Commercial Development Manager

Job Description

Title: Commercial Development Manager
Location: Chicago, IL (On-site)
Salary Range: $100,000 to $120,000 based on experience

Position Summary

The Commercial Development Manager will lead organizational, market, and sales development activities for PACRAFT America, a Japanese manufacturer of packaging machinery. The position strengthens the local U.S. organization, improves commercial execution across distributor and direct B2B channels, and develops partnerships and market expansion opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build and develop a stronger local organization at the factory level by recruiting local talent, improving internal collaboration and enabling a gradual transition from Japan-led leadership to a stronger American-based team.
  • Develop strong sales management capabilities across channels, balancing distributor and sales-
    representative performance with increased direct customer engagement.
  • Strengthen and expand distributor and representative relationships, including performance expectations, enablement, and joint account planning.
  • Active participation within PMMI and other strategic industry trade associations to grow direct customer relationships and increase market intimacy.
  • Expand geographic coverage across the U.S., with potential expansion into South America, coordinating travel, customer visits, and partner development.
  • Expand into additional product segments and/or strategic partnerships to reinforce the company’s overall market presence.
  • Recruit, coach, and retain high-performing commercial talent; build a culture of accountability,
    collaboration, and measurable execution.
  • Operate effectively in a multicultural business environment, aligning U.S. execution with global
    stakeholders and expectations.

Qualifications

  • Seven (7) years’ experience in packaging or food processing machinery, with sales and/or marketing
    management responsibility.
  • Demonstrated success selling through distributors and sales representatives, as well as direct B2B sales.
  • Experience implementing and maintaining CRM databases (e.g., Salesforce) to manage industry and customer contacts, track opportunities, and support pipeline reporting.
  • Track record of recruiting, developing, and leading high-performing teams.
  • Experience working in a multicultural business environment; exposure to Asian business culture preferred.
  • Based in Chicago, IL; on-site role in Glendale Heights, (not remote).
  • Ability to travel 40-50% throughout the U.S., South America, and Asia; valid US passport required.

Success in this Role (18-24 Months)

  • Improvement in cross-functional execution at the factory level, with clearer ownership, stronger
    collaboration, and increased local leadership capability.
  • More consistent sales management cadence (pipeline rigor, forecasting, account planning) across
    distributors, representatives, and direct opportunities.
  • Established and maintained a robust database of industry, partner, and customer contacts using CRM tools
    (e.g., Salesforce), enabling accurate pipeline tracking, targeted outreach, and consistent follow-up.
  • Increased direct engagement with key accounts while maintaining and strengthening distributor
    relationships.
  • Expanded market coverage (including exploration or entry into South America) supported by a structured
    travel and partner-development plan.
  • New or expanded partnerships and/or product-segment initiatives that reinforce Pacraft’s market position.

Valued Skills and Abilities

  • Proven track record in sales, marketing, personnel management and product development.
  • Hands-on experience with marketing strategies, including social media, and trade show planning.
  • Fluency in English; proficiency in Spanish, as well as Japanese is a plus.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM and other software specific to the desired process.

The Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience,
qualifications to career@pacraft-us.com. Only candidates with requisite packaging or food processing machinery experience will be contacted for interviews.

Join PACRAFT and be a part of an exciting journey as we expand our operations in North America.

Apply Now