Director Packaging Innovation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sales Director

Wisconsin-based | Travel as needed, approximately 25%

At Rapids Paper + Packaging, a Little Rapids Corporation Company, we're redefining what's possible in packaging. Our ECOVA platform is a recyclable, paper-based alternative to traditional plastic films-engineered to deliver performance, scalability, and sustainability without compromise.

As regulatory pressures rise and brands accelerate efforts to eliminate plastics in packaging, ECOVA is positioned at the forefront of change.

We are seeking a Sales Director to lead the growth and market adoption of this innovative platform. The ideal candidate will thrive in building markets, creating customer demand, and commercializing innovative packaging solutions.

Why This Role is Different

This is not traditional packaging sales.

You will:

• Lead growth of a category-defining conversion from plastic to paper-based packaging
• Partner with customers to replace conventional plastic packaging at scale
• Navigate technical, operational, and sustainability-driven buying decisions
• Drive longer-cycle, high-impact solution adoption

What You'll Do

Drive Market Adoption & Revenue Growth

• Identify, develop, and win new opportunities for ECOVA across target markets
• Build and manage a robust pipeline focused on conversion from plastic to paper-based packaging
• Expand strategic accounts through new applications, products, and solutions

Lead Solution-Based Selling

• Partner with customers to evaluate feasibility, performance, and conversion pathways
• Support trial, qualification, and commercialization efforts
• Position ECOVA against evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements

Build Strategic Relationships

• Establish trusted relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders
• Lead negotiations, pricing strategy, and contract development
• Represent Rapids at industry events, trade shows, and customer engagements

Lead & Develop a Sales Team

• Build and shape a high-performing commercial team while establishing the processes and customer focus needed to scale growth
• Align team priorities with strategic market opportunities
• Drive accountability and performance

Shape Strategy with Market Insight

• Monitor market trends, customer behavior, and competitive activity
• Translate insights into actionable growth strategies and forecasts
• Maintain visibility into key opportunities and risks across the portfolio

Collaborate Across the Business

• Partner cross-functionally with operations, R&D, and marketing to deliver solutions
• Align sales strategies with manufacturing capabilities and innovation pipelines
• Support continuous improvement and evolution of the sales process

What You Bring

• 5+ years of sales leadership experience, including team management
• Experience in flexible packaging, paper, film, or adjacent manufacturing industries
• Proven track record of driving growth and winning new business
• Strong background in consultative or solution-based selling
• Experience navigating complex sales cycles with technical stakeholders
• Exposure to sustainability-driven products, packaging innovation, or material conversion strongly preferred

Key Strengths

• Strategic Thinking - Sees beyond individual deals to shape long-term growth
• Business Acumen - Understands financial drivers and market dynamics
• Influence & Negotiation - Drives outcomes while building lasting partnerships
• Problem Solving - Navigates complexity and removes barriers to adoption
• Communication - Clearly articulates value across technical and business audiences
• Leadership - Develops talent and drives team performance

Why Join Rapids Paper + Packaging?

• Be part of a family-owned company with deep expertise in paper, printing, and packaging
• Work on a platform designed to replace plastics in packaging with recyclable alternatives
• Help customers meet sustainability goals and evolving regulatory demands
• Play a visible role in shaping the future of packaging innovation

Apply Today

If you're a strategic sales leader who thrives on driving change, building markets, and delivering growth-we'd love to connect.