At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and manage impactful corporate communications and campaigns.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, 25 days holiday, and more.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in London with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in corporate communications while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Communications preferred; strong project management and storytelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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!
About the role
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Communications Coordinator to join our Corporate Affairs team in the Packaging Division. Working closely with the Director of Corporate Affairs and Corporate Affairs leadership team, you will coordinate and manage delivery of key Corporate Affair moments, campaigns, and the annual calendar of activity. This role manages reporting, alignment with markets and analysis of activity on a weekly and monthly basis. You will ensure that the Corporate Affairs team delivers high-quality outcomes on time, regularly providing updates, insights, and lessons learned across the business.
Key to the success of the role will be the ability to build and maintain a strong network across the different DS Smith divisions and functions, and the wider Packaging Corporate Affairs Team. The Communications Coordinator needs both strong project management experience, attention to detail and a pro-active mindset to manage multiple projects across a number of specialisations such as a Media campaign, a leadership townhalls calendar and country level change management project. Finally, there will be a focus on measuring the effectiveness of communication channels and activations, providing insights across the communication teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Internal communications advice - works as a Corporate Affairs leader with the business to plan and deliver key initiatives, assuming responsibility for the success of the Corporate Affairs activities including related plans, targets and execution of all activities
- Able to offer counsel and advice on issues relating to engagement, execution and the effectiveness of the strategy and plan
- Equipped and able to influence and persuade leaders to support new colleague experience ideas
- Identify risks and issues that could impact external reputation and proactively manage them
- Activation of communications strategy and plan – manage communication activations to support business objectives, demonstrating benefits of modern 2-way engagement strategies as a means of building the colleague experience
- Project and campaign execution - constant campaign and project management, including updates to Corporate Affairs, EMEA Leadership Team, etc.
- Measurement and analysis of campaigns and projects, using insights to inform future activities and drive continuous improvement.
About you
- Degree level education, or equivalent, with a preference for graduates of Communications
- Strong knowledge across a full range of face to face, digital, print and broadcast communication channels to reach a mix of connected and non-connected employees
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with cultural awareness, sensitivity to the audience and medium in use
- Passionate storyteller and content creator, able to mine for stories across a European wide network of stakeholders – from commercial to operational teams
- Able to turn complex information into brief, relevant and engaging content to reflect the nature of the stakeholder, audience and message
- Excellent technical skills in applications such as Poppulo (or similar Email client), Qualtrics, MS suite, Adobe (InDesign and Premiere) and digital collaboration and engagement tools
- Excellent project management skills - the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, while able to be resilient and deliver results under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Experience of collaborative working and building strong relationships to influence stakeholders to enable the delivery of effective communication activations.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
Location: UK/ London (Paddington) – hybrid
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.
Communications Coordinator, Corporate Affairs 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 Communications Coordinator, Corporate Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DS Smith on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research DS Smith’s recent campaigns and sustainability initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about our mission and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! As a Communications Coordinator, you’ll need to convey messages clearly. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve effectively communicated in various situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and engaged!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Coordinator, Corporate Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Communications Coordinator role. Highlight your project management skills and experience in corporate communications, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:We love a good story! Use your application to demonstrate how you can turn complex information into engaging content. Share examples of past projects where you’ve successfully communicated messages to diverse audiences.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is crucial for this role. Double-check your application for any typos or errors, and ensure that all your experiences align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into DS Smith's mission and values, especially around sustainability. Familiarise yourself with their recent campaigns and projects in Corporate Affairs. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your attention to detail and ability to deliver under pressure.
✨Engage with Storytelling
As a Communications Coordinator, storytelling is key. Prepare a few compelling stories from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to create engaging content and connect with diverse audiences. Tailor these stories to reflect the values and culture of DS Smith.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the Corporate Affairs team's current challenges or future initiatives. This shows your proactive mindset and genuine interest in contributing to their success.
