Business Development Manager, DS Smith
Automotive
+ Discretionary bonus
More information about location
Sustainable packaging solutions
Be an early applicant
Sustainable packaging solutions
1001+ employees
Be an early applicant
+ Discretionary bonus
More information about location
1001+ employees
Company mission
To redefine packaging for a changing world.
Role
Who you are
- A successful candidate must be a proven self-starter and commercial leader, who is comfortable with pro-actively communicating directly, working collaboratively in a multi-level matrix environment, and liaising at all levels
- Extensive B2B business development experience with a clear hunter mentality and a proven track record of securing new business wins
- Deep knowledge of the Automotive ecosystem, logistics networks, and manufacturing supply chains; packaging industry experience is highly valued but not essential
- Demonstrated ability to navigate, influence, and collaborate effectively within multi-level, complex matrix organizations and central functional teams
- Strong financial skills encompassing budget ownership, sales forecasting, target delivery, and the capability to navigate conflict or challenging negotiations
- Confident presenter with excellent written and verbal English communication skills, capable of delivering dynamic, high-impact materials to senior executives
- So, if you are an experienced Business Development professional within the Automotive or Packaging space, looking for a new challenge in a business which prioritises creativity and encourages you to make a difference — then we might be looking for you!
- We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria
What the job involves
- We have an exciting opportunity for a driven and inspirational Business Development Manager to join our UK Specialty Cluster team
- Our team works collaboratively with regional sales, design, and commercial functions on a day-to-day basis to deliver sustainable packaging solutions that exceed expectations
- Our business is fuelled by curious minds from diverse backgrounds, and this is an incredible time to join us at DS Smith as a key driving force behind our Automotive segment strategy
- This role will focus on leading the development, conversion, and delivery of targeted, profitable, and sustainable sales growth across the UK & Ireland Automotive ecosystem
- You will act as a true hunter, identifying new high-value prospects, designing robust market strategies, and deploying our full value-led sustainable packaging portfolio
- This position will partner with cross-functional internal teams on major commercial initiatives, offering a fantastic opportunity to build relationships across a global footprint while transforming won accounts into structured, repeatable operational successes before handing them over to our Strategic Account Managers
- Strategy & Growth: Lead the continuous development and execution of long- and medium-term market segment strategies for the UK&I Automotive cluster to secure sustainable growth
- Pipeline & Acquisition: Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospective accounts, utilising a pure hunter mentality to convert high-value target categories
- Value-Led Pitching: Coordinate with Sales, Marketing, CX, and Design teams to construct world-class pitches and account playbooks that focus on closed-loop solutions rather than tender activity
- Stakeholder Management: Act as the senior point of contact for target Automotive clients, leading complex stakeholder workshops and delivering deep industry-specific insights
- Tender & Onboarding Management: Establish smooth internal frameworks to coordinate cross-functional tender responses and oversee the post-award transition period for seamless account handovers
- Performance & Insights: Own performance metrics, sales forecasting, and budgeting protocols while actively tracking changing market trends, supply chain dynamics, and competitor activities
Our take
DS Smith has become a leader in sustainable packaging and logistics, sitting at the heart of a complex and constantly evolving value chain. And that position creates a huge range of opportunities for innovation, from eCommerce and logistics to supply chain optimisation and new materials.
Alongside this, DS Smith is undergoing a major digital technology transformation, with a focus on incubating and scaling new digital products, building a data-as-a-service platform, and developing strategic partnerships with technology businesses.
For tech professionals, this means the chance to work on meaningful, large-scale challenges within an established enterprise, while helping shape how technology and innovation can create real impact across businesses.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Company
Company HQ
Paddington, London, UK
Leadership
Miles Roberts
(Group CEO)Miles has served as DS Smith's Group CEO since 2010.
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