At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic marketing initiatives and drive growth through customer insights and innovative planning.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; experience in marketing planning and customer insights.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Own the entire category management process identifying most valuable segments, understanding our offer, driving and positioning Innovation through insight and supporting Marketing teams in identifying targets for the working platform. Role typically operates within a division or region.
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!
About the role
We are currently looking for a Strategic Marketing Manager EMEA, who will deliver growth through strategic planning, ABM planning, customer insights, and a strategic innovations pipeline, while ensuring marketing efforts are customer-centric and commercially impactful. This role supports the Annual Business Planning (ABP) process across two subregions and drives strategic category planning in collaboration with local teams. You will develop compelling value propositions with lead markets or customers and monitor segment performance across EMEA. Additionally, you will co-lead research initiatives with the insights and foresights team, support sales enablement through category insights and customer presentations, and contribute to innovation planning by owning the desirability lens and guiding product development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead ABP and category planning, ensure ABM planning is fully embedded in strategic marketing, with clearly defined objectives, precise targeting, and measurable growth KPIs
- Define and deliver segment-specific marketing strategies aligned with commercial growth objectives, developing compelling value propositions with lead markets/customers and translating them into actionable ABM plans, with a strong focus on Most Wanted opportunities and tender management excellence to drive commercial impact and customer relevance
- Strengthen our value proposition differentiation by identifying key points of difference versus competitors through competitor analysis, ensuring strategies and propositions are distinctive and impactful
- Monitor segment performance and optimise plans based on insights and KPIs. Co-lead research initiatives with the Insights & Foresights team to inform strategic decisions
- Provide relevant category insights to unlock customer opportunities and accelerate pipeline conversion. Support Account Managers with opportunity identification and ensure marketing deliverables (e.g., insights presentations, VP translation into sell-ins) are tailored to support growth targets and ABM activation
- Support Marketing Communications in development of perfect offer, ensuring marketing campaigns reflect strategic growth priorities and customer needs
- Lead the Exploration phase of the Innovation process, own the desirability lens through to product development, and define prioritisation and customisation by being the voice of the customer.
About You
- A Degree or professional qualification in Business administration, Sales, Marketing, or other relevant field of study
- Demonstrated expertise in marketing planning, value proposition development, customer insight, and sales enablement from previous marketing roles (ideally within E-commerce, Automotive, or other industrial environment).
- Proven success in partnering with senior stakeholders across complex organisations, negotiating and influencing effectively to achieve business goals
- Deep understanding of customer-centricity, with a track record of delivering tangible business impact.
- Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills.
- Commercial acumen with proven ability to grasp, analyse and initiate actions based on strong financial insights and understanding.
- Strategic mind set, result-oriented, accountable, energetic.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Car allowance
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Private Medical Insurance
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- 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.
Strategic Marketing Manager (E-commerce & Industrial) employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the sustainable packaging industry, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model supports a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. With competitive benefits, including a discretionary bonus and private medical insurance, we strive to create a workplace where every team member can thrive and contribute to a more sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Marketing Manager (E-commerce & Industrial)
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for DS Smith and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like DS Smith are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with DS Smith on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at DS Smith. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Marketing Manager (E-commerce & Industrial)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit DS Smith. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of DS Smith:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about DS Smith’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at DS Smith will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At DS Smith, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
