Patrick Smorch
Strategic Account Manager
Sugar Hill,USA
Summary
Results-driven packaging leader with extensive R&D experience in corrugated, flexible, and rigid plastics, as well as folding carton materials. Proven expertise in package testing and laboratory design, complemented by strong problem-solving and project management skills. Successfully increased internal customer business by 30% over six years, achieving $130MM in annual sales. Demonstrated ability to innovate and implement new packaging solutions effectively.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Account Manager
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
Atlanta, GA
11.2019 - 11.2025
- Onboarded new business across multiple locations, increasing sales by 30% through innovative technologies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align deliverables with client needs.
- Managed key client relationships to ensure high satisfaction and retention rates.
- Oversaw corrugated sales to internal customers including GP Towel Tissue & Napkin and Dixie.
- Developed process improvements in pricing, forecasting, package design, and laboratory testing to enhance customer experience.
Director, Packaging Technology
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
Norcross, GA
01.2007 - 11.2019
- Led multiple teams at our Innovation Institute (i2) including package system optimization (PSO), design, laboratory, sustainability, office management, and EH&S.
- Managed $6.3MM renovation of i2, completing project on time and within budget.
- Hosted i2 customer visits, effectively communicating innovation strategies and overall business capabilities.
- Directed Packaging Fundamental classes for customers and GP employees, fostering knowledge sharing.
- Designed and managed packaging testing laboratories to ensure quality standards.
- Initiated fee-for-service packaging testing business for SIOC certification, generating average revenue of $2MM annually.
- Developed sustainability vision for GP Corrugated and customer-facing points of view.
- Presented insights at international trade shows including Walmart Sustainability, IoPP Sustainability, and PMMI/Pack Expo.
Packaging Technology Manager
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
Norcross, GA
10.2003 - 01.2007
- Commercialized Greenshield, a fully recyclable alternative to waxed corrugated materials.
- Developed extrusion-coated micro-flute containers for dry laundry detergent packaging.
Senior Research Associate
Pechiney Plastics Packaging
Neenah, WI
01.2001 - 02.2003
- Developed a stage-gate product commercialization process.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative packaging solutions.
Packaging Development Manager
Conagra Brands
Irvine, CA
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Secured US Patent D434.326 for rigid plastic dispenser cartridge.
- Designed and constructed three state-of-the-art packaging testing labs.
- Identified and executed $3.5 million in cost-saving initiatives.
Packaging Engineer
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
Topeka, KS
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Developed the 'flexible box,' earning the IoPP Ameristar award for innovation.
- Created groundbreaking packaging solutions tailored for pet nutrition products.
Packaging Engineer
Weight Watchers Food Company (HJ Heinz)
Pittsburgh
01.1992 - 01.1995
- Designed innovative packaging for food products.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Packaging Engineering
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MICertified Packaging Laboratory Professional (CPLP) - Packaging Laboratory Testing
International Safe Transit Association
East Lansing, MISkills
- Strategic account management
- Team leadership
- Communication skills
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Packaging solutions implementation
- Commercial strategy development
- Innovation management
- Client engagement
- Packaging performance testing
- Presentation skills
Accomplishments
IoPP Gold Star Ameristar award for the "flexible box" - 1997
Timeline
Strategic Account Manager
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
11.2019 - 11.2025
Director, Packaging Technology
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
01.2007 - 11.2019
Packaging Technology Manager
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
10.2003 - 01.2007
Senior Research Associate
Pechiney Plastics Packaging
01.2001 - 02.2003
Packaging Development Manager
Conagra Brands
01.1998 - 01.2001
Packaging Engineer
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
01.1995 - 01.1998
Packaging Engineer
Weight Watchers Food Company (HJ Heinz)
01.1992 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Science - Packaging Engineering
Michigan State University
Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional (CPLP) - Packaging Laboratory Testing
International Safe Transit Association