New Business Development Manager Smurfit Westrock

SW Connaught is seeking a driven and commercially focused New Business Development Manager to join its Go-to-Market team and accelerate profitable growth within the corrugated packaging market. The role is responsible for prospecting, developing, and converting new customers, building strong long-term relationships, and delivering tailored, value-adding packaging solutions that grow market share in a sustainable and profitable manner.

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, commercially astute, and focused on winning new business through proactive prospecting and disciplined pipeline development. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to identify, convert, and grow opportunities using a value-based selling approach to build credible, trust-based relationships. As part of the Go-to-Market team, they will actively network within the industry, attend relevant events and trade shows, and collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to build market presence, generate leads, and deliver sustainable, profitable growth.

Main Tasks Responsibilitie

• Drive profitable new business growth through proactive prospecting, opportunity development to Sales close.
• Develop targeted commercial proposals that maximise value for Smurfit Westrock, present them effectively to customers, and ensure thorough follow-up through to conversion.
• Lead customer negotiations to secure positive commercial outcomes aligned with margin, volume, and long-term partnership objectives.
• Organise and facilitate multi-functional meetings with customers and internal project teams to support commercial management and account development in line with the Go-to-Market strategy.
• Work closely with internal management, design, customer service, operations, quality, planning, logistics, and production teams to ensure consistent professionalism and customer commitment.
• Develop and manage CRM pipeline targets, progressing opportunities through the Value Selling Process.
• Maintain accurate and high-quality internal sales systems, including forecasting, CRM data, and core key account and opportunity planning tools.
• Build market presence and generate leads through active networking, industry engagement, and attendance at relevant events and forums.
• Identify opportunities to improve customer value, service effectiveness, and commercial performance.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as required by management.

Key Competencies/Qualifications/Requirements

• 5+ years' sales experience with a strong new business track record.
• Background in packaging or B2B manufacturing preferred.
• Commercially and technically credible with clear, confident communication skills.
• Strong seller with a value-based selling mindset.
• Proven self-starter, able to work independently while staying aligned internally.
• Proficient in CRM, forecasting tools, and professional presentations.
• Comfortable leading commercial and technical sales discussions.
• Results-driven, resilient, and entrepreneurial in approach.
• Analytical thinker able to build clear, persuasive business cases.
• Confident networker who actively builds market presence and new relationships.

The Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Rewarding Incentive scheme
• Company Vehicle
• Company pension scheme
• Annual Health Screening
• On-site parking
• Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)