Who We Are
On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the 'company'). The Company's operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).
The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging. The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees.)
The role
Location: Remote (North America) with required travel to customers and IPL Schoeller plants
About the Role
IPL Schoeller is seeking a dynamic and commercially driven Sales Director - Packaging to lead and grow our Retail Pails and Large Format Packaging (LFP) businesses across major North American retail customers. This senior leadership role owns the commercial strategy, revenue growth, margin performance, and executive-level customer relationships for the retail pails portfolio.
As the senior commercial leader for this segment, you will directly lead a team of Key Account Managers and work cross‑functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, Marketing, and Customer Service to drive disciplined execution in a fast‑paced, manufacturing environment.
This role is ideal for a strategic sales leader with deep experience supporting large national retailers such as Lowe's, Sherwin-Williams, Ace Hardware, Uline, or similar home improvement and hardlines customers. Previous experience with Large Format Packaging is a strong plus.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership & Segment Strategy
Own and lead the overall commercial strategy for Retail Pails and Large Format Packaging
Drive revenue growth, margin expansion, and portfolio optimization
Lead annual planning, budgeting, forecasting, and pipeline management processes
Sales Strategy & Execution
Develop and execute annual strategic account plans aligned with IPL Schoeller's retail channel strategy
Identify and secure new distribution and growth opportunities through assortment optimization, SKU rationalization, and targeted initiatives
Partner with Sales Operations, Customer Service, and Supply Chain to manage customer forecasts, demand trends, and sales pipelines
Support IPL's pricing strategy through quote preparation, margin analysis, and execution of approved pricing actions
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and develop a team of Key Account Managers
Set clear expectations around account planning, forecasting accuracy, and CRM discipline
Build and sustain a high‑performing, results‑oriented sales culture
Strategic Account & Customer Engagement
Serve as executive sponsor for key retail customers
Lead complex negotiations and strategic commercial agreements
Conduct executive‑level customer business reviews and joint strategic planning sessions
Pricing, Margin & Portfolio Management
Own pricing strategy and margin performance for the segment
Approve major quotes and pricing actions
Lead SKU rationalization and assortment optimization initiatives
Cross‑Functional Leadership
Collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, and Marketing teams
Align demand forecasts with manufacturing and supply chain capacity to ensure service excellence
Data, Analytics & Reporting
Drive disciplined use of CRM and ERP systems
Monitor and report on key performance indicators, including revenue, margin, service levels, and forecast accuracy
Qualifications & Experience
8-12+ years of progressive sales or commercial leadership experience
Direct experience working with one or more of the following preferred:
The Home Depot, Lowe's, Sherwin-Williams, Ace Hardware, Uline, or other national hardlines retailers
Background in manufacturing, packaging, consumer durables, or other product‑based industries preferred
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales trends, pricing models, and margin structures
Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities in a complex organization
Exceptional written and verbal communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills
Proficiency with ERP and CRM systems; IFS experience is a plus
Willingness and ability to travel as required
If you have the above experience and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, apply today to find out more!