Technical Account Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute account plans aligned with divisional objectives, including volume growth, margin improvement, and market share expansion.
• Lead the technical-commercial interface with converters and end users, developing deep, multi-level relationships from plant operations through executive leadership.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and technical developments to inform strategy and proactively identify growth opportunities.
• Act as a technical subject-matter partner to customers by understanding their converting equipment, specifications, performance criteria, and application requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations teams to develop, test, and commercialize new products, grades, and service offerings.
• Translate customer process challenges into actionable internal development projects, including trials, qualifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support value proposition development by quantifying performance improvements, material efficiencies, and operational benefits.
• Lead pricing strategy as well as margin management for assigned accounts.
• Maintain detailed account analytics including sales, volume forecasts, gross margins, competitive positioning, specifications, and contract terms.
• Support sales and operational planning (S&OP) through accurate forecasting and demand insights.
• Manage commercial agreements including pricing structures, supply agreements, inventory programs, and confidentiality agreements.
• Ensure disciplined management of AR/DSO and working capital objectives.
• Serve as the primary commercial liaison across operations, quality, technology, engineering, procurement, and finance to ensure alignment on account strategies.
• Champion internal communication to ensure flawless execution of customer programs from development through commercialization.
• Lead resolution of complex technical or commercial issues by coordinating cross-functional resources to ensure timely, effective outcomes.
• Conduct regular business and technical reviews covering performance, quality, delivery, innovation pipelines, and value creation.
• Promote a continuous improvement mindset focused on operational optimization and customer success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; preference for engineering, materials science, chemistry, business, or related technical discipline.
• 7–10+ years of experience in packaging and paper manufacturing environments with a strong blend of technical and commercial responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in strategic or national account management and complex opportunity development.
• Proven ability to quantify and communicate technical and financial value.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and business acumen.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and advanced use of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience supporting new product development or technical commercialization projects.
• Working knowledge of converting processes, raw materials, and performance-based specifications.

Location & Travel

Location: Mid-West (Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL preferred).

Position will cover a few accounts on the West Coast that will require travel to these areas.

Travel required to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and internal meetings as business needs dictate.

Travel will be at least 50%.

Compensation

This is a progression position, and salary will be determined based on experience and business needs.

The annual base salary range for this role is as follows:

• Account Representative: $73,280 - $82,400, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.
• Account Representative II: $99,360 - $111,780, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.
• Senior Account Representative: $111,760 - $125,730, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.
• Account Manager: $124,800 - $140,400, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits.

*Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services.
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family.
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.