Sales Trainee

WestRock - Atlanta, GA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Atlanta, GA

5,001-10,000 employees

Paper Manufacturing

About the position

The Sales Trainee Development Program at Smurfit-Westrock is designed to cultivate the next generation of sales professionals within the sustainable paper and packaging industry. As a global leader operating in 40 countries, Smurfit-Westrock is committed to delivering innovative packaging solutions that are both efficient and sustainable. The program begins with a structured learning course that introduces trainees to the company's core values, customers, and product offerings. Trainees will have the opportunity to visit manufacturing facilities and engage in a self-paced learning program that emphasizes the importance of understanding the complete folding carton manufacturing process and the unique capabilities of the Consumer Food platform. Throughout the program, trainees will be tasked with driving new business for the Consumer team through product development and innovation, managing the full sales cycle, and fostering effective relationships with customers. They will gain insights into how the company onboards new business, resolves quality issues, and services customers from design development to manufacturing and distribution. The second portion of the program allows trainees to delve deeper into Smurfit-Westrock's products and services, learning about key responsibilities of a sales professional and supporting the company's Play to Win strategy. This includes understanding design, estimating, pricing, and account management processes, as well as collaborating with the marketing team to develop effective prospecting plans for profitable growth. Trainees will also have the chance to observe sales presentations, receive coaching on customer-oriented selling tools, and work under a sales mentor to experience the daily functions of a folding carton sales business. This comprehensive program is designed to equip trainees with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a fast-paced sales environment, ultimately preparing them for a permanent role within the company.

Responsibilities

• Drive net new business for the Consumer team through new product development and innovation.
• Manage the full sales cycle and process.
• Gain a strong working knowledge of the complete folding carton manufacturing process.
• Foster effective operations, sales, and customer relationships.
• Understand how Smurfit Westrock onboards new business and resolves quality issues.
• Gain exposure to the breadth of capabilities within the Smurfit Westrock enterprise.
• Understand design, FIT analysis, estimating, pricing, customer onboarding, and account management processes.
• Work with the marketing team to develop an effective prospecting plan for profitable growth.
• Observe sales presentations and receive coaching on customer-oriented selling tools.
• Support sales activities in a specific region to help achieve sales goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in packaging, graphic communication, finance, or business-related field.
• Minimum of one to three years of related work experience in Sales.
• Leadership capabilities reflecting core values of integrity, respect, excellence, and accountability.
• Ability to identify solutions in a complex sales environment and deliver results.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make clear recommendations.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and active listening skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Natural curiosity and commitment to learning within a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of market qualification and financial acumen.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with CRM tools and Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to relocate for training and permanent role.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Vacation & Paid Time Off