Area Manager, Pulp & Paper (West Coast & Southwest)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Area Manager, Pulp & Paper (West Coast & Southwest) based in the United States.

The Area Manager will lead regional sales and service operations across the West Coast and Southwest, with responsibility for accounts throughout Oregon, California, and the surrounding southwestern region. This leadership role combines commercial strategy, team management, and operational oversight to drive profitable growth in the pulp and paper industry. You will manage regional profit and loss performance while developing a high-performing team focused on customer satisfaction, safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with customers and internal stakeholders, you will identify business opportunities, strengthen strategic relationships, and deliver tailored specialty chemical solutions. You will also help customers improve operational performance, product quality, and environmental outcomes through technical expertise and consultative sales. This remote opportunity is ideal for an experienced industry professional who thrives on leading teams, building customer loyalty, and achieving ambitious business objectives.

Accountabilities

Lead regional sales and service operations: Manage the overall performance of the assigned area, including profit and loss accountability, revenue growth, profitability, and execution of regional business plans.
Drive profitable business growth: Develop and implement sales strategies that expand market presence, strengthen customer relationships, increase revenue, and achieve commercial targets across the pulp and paper sector.
Manage and develop the regional team: Lead, motivate, and support sales and service professionals, establish clear performance expectations, and foster a collaborative culture built on accountability, inclusion, and shared success.
Strengthen customer relationships: Proactively identify customer needs, understand operational challenges, and deliver solutions that support customers' business objectives, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality.
Oversee strategic and corporate accounts: Where applicable, manage key customer relationships with a focus on workplace safety, contractual requirements, consistent pricing, and alignment across customer organizations.
Provide market and customer insights: Maintain a thorough understanding of customer operations, organizational structures, value drivers, competitive positioning, market trends, and emerging business opportunities.
Promote safety and compliance: Ensure that sales and service activities adhere to applicable safety standards, internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical business practices.
Collaborate across teams: Work closely with leaders of adjacent teams and other internal stakeholders to coordinate commercial priorities, share best practices, and create a unified approach to customer service.
Monitor performance and continuous improvement: Track regional results against business objectives, identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, and implement initiatives that strengthen team performance and customer loyalty.
Requirements
Education: Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, pulp and paper science or engineering, applied sciences, or another engineering-related discipline, supported by relevant experience.
Industry experience: Approximately seven or more years of experience in specialty chemical sales within the pulp and paper industry, with a demonstrated record of commercial success.
Sales and business management: Proven ability to develop sales strategies, achieve revenue and profitability targets, and deliver measurable results against business plans.
Leadership experience: Demonstrated success leading teams, developing talent, motivating sales professionals, and fostering a strong team culture focused on performance, collaboration, and inclusion.
Customer relationship management: Ability to anticipate customer needs, understand business objectives, and build trusted relationships that support long-term partnerships and customer retention.
Industry and market knowledge: Strong understanding of pulp and paper operations, specialty chemical applications, customer business models, competitive dynamics, and relevant market trends.
Commercial and analytical skills: Ability to evaluate business opportunities, understand customer value drivers, assess regional performance, and translate market insights into effective commercial strategies.
Remote leadership capabilities: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to manage, engage, and motivate a geographically distributed team.
Professional attributes: Strong work ethic, sound judgment, adaptability, accountability, and a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and ethical business conduct.
Work authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Driving requirements: Must hold a valid driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
Benefits
Competitive annual base salary: $102,130–$149,776, depending on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
Performance-based compensation: Eligibility for discretionary bonuses and an incentive compensation plan.
Annual salary reviews: Opportunity for annual merit increases.
Retirement savings: Access to a 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
Healthcare coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off: Competitive paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and floating holidays.
Relocation assistance: Available to eligible candidates, subject to applicable terms.
Company-provided equipment: Vehicle, laptop, and mobile phone to support regional responsibilities.
Professional development: Ongoing training, learning opportunities, and career growth support.
Remote work flexibility: A full-time remote position covering Oregon, California, and the Southwest, with regional travel as required.
Leadership opportunities: The chance to lead a regional team, manage business performance, and influence strategic customer relationships.
Meaningful industry impact: Opportunities to help pulp and paper customers improve operational efficiency, product quality, and environmental performance.