Key Account Manager

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.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.Key Responsibilities:Build relationships and extend contacts with Key CustomersDevelop new and organic businessImprove margin and organic growth with existing customers through a proactive sales/service relationship and a developed awareness of the customers needs.Achieve agreed planned sales, added value, stockholding and payment targets to maximise results with each customerEnsure the customers’ needs are communicated to Sales administration, Operations, the Quality Team and the Management Team.Ensure customers operate in accordance with agreed contractual terms and negotiate terms where they do not exist or can be improved.Manage projects and developments within the business to support the relationship with the customer and ensure an appropriate level of customer focus is achievedDevelop and maintain a professional customer relationship to improve the flow of communication, understanding and increase loyalty to the businessOversee a review of new order specifications with Sales administration and the Operations TeamPresenting and reviewing our supply performance to customersTo engage directly with all interfacing elements of our customers, either face to face or via the phone at every opportunity.Maintaining frequent site attendanceProvide regular pipeline trackers as and when required.Provide other sales reports when requiredDevelop additional business opportunities within your portfolio of accounts:Ensure regular meetings are established with your customers. These meetings should include all areas of their business.These will include purchasing, packaging technologists, QA, manufacturing and accounts teams.Liaise with our internal customer services teams in order to manage the daily requirements of the business. Provide supporting information when and where necessary.Manage your customer’s expectations in order to maintain a positive and progressive supply partnership.Effectively retrieve relevant information and prepare reports from the relevant MIS system.Ensure good-working relationships with superiors, peers, customers and any 3rd party visitors at all times.Any other tasks associated with this role, which is suited to the individual’s abilities and level of training as directed by the Sales Director.Requirements:Previous account management and customer service experienceExperience within a manufacturing environment (ideally print and/or packaging)Languages: German and English - professional proficiencyCommercial awarenessComputer skills including the use of Microsoft Excel, Outlook and WordComputer literate able to use relevant systems (training will be provided)Excellent communication skills essential, ability to give clear written and verbal instructions, clearly understand and explain technical and commercial issues to customers and have good understanding of procedures and processes.Able to identify areas of weakness within processes and customer specific procedures and help find innovative solutions.Highly responsible, reliable and flexible with a strong work ethicAble to effectively prioritise and adapt to a varied and changeable workloadPunctual, presentable and with good attendance