Description & Requirements Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

Director of Sales – Automated Packaging Systems (APS)

Reports To: Sr. Director of Sales

The Opportunity: 
The Director of Sales is accountable for driving sales growth and operational excellence across the East U.S. Region for Automated Packaging Systems (APS). 

This role provides direct leadership, coaching, and development for APS Equipment Specialists and other aligned sales team members (Corrugated/Folding/Victory Packaging). Core responsibilities include achieving budgeted revenue and EBITDA targets, managing a robust and strategic sales pipeline, and ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide business objectives.

The Director of Sales partners closely with the business unit to understand APS and OEM equipment growth goals, monitor first- and second year differentiated sales performance, and steer pipeline management strategies accordingly.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock: 

Lead diversified recruiting, hiring, training, and ongoing development of equipment specialists within the region.Drive achievement of regional equipment sales and profit objectives through new account development, targeted market penetration, existing account expansion, and OEM margin improvement initiatives.Maintain a strategically sized sales pipeline to support budgeted growth, factoring required volume, timeline to onboard new business, and expected close rates.Ensure target accounts align with margin expectations, capacity considerations, and equipment capabilities of the supporting plant(s).Prioritize closing high-potential, high-impact (“Hot” and Game Changer) opportunities.Lead Talent Management initiatives across the sales organization.Approve pricing within delegated authority levels.Ensure Box Up-Charge Agreements are established, maintained, and enforced for all accounts within assigned plant(s).Assist with credit processes for new and existing customers, including managing aged receivables and maintaining zero controllable write-offs for APS internally financed equipment.Support development of regional budgets for sales, margin, and expenses.Ensure adherence to all relevant company policies, procedures, and compliance standards.Review and analyze annual budgets, forecasts, and monthly financial summaries to guide business decisions.Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

What you need to succeed: 

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferredMinimum 5 years of relevant experience; 1–3 years in a leadership role preferredB2B sales experience in manufacturing or service industries with supervisory or coaching responsibilitiesDemonstrated success in new business developmentExperience presenting to senior management and key decision makersBudgetary and P&L experience preferredExperience in solution or concept-based selling preferredExperience with Microsoft 365, Internet-based pipeline management tools, and AutoCAD

What we offer:

Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellenceComprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunitiesAn attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potentialA 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 $155,625.00 - $259,375.00, 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, 10 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. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at and the application window is expected to close by 31-Dec-2026.