal teams.
• Develop project cost estimates in collaboration with internal teams, secure customer alignment, and coordinate project-related invoicing.
• Support resolution of accounts receivable and aged inventory concerns.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to support business decisions and account growth.

Digital Tools & Systems

• Act as the liaison between customers and internal IT teams to support implementation and adoption of digital tools and system enhancements.
• Develop proficiency in customer and internal ERP systems, customer portals, reporting platforms, and other account-related technologies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance visibility, efficiency, and customer experience.

Skills & Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Packaging, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or other relevant project management certification is a plus.

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in project management, account management, sales support, or a related role.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and customer-facing initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to present products, capabilities, and solutions to customers.
• Experience within foodservice packaging, folding carton, consumer products, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Account management and foodservice industry experience preferred but not required.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build strong working relationships.

Business Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Effective decision-making and execution under tight deadlines.
• Desire to learn and grow within commercial account management.

Attributes for Success

• Self-starter with a proactive mindset.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to continuous learning.
• Professional, confident, and resilient.
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Key Performance Indicators

• Category Execution: Inventory performance, project delivery, and successful launch execution.
• Customer Satisfaction: Customer feedback and relationship effectiveness.
• Risk Management: Successful identification, mitigation, and resolution of risks and issues.
• Forecasting & Financial Performance: Forecast accuracy, reporting quality, and timely invoicing/payment processing.
• Digital Adoption: Effective implementation and utilization of customer and internal digital tools.

Work Environment

• Remote home-office based position with occasional travel.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours as business needs require.

Disclaimer

The candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Graphic Packaging retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Career Level

Advanced, seasoned

Internal expert, thought-leader

Competencies

• Business Acumen
• Curiosity
• Interpersonal Skills
• Influence Skills
• Self-Starter
• Negotiation Skills
• Organization Skills
• Results Oriented

Pay Range

$92,600.00 - $123,500.00

Graphic Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable federal, state provincial and local laws with respect to the recruitment and hiring process. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Should you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact your Human Resources representative or email [e-mail].