Sales Director, Key Accounts

We are looking for an experienced Sales Director, Key Account to lead and develop the commercial operations of some of Stora Enso’s key customers as part of the Containerboard Business Area. The preferred location for this position is Helsinki, Finland but can also be other European location.

This is a senior sales role with full accountability for commercial performance, customer value creation and profitable growth within our key customer segment. In this role you report to Head of Product & Sales Containerboard based in Helsinki.

As Sales Director you have the overall responsibility for leading and developing the key customer relationships and building and implementing the account strategy and roadmap. You are responsible for the customer value proposition, key account priorities, pricing principles and sales resource allocation, ensuring a strong balance between growth, profitability and long‑term customer partnerships. You work closely with the sales teams to deepen customer understanding, expand relationships and systematically develop new business opportunities with both existing and new customers.

The role requires close, hands‑on collaboration across functions including operations, supply chain, product development, marketing and finance. You drive commercial excellence through disciplined processes, performance management and fact‑based decision‑making, while actively pulling cross‑functional capabilities into the areas with the highest value‑creation potential.

As a Sales Director within Containerboard, you will influence both short‑term business performance and long‑term strategic direction. This position offers an opportunity to shape the commercial agenda and make a tangible impact in a critical business segment within a global renewable materials company. You will act as the respected ambassador for Stora Enso in all customer interactions, from factory floor to CEO.

About you

You are an accomplished and ambitious commercial leader with a proven ability to deliver results in complex, fast‑paced B2B environments. You combine strong strategic and systematic thinking with hands‑on execution and take full accountability for business performance.

You have:

• A relevant university degree in Business, Economics, Finance or a related field (MBA or equivalent is an advantage)
• Proven senior‑level experience in sales with a strong track record of driving profitable growth and managing high‑value customer relationships
• Strong ambition and drive, with the resilience and stress tolerance required to succeed in demanding, results‑driven environments
• Strong business acumen, integrity and credibility, enabling sound decision‑making and trusted relationships with customers, teams and senior stakeholders
• Strong negotiation, communication and presentation skills, including the ability to influence and engage at executive level.
• A demonstrated ability to build constructive, long‑term relationships with customers and key internal and external stakeholders
• Willingness to travel as required
• You communicate fluently in English and if you speak French and/or German this is an advantage.

Our offer

At Stora Enso, you will have the opportunity to make a real commercial and strategic impact in a key business segment within a global renewable materials company. In this role, you will shape the future of Containerboard business by driving customer value, commercial performance and sustainable growth.

We value diversity, inclusion and different perspectives, and we believe they lead to better business outcomes. If you are excited about this role but do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply – your background and experience may be exactly what we are looking for.

By joining us you will be part of diverse working culture supporting you to explore new perspectives and develop professionally. You will contribute towards a more sustainable world, as we believe that anything made from fossil-based materials today can be done from a tree tomorrow. To keep you going safely, we support your physical and mental wellbeing.

How to apply

You can submit your application only through our recruitment system.

Please note that our team will be on summer holiday during July. We will review applications and get back to candidates in August. In the meantime, we warmly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 16th of August . We will start the interviews mid AugustWe will start the interviews mid August

Depending on the position, we may ask you to complete tests. Our recruitment process may also include other pre‑employment activities such as background checks, reference checks, a health examination, and a drug test.

If you have questions about the position, please contact the hiring manager Kristian Saelan Head of Product & Sales Containerboard and questions about the recruitment process can be directed to our Talent Acquisition Partner Veera Kaislasalo via email. Our email addresses are in the format firstname.lastname@storaenso.com .

Welcome to the The renewable materials company!

Stora Enso is a global leader in renewable materials with a strong focus on packaging. Our purpose is to replace non-renewable materials with renewable solutions. Together with our customers, we design and deliver competitive, high-quality packaging materials and solutions, made from fresh and recycled fibers, accelerating the transition to a circular bioeconomy.