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PKG Partners

Key Account Manager

PKG Partners, New Bremen, Ohio, United States

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Managing Director at PKG Partners | Executive Recruitment and Packaging Expert Industry:

Printed folded cartons

Markets:

Consumer FMCG Food / Non Food

Location:

Germany

Home Based with travel.

About the business Our client is a well-established, family-rooted packaging provider with a heritage stretching back more than 80 years. The company specialises in fibre-based packaging solutions — from corrugated cardboard and rigid cartons to premium folding cartons and fully custom, brand-tailored packaging.

Serving both food and non-food sectors, their portfolio spans standard bulk shipping boxes, transport‑ready corrugated cartons, as well as high‑end “luxury look and feel” packaging used for products such as cosmetics, confectionery, or other premium goods.

Beyond packaging manufacturing, the business offers a full‑service approach: from initial design and printing, through die‑cutting, folding and gluing, to full automated packaging‑line solutions when required.

Their emphasis on sustainability — recyclable materials, efficient use of cardboard, and environmentally‑aware production — is integrated into their operations and value proposition. Positioned as a reliable and flexible partner, the company supports both small bespoke runs and larger industrial scale packaging demands, offering a wide range of customization in size, shape, printing, and finishing.

The opportunity What are we looking for?

The Account Manager is responsible for managing and developing customers within the printed folding cartons market sector.

The Account Manager acts as the point of contact, translating customer needs into solutions, ensures operational execution, and drives internal collaboration across sales, supply chain, production, (R&D), and finance.

Key Responsibilities 1. Key Account Management

Manage and grow a portfolio of accounts whilst acquiring new domestic customers.

Develop and execute account plans focused on revenue growth, margin improvement, and long‑term customer partnerships

Analyse customer needs, market trends, and supply chain requirements within the cardboard industry in collaboration of supply chain and commercial excellence

Customer visits and represent the company at industry exhibitions and events.

Identify cross‑selling and upselling opportunities across the full packaging portfolio.

Act as escalation point for complex commercial or operational issues.

Lead and coordinate end‑to‑end tender processes (RFI/RFQ/RFP) for existing and new customers.

Gather and structure all required input from internal teams (pricing, planning‑supply chain, R&D, production, legal).

Ensure compliance with deadlines, customer requirements, and technical specifications.

Prepare commercial offers and tender documentation in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Perform risk, cost, and margin analyses, and recommend strategic pricing approaches.

Lead tender presentations, clarify proposals to customers, and support contract finalisation.

3. Strategic & Analytical Activities

Conduct market, competitor, and pricing analysis to support informed commercial decisions in collaboration with commercial excellence

Contribute to product development, sustainability initiatives, and innovation projects (e.g., light weighting, efficiency improvements).

Report KPIs, Forecasts, Budget performance to management.

Identify market developments or customer challenges and translate them into action plans.

Key Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in the cardboard industry (preferably folding cartons, corrugated packaging, shelf‑ready packaging, food/non‑food cartons).

Proven track record in international key account management.

Experience in coordinating tenders RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, and contract negotiation.

Strong understanding of packaging production processes, materials, printing technologies, and supply chain dynamics.

Solid project management capabilities and experienced in tender workflows.

Excellent communication skills in English additional languages are an asset.

Analytical mindset with strong financial awareness of cost structures and margins.

Proactive, customer‑focused, results‑driven.

Willingness to travel.

Personal Attributes

Strategic thinker with hands‑on mentality.

Strong relationship builders with long‑term orientation.

Able to perform under pressure and manage complex tender processes.

Team player who creates alignment across departments.

Fluency in English

Remuneration / Package Permanent German contract

€80,000-€100,000 dependant on experience

Company Car

Legally required insurances / social insurances / pensions / medical

Contact Chris Parnham – Director – Packaging Recruitment 0044 (0)7393 819216 / chris.parnham@pkgpartners.co.uk

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Sales and Business Development

Industries: Packaging and Containers Manufacturing

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