At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage large-scale accounts and build strong relationships with key clients.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Remote role with travel across the UK & Ireland.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor and drive growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and driven individual to join as an Account Manager for the UK Strategic Accounts team. This is a key position within the business, so we are looking for an ambitious, customer-focused individual with experience managing large-scale accounts to come and be part of this amazing team!
Working across the wider packaging teams and supporting a Strategic Account Manager, you will use your experience and intuition to build and establish relationships with some of our largest accounts in line with our growth strategy. This is a true strategic account management role, working in partnership with key clients as a trusted advisor - from reviewing existing products to delivering regular commercial insights, service reviews and supporting tender processes and proposals.
As a strong sales professional and a natural ‘people-person’, you will thrive on networking with existing clients and customer sites to unlock new growth areas across the organisation. Working closely with our Design and Innovation teams, you will identify tailored ways to support customer objectives, drive revenue and ultimately delight our customers. You will be home-based, but there is a strong focus on travelling across the country.
So, if you have experience within 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 managing large accounts in a strategic B2B environment; packaging experience is desirable but we welcome transferable sector experience
- Strong business acumen, analytical capability and negotiation skills with the ability to interpret insights, drive account plans and handle commercial complexity
- Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, clients and senior stakeholders across multiple functions
- Confident communicator with the ability to deliver dynamic, professional presentations and lead high-level commercial reviews
- Self-motivated professional with the ability to work independently and remotely, holding a full driving license with the flexibility to travel across the UK & Ireland
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Car allowance
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
This is a remote role with regular travel across the UK & Ireland.
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!
As the journey continues of bringing together the strengths of both organisations, during your candidate experience you may engage with our colleagues from International Paper! You could visit an International Paper or DS Smith site or office.
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.
As a Safety‑first employer, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards across our operations. Our approach to safety means going beyond minimum legal requirements and focuses on continuously elevating how we work safely - every day, at every level. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a brief safety questionnaire as part of the selection process. This helps us ensure that everyone who joins our team shares our focus and commitment to design, operate and maintain injury-free workplaces for our employees and everyone who enters our facilities.
Account Manager - National Accounts employer: DS Smith
DS Smith is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being in the vibrant location of Livingston, Scotland. With opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday and a pension scheme, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful production processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Manager - National Accounts
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Account Manager - National Accounts at DS Smith, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including DS Smith. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Account Manager - National Accounts. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Manager - National Accounts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for DS Smith:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for DS Smith. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show DS Smith that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show DS Smith that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with DS Smith’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
