Strategic Account Manager

About us

DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging worldwide, which is supported by recycling and papermaking operations. We play a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast moving consumer goods and industrials. Through our purpose of ‘Redefining Packaging for a Changing World’ and our Now and Next sustainability strategy, we are committed to leading the transition to the circular economy, while delivering more circular solutions for our customers and wider society – replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions. Our bespoke box-to-box in 14 days model, design capabilities and innovation strategy sits at the heart of this response.

Headquartered in London and a member of the FTSE 100, DS Smith operates in 34 countries employing around 30,000 people and we are a Strategic Partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Our history can be traced back to the box-making businesses started in the 1940s by the Smith family.

About the role

We have a fabulous opportunity for a pro-active and driven individual to join as a Strategic Account Manager for the UK Sales, Marketing & Innovation (SMI) Division. This a key position within the business so looking for ambitious, customer focused individuals to come and be part of this amazing team!

Working across the wider packaging teams and liaising with senior stakeholders and directors, you will use your skill and experience to lead, develop, win, and maintain business in line with our growth strategy. This is a customer facing role working in partnership with key clients as an internal partner, from reviewing existing products, to providing regular commercial and service reports, updates and being responsible for tender updates and new proposals.

As a strong sales professional and a natural ‘people-person’, you will thrive on networking with internal colleagues within Procurement, Design, Innovation and Productivity to support the outline of your account strategy and plans. Your experience of working previously as a Strategic Account Manager/Director role will allow to you to identifying new growth areas, drive performance through engagement and awareness to maximise revenue. You will be home-based but there is a strong focus on travelling to meet customers and teams at our sites – which can cover all of the UK.

So, if you have experience within strategic account management, have the tenacity and spirit to work in a fast-paced role and are eager for a new challenge – then we might be looking for you!

About you

• Proven success, knowledge, and experience in a Strategic Account Management role within FMCG– packaging product 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 business acumen and negotiation skills with the ability to deal with conflict and challenge both externally and internally
• Proven success, knowledge, and experience of analysing and initiating actions based on financial insights and understanding
• 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
• 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 travel to sites in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other customer sites as required