Business Development Manager - Plastic Packaging

We are conducting a search for a North American Business Development Manager on behalf of a global plastics packaging manufacturer with approximately $1.5 billion in annual sales.

Our client is looking for an experienced, new-business-focused sales professional to expand its presence with major food manufacturers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies throughout North America.

The company manufactures rigid plastic packaging used primarily in dairy and other food applications.

This is a business development position, not a traditional account management role. Approximately 75% of the position will focus on identifying, developing, and securing new business.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities with major food manufacturers and CPG companies throughout North America.
• Establish relationships with purchasing, procurement, packaging engineering, product development, and other key decision-makers.
• Target large-volume packaging opportunities involving rigid plastic containers and lids.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans to penetrate new customers and expand business with existing accounts.
• Manage the sales process from initial prospecting and relationship development through commercial negotiations and securing new business.
• Work closely with internal manufacturing, technical, and commercial teams to develop packaging solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Manage selected existing accounts while maintaining a primary focus on new business development.
• Travel throughout North America to meet customers, develop relationships, and pursue new opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development or sales within the plastic packaging industry.
• Experience selling rigid plastic packaging, including injection molded, thermoformed, or related packaging products.
• Established knowledge of major food manufacturers, CPG companies, and their packaging purchasing processes.
• Experience developing new business with large, high-volume customers.
• Ability to identify opportunities, establish relationships with decision-makers, and manage complex, long-cycle sales.
• Understanding of plastic packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and customer applications.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout North America.

This role pays up to a base salary of $170k plus 20% target bonus.

Experience selling packaging directly to food manufacturers is particularly important. Candidates with experience selling bottles, closures, thermoformed containers, injection molded packaging, or other rigid or FLEXIBLE food packaging products are encouraged to apply.