Business Development Manager

About the role 

The DS Smith Sales team are a dynamic and vibrant mix of professionals who focus on delivering the Sales strategy, goals and performance whilst working to delight our customers by showcasing our sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. From our energetic Business Development Team who create opportunities, to our incredible Account Managers who build & strengthen relationships with Global Brands, the Sales team are the face of our business and our biggest ambassadors!

We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and driven individual to join us as a Business Development Manager for the UK Central Packaging Division. This is a fantastic role for someone with a few years of sales experience looking for a new challenge with significant development opportunities and pathways for growth within an amazing team!

In this role, you'll be actively involved in new business development within the dynamic packaging industry. You'll work closely with experienced sales managers, contributing directly to our sales strategy by identifying and creating opportunities. While supporting the wider sales team across the UK and potentially Europe, you'll contribute to our growth strategy by taking ownership of lead generation, initial customer outreach, and building foundational relationships that will blossom into key accounts by supporting various tender processes.

This role is perfect for someone keen to establish themselves as a strong sales professional, eager to network and drive the acquisition of new business across various markets, including Drinks, Snacks, and wider FMCG. You will be home-based but there is a strong focus on travelling to meet customers and meeting teams at our sites across the country as you develop your portfolio.

We are deeply committed to your professional growth. As a Business Development Manager, you'll have access to our comprehensive sales training programs, mentorship from senior leaders, and opportunities to shadow experienced colleagues. If you have a solid foundation in sales, possess the tenacity and spirit to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are eager for a new challenge with clear progression, then we might be looking for you!

About you  

• Experience in a Sales or Business Development role within FMCG – packaging experience desirable but will welcome experience in other areas
• A Full driving license
• A strong ability to work independently & remotely with travel as needed
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deal with conflict and challenge both externally and internally
• A clear drive to meet and exceed sales targets with a proactive approach to managing your pipeline and understanding sales reporting
• Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders around the business
• Ability to deliver dynamic & professional presentations

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Car allowance
• Sales bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
• Sharesave scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Discounts
• Cycle to work scheme

Location: This is a full time, home-based role with frequent travel to our customers (nationally)

About us

We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!

Fair recruitment at DS Smith

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.

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