Business Development Manager

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