Title:  Technical Sales Consultant

We have an excellent opportunity for a Technical Sales Consultant (TSC) to join the GPI team.  As a TSC you will represent GPI completely and successfully in all interactions with the customer(s). Initiate and maintain long-term relationships with various functional groups at their specific account. Work from company policies and objectives to lead associates in a focused way to serve customers satisfactorily and profitably. The ability to work with very little guidance and/or direction is essential.

This position is based in Tri-Cities, WA, Spokane, WA, or Portland OR

Summary

Initiates and maintains long-term relationships with various functional groups both within GPI and the customer.  Work from company policies and objectives to lead associates in a focused way to serve customers satisfactorily and profitably.  Rarely refer to superior for direction.

Responsibilities:

• Provide Packaging Engineering Project Management daily support on site at the customer location in eastern Washington and northeast Oregon.
• Provide technical leadership for fiber-based flexible packaging developments for Key Account.
• Maintain customer specifications on projects where required.
• Manage project teams (Marketing, Logistics, Packaging, Operations, Co-Manufacturers, Engineering, Sales and Finance) to ensure successful completion of packaging development projects assigned to GPI, including concept development, plant testing, determination of capital needs, preparing specifications, coordination/preparation of feasibility studies and coordination of product availability.
• Be first contact for Key Account.  Lead R&D projects with support from GPI R&D, Technical, Operational, and Sales associates.
• Serve as primary packaging contact for Key Account new business developments.  Participate in meetings, discussions, and activities associated with new business developments.
• Work closely with GPI R&D, Technical, and Operational associates to stay current with new capabilities at GPI that might be useful for Key Account.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of technologies used in the food packaging industry.  Seek innovative packaging ideas that could be developed for Key Account applications.  Evaluate ideas for technical and business feasibility.
• Handle initial requests for premium and promotional projects.  Lead commercialization of premium and promotional packages at GPI and Key Account.
• Supervise the qualification of new packages or package revisions for Key Account.  Plan, attend and track trials as required in GPI, Key Account and co-packer plants.
• Provide technical assistance in resolving quality issues with GPI cartons at Key Account and co-packer plant as needed.
• Serve as back up to Key Account manager.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this job. 

Required Skills

• Excellent oral/written communication and presentation skills. 
• Time and project management skills.
• Ability to work on complex projects collaboratively.
• Adheres to company policies, processes, and core values.

Required Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering or similar, preferably an MBA, and 1-6 years demonstrated technical and operational experience in paper-based consumer products (packaging) industry, or equivalent combination or experience and education.
• Demonstrated understanding of lean Six Sigma principles.
• Industry knowledge of vertical form and filling lines is desired.
• Ability to persuade, negotiate and sell.  Some sales experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of company services/products/capabilities to customers through personal meeting and formal presentations.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

Required Experience

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. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities. 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. Learn more about us at www.graphicpkg.com.

Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference.

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.