Technical Sales Rep - APS

Smurfit Westrock; Washington Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training

Competitive salary

Global opportunities

Sustainability focused culture

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in the United States seeks an experienced Technical Sales professional to drive strategic packaging solutions with customers and internal teams.

You will lead projects on new materials, paperboard specs, and supply chain improvements, deliver data-driven insights, and support negotiations to achieve measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering or packaging field.
• 7+ years in packaging, technical sales, or related area.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of paperboard manufacturing and converting processes.
• Ability to translate testing into customer-focused solutions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers and internal teams on strategic goals.
• Lead packaging projects involving new materials and coatings.
• Provide design support and CAD-based prototypes.
• Coordinate testing and report results for decisions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value during negotiations.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical testing methods

Communication skills

Contract negotiation support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

CAD software

Material testing equipment

Job description

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

The Opportunity

The Technical Sales Team partners closely with customers and internal Smurfit Westrock teams to drive strategic initiatives, deliver technical excellence, and support packaging innovation. This role plays a critical part in aligning technical capabilities with customer needs to achieve measurable business outcomes.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

Customer & Commercial Partnership

• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to execute strategic goals and account plans.
• Engage with prioritized accounts to:
  • Drive margin improvement and sales growth
  • Meet technical and cost-saving contractual requirements
  • Support customer-specific objectives and innovation

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with customers and engage subject matter experts on packaging projects involving:
  • New or modified materials, paperboard, inks, coatings, and adhesives
• Provide subject matter expertise in:
  • Paperboard specifications and mill capabilities
  • Converting processes and supply chain efficiencies

Engineering & Design Support

• Partner with customer packaging engineers to deliver:
  • Material science insights and structural design recommendations
  • Performance evaluations to ensure packaging meets functional and sustainability goals
• Manage CAD designs, prototype development, and quote requests to streamline packaging innovation and vendor engagement

Testing & Data-Driven Decision Making

• Coordinate technical testing across functional and analytical domains
• Ensure accurate, timely reporting to support data-driven decisions
• Translate technical findings into actionable insights for internal and external stakeholders

Business Impact & Innovation

• Align with SWR and divisional strategies to deliver measurable business outcomes
• Identify and implement cost‑saving opportunities for customers
• Share proven approaches across teams to scale success
• Provide technical differentiation and value during contract negotiations

What You Need To Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in packaging, technical sales, or a related field
• Strong project management skills; PMP certification is a plus
• Deep knowledge of paperboard manufacturing, converting processes, and supply chain dynamics
• Proven ability to apply functional and analytical testing methods to meet customer specifications
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to collaborate across technical and commercial teams
• Demonstrated ability to drive technical initiatives from concept through implementation
• Proven experience developing and executing impactful technical solutions for customers

What We Offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

The salary range for this position is $120,000.00 - $200,000.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.