Vertical Account Executive, Food Packaging

$150,000 - $150,000/Yr

Veritiv - Aurora, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Aurora, IL

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Vertical Account Executive (VAE) is responsible for targeting, acquiring, and closing high-value revenue opportunities within the Food Production Vertical, specifically focusing on local and regional Food Companies and Contract Manufacturers. This role requires a proactive 'hunter' approach to develop relationships with key decision-makers in Packaging, Operations, and Procurement, aligning with Veritiv's Direct Food Contact strategy. After closing opportunities, the VAE will transition account management to the Sales and Program Management teams.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Veritiv Sales Leadership and Regional Specialists to set strategy and determine target vertical opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities and develop ideas that deliver sales results.
• Communicate with clients to gather information about project goals, budgets, and outcomes.
• Partner with Regional Sales Professionals to close opportunities and ensure smooth transitions of transactional activities.
• Develop proposals targeted at key customer decision makers that deliver value to prospects.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of potential local and regional opportunities at all points in the sales cycle.
• Participate in business reviews and other customer functions as needed.
• Consult with legal representatives to develop contracts and agreements.

Requirements

• 7-10 years of proven business development and/or packaging experience preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of flexible and rigid packaging products for Direct Food Contact applications.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong financial acumen and analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in development and implementation of plans to generate new business in targeted market segments.
• Basic experience of simple office/operational systems.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Profit sharing
• Tuition reimbursement