Sales Director
Sector: Packaging
Function: Sales & Marketing
Location: UK
Ref: AZ/65098
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Based in:
United Kingdom (with regular UK and European travel).
The Company:
A highly respected and successful manufacturer of innovative packaging solutions, supplying many of the world's leading consumer and industrial brands. Continued investment, a strong commitment to innovation and a customer-centric approach have positioned the business for significant future growth.
As part of its long-term strategic development, our client is seeking to appoint an experienced Sales Director to lead its commercial function and drive the next phase of profitable expansion.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a key leadership appointment with responsibility for developing the commercial strategy, strengthening customer partnerships and leading a high-performing sales organisation.
The Role:
This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially astute leader to influence the strategic direction of a well-established manufacturing business with an excellent reputation for quality, service and innovation.
The successful candidate will lead a talented commercial team, develop new market opportunities and work closely with customers and internal stakeholders to deliver sustainable, value-added packaging solutions across multiple industry sectors.
Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership
Develop and implement the company's sales strategy in line with long-term business objectives.
Lead, coach and develop a high-performing sales team focused on profitable growth.
Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Recruit, mentor and develop future commercial talent.
Business Growth
Identify and deliver new business opportunities across targeted market sectors.
Expand relationships with existing customers while securing strategic new accounts.
Develop market strategies that drive sustainable revenue and margin growth.
Translate market intelligence into commercially successful sales initiatives.
Strategic Customer Management
Build trusted executive-level relationships with major customers.
Lead complex commercial negotiations while protecting profitability.
Champion customer-focused packaging solutions across materials, printing, converting and sustainable packaging technologies.
Ensure exceptional levels of customer satisfaction and service delivery.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Operations, Technology, Quality, Supply Chain and Business Development teams.
Support new product development and commercialisation initiatives.
Contribute to the ongoing development of compelling customer value propositions.
Commercial Performance
Drive best practice in CRM, pipeline management and sales forecasting.
Utilise data and commercial analytics to improve decision-making and sales effectiveness.
Implement structured business development processes to support long-term growth.
The Candidate:
The ideal candidate will be an experienced commercial leader with a successful track record within the packaging or converting industry.
You will demonstrate:
At least 10 years' progressive commercial experience, including senior sales leadership within packaging.
A proven history of delivering profitable sales growth.
Experience building, motivating and developing successful sales teams.
Strong strategic selling, negotiation and relationship management skills.
Excellent commercial judgement and leadership capability.
The ability to influence both customers and internal stakeholders at executive level.
Desirable Experience
Flexible packaging, films, laminates or other engineered packaging solutions.
Knowledge of packaging materials, printing and converting processes.
Experience supporting sustainability-led packaging initiatives.
MBA or equivalent advanced business qualification.
The Package:
An attractive executive remuneration package is available, including:
Competitive basic salary
Performance-related bonus
Company car or car allowance
Pension and comprehensive benefits
Long-term career development within a growing international business
Confidential Application
Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the role is located. Evidence of the right to work may be required during the recruitment process.
For reasons of readability, gender-specific language has been simplified. All references to individuals apply equally to people of all genders.
Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:
Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.
Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: 01197713