Country Sales Manager
Join us in shaping the future of sustainable packaging.
At Van de Velde Packaging Group, more than 1,300 colleagues across 17 sites in 8 countries collaborate every day to deliver innovative and sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions.
As European legislation and consumer expectations continue to accelerate the transition away from single-use plastics, demand for sustainable packaging is growing rapidly. Together, we help our customers make this transition by developing high-quality fibre-based alternatives that create real value.
By combining local expertise with international strength, we foster a culture of teamwork, innovation and continuous improvement. Through strategic investments, entrepreneurship and the expertise of our people, we continue to drive growth while helping shape a more sustainable future.
We believe our people are the key to our success. That's why we're looking for passionate individuals who want to make an impact, grow their careers and help build the future of packaging.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly driven, strategic, and experienced Country Sales Manager to lead and expand our business presence in the packaging industry. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in folding board packaging printed in offset technology, with a proven track record of driving revenue and managing high-value key accounts.
A strong emphasis will be placed on candidates with extensive experience in both the beauty & cosmetics and food & beverage sectors, a rich network of active business contacts, and the ability to bring or build a ready-to-move, high-performing sales team.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Development & Sales Leadership: Define and execute the country sales strategy to achieve growth targets in folding board packaging (offset printing).
- Client Portfolio Management: Leverage existing industry contacts to secure new business opportunities, focusing particularly on premium accounts in the beauty & cosmetics as well as food & beverage sectors.
- Team Leadership & Expansion: Lead, mentor, and grow the local sales team.
- Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain long-term relationships with key decision-makers, brand owners, and procurement managers across food and cosmetics industries.
- Market Analysis & Planning: Monitor market trends (including sustainability demands, food safety regulations, and premium beauty packaging trends), competitor activities, and customer demands to continuously optimize value propositions and pricing strategies.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with production, structural design, quality assurance, and customer service teams to ensure seamless project execution and compliance with industry standards.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Industry Expertise: Minimum 5+ years of sales management experience in the packaging industry, specifically within folding board packaging and offset printing technology.
- Sector Focus (Beauty & Food): Strong track record and deep understanding of packaging requirements for both the beauty/cosmetics and food & beverage markets (including knowledge of food-safe inks, barrier coatings, and compliance standards).
- Network & Connections: An extensive, active network of senior-level business contacts and procurement decision-makers in relevant sectors.
- Team & Leadership: Proven leadership skills with the ability to bring an existing, high-performing sales team ready for transition/relocation, or rapidly recruit one.
- Language Skills: Native or fluent in Polish, and advanced operational fluency in English (C1/C2 level) for corporate communication.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation, contract management, and strategic sales planning capabilities.
- Mobility: Willingness to travel frequently to meet clients and visit production sites.
What We Offer
At Van de Velde Packaging Group, you'll find the best of both worlds: the entrepreneurial spirit and accessibility of a growing organization, combined with the scale and opportunities of an international group.
We are in the midst of an exciting transformation journey. That means not everything is fully defined, and not every process is perfect—and that's exactly where the opportunity lies. We're looking for people who enjoy rolling up their sleeves, taking ownership, and helping shape the future of our organization.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment, embrace change, and are energized by building, improving, and making things happen, you'll feel right at home here. Your ideas won't get lost in layers of hierarchy; you'll have the chance to contribute, challenge the status quo, and make a visible impact from day one. Together, we're building a stronger organization and creating smarter, more sustainable packaging solutions for our customers.
In return, we offer a competitive and market-aligned compensation package, along with benefits and development opportunities tailored to your role and location.
Ready to make an impact?
Join us and become part of a transformation story where your contribution truly matters. 🌱🚀