Business Segment Manager

Sonoco • Hartselle, AL

18h • Remote

About The Position

The Business Segment Manager – Plugs is responsible for leading the strategic direction, growth, and performance of the plug product segment within the Reels & Plugs division. This role owns the overall plug business, serving as the primary commercial leader across key customer accounts, with a focus on strengthening mill-level relationships, expanding corporate engagement, and driving profitable growth. This position operates without direct reports but requires strong cross-functional leadership and influence, partnering closely with regional Account Managers and Customer Service teams to ensure alignment, accountability, and execution of business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field required
• 7–10+ years of experience in sales, account management, or commercial leadership within manufacturing or industrial environments
• Experience managing large, multi-site customer relationships (mill experience strongly preferred)
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills across all organizational levels
• Demonstrated success in driving growth within existing accounts
• Ability to navigate complex customer organizations and decision-making processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to “own the business” while working through others
• Effective alignment of regional teams to a unified segment strategy
• Deep understanding of customer operations and needs at both mill and corporate levels
• Consistent delivery of growth and customer satisfaction

Responsibilities

• Own the commercial performance of the plug segment, including revenue growth, margin improvement, and market share expansion
• Develop and execute segment-level strategic plans aligned with division and company objectives
• Identify and prioritize growth opportunities across existing and prospective customers
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at customer mills
• Expand engagement at the corporate level to influence broader sourcing strategies and long-term partnerships
• Serve as the primary escalation point for customer concerns related to the plug segment
• Identify new applications, product innovations, and value-added opportunities within existing accounts
• Partner with internal teams (engineering, operations, product development) to deliver tailored solutions
• Drive pipeline development and conversion of strategic opportunities
• Provide direction and commercial leadership to regional Account Managers supporting plug accounts
• Drive accountability for execution of segment strategies at the regional level
• Collaborate with Customer Service to ensure high levels of responsiveness, accuracy, and customer satisfaction
• Align internal stakeholders around priorities, forecasts, and customer expectations
• Monitor and analyze segment performance, including sales trends, profitability, and customer activity
• Develop forecasts and provide regular updates to senior leadership
• Use data and insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees