Sonoco

Account Manager

Sonoco • $124K — $140K *
Elmhurst, IL 60126Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
2 months ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4-year undergraduate degree or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of B2B sales experience, preferably in manufacturing or packaging
  • Experience with protective packaging methods like molded foam and paper-based solutions
  • Proficient in value-based selling and navigating complex organizations
  • Willingness to travel 60% of the time within the Midwest region

Responsibilities

  • Lead direct sales activities across the Midwest territory
  • Maintain updated account plans for major and prospective clients
  • Provide regular progress reports to internal stakeholders
  • Establish and refine a territory call plan for customer engagement
  • Build relationships across multiple levels in client organizations
  • Identify opportunities for value-based engineering and optimization
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure service reliability
  • Monitor market and competitor activity to inform territory strategy

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
  • Wellbeing resources including Employee Assistance Programs
  • Paid time off and holidays for personal well-being
  • Variety of insurance plans including life and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement program
Full Job Description
Sales Manager - Partitions (Midwest Region)

Location: Chicagoland & Surrounding Areas

Reports to: Director, Sales Segment - Partitions

The Sales Manager for Sonoco's Industrial Paper Packaging - Partitions business will be responsible for leading all direct sales activities across an assigned Midwest territory. This role focuses on strengthening Sonoco's position as the preferred partitions supplier across key markets-including food, beverage, industrial, automotive, and consumer packaged goods-while expanding new business opportunities through value-based selling, engineered solutions, and multi-plant coordination.

You will maintain regular engagement with existing customers and prospective accounts, drive profitable growth, and ensure alignment with Sonoco's commercial strategy, preferred-vendor programs, and long-term customer partnerships. You will also champion Sonoco's service, quality, and engineering value advantages to protect and grow our footprint in a dynamic and competitive environment.

What You Will Be Doing
  • Prepare and maintain updated account plans for major customers and high-potential prospects within the assigned territory, including growth strategies, risk assessments, and competitive intelligence.
  • Provide the Director, Sales Segment and cross-functional partners with regular progress reports summarizing account activity, pipeline development, and commercial opportunities.
  • Establish, execute, and continuously refine a territory call plan to ensure consistent engagement with all customers and prospects, including multi-level and multi-plant touchpoints.
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date visibility into gross margins, cost-to-serve, and pricing structures for all major accounts; make informed pricing recommendations that support profitable growth.
  • Build and sustain multi-level relationships across customer organizations-procurement, operations, engineering, quality, and leadership-to strengthen Sonoco's preferred-vendor position.
  • Identify opportunities for value-based engineering, packaging optimization, and cost-reduction initiatives that reinforce Sonoco's technical and service differentiation.
  • Collaborate with internal operations, customer service, and supply chain teams to ensure flawless execution, service reliability, and proactive issue resolution.
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer shifts to help shape territory strategy and protect Sonoco's position in served markets.
  • Travel approximately 60% of the time across the Midwest to maintain strong customer engagement and support business development activities.


We Would Love to Hear from You If:
  • You have a 4-year undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • You bring 5+ years of sales experience, ideally in B2B manufacturing, packaging, or industrial products.
  • You have knowledge or experience in protective packaging-including molded foam, plastics, fiber, thermoforming, or paper-based protective solutions.
  • You are skilled in value-based selling, solution development, and navigating complex customer organizations.
  • You are comfortable managing a multi-state territory and maintaining a strong presence with customers across the Midwest.
  • You thrive in a fast-paced environment and can balance strategic planning with hands-on commercial execution.


Skills
  • Direct B2B Selling
  • Sales Activities
  • Marketing
  • Price Management
  • Negotiation & Contract Alignment
  • Customer Relationship Development
  • Territory Management
  • Value-Based Engineering Collaboration


Compensation:

This is a progression position, and level will be determined based on experience and business needs. The annual base salary range for this role is as follows:
  • Account Representative: $73,280 - $82,400, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.
  • Account Representative II: $99,360 - $111,780, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.
  • Senior Account Representative: $111,760 - $125,730, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.
  • Account Manager: $124,800 - $140,400, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.


At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
  • Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
  • Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement

About Sonoco

Sonoco is a supplier of packaging and recycling services. Their products include rigid paper containers, rigid plastic packaging, blister packaging, metal packaging, tubes, reels, plastic plugs, ink cartridges, uncoated recycled paperboard, foam packaging, fast packs, protection for paper rolls, molded foam components, medical packaging solutions, medical packaging equipment, temperature assurance packaging, etc. They serve markets including automotive, healthcare, household, food and beverages, construction, textiles, and more.

Sonoco Careers

Join Sonoco, a global leader in packaging solutions, and become part of a team that thrives on innovation, leadership, and diversity. At Sonoco, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and development in an environment that values each individual's contribution.

Work You’ll Do

At Sonoco, we are committed to driving progress in the packaging industry through innovative solutions. By joining our team, you will collaborate with skilled professionals to solve complex challenges and help our clients achieve sustainable success. Our commitment to leadership and diversity training ensures that every team member is equipped to lead, inspire, and grow.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you are looking for an internship, a full-time position, or a leadership role, Sonoco offers a range of career paths to suit your professional goals. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, ensuring that the right skills are matched with the right opportunities.

Innovate and Lead

Be part of a culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement. At Sonoco, you will work alongside industry experts to develop groundbreaking solutions that make a real difference. Our leadership programs offer the tools and training you need to advance your career and lead with confidence.

Benefits and Growth

Sonoco is dedicated to the growth and well-being of its employees. We offer competitive benefits, including health, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. Our focus on career growth means we support you every step of the way, from refining your resume to preparing for your next interview.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. At Sonoco, every position offers the chance to make an impact.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest in career opportunities and company news. Join our networking events, participate in diversity initiatives, and connect with other professionals who share your passion for innovation and excellence.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Sonoco. Explore the possibilities with Sonoco and build a career that you can be proud of. Join us in making a global impact through innovative packaging solutions.
Learn more about Sonoco
Size
20,500 employees
Market Cap
$5.8 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$207.4 million
Founded
1899
5 Year Trend
+3.2%
Revenue
$5.2 billion
NASDAQ
SON
* Ladders Estimates

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