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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research, customer engagement, and sales activities while learning valuable skills.
- Company: Join Smurfit Kappa, a leading UK packaging business focused on sustainability and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Kickstart your sales career in a supportive environment with real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: No experience required; just bring your enthusiasm and a clean UK driver’s licence.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria; we value diversity and inclusion.
Overview
Join to apply for the Business Development Trainee role at Smurfit Kappa.
This range is provided by Smurfit Kappa. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Grow Your Sales Career with Smurfit Westrock – Business Development Trainee
Are you ready to launch your sales career or bring your skills into a dynamic, fast-paced industry where you can make a real impact? At Smurfit Westrock Tannochside, we have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Trainee to join our team.
Whether you’re exploring a new career path or looking to develop your sales skills, this role offers hands-on experience, structured training and the chance to contribute to real business growth from day one.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life stages — if you’re motivated, curious and eager to learn, we want to hear from you.
What The Role Involves
- This is a developmental role designed to provide hands-on experience and structured learning in business development and sales within the packaging industry.
- As part of your growth journey, you will:
- Support research into new business opportunities within target markets.
- Begin developing knowledge of the Smurfit Westrock Group’s diverse product portfolio.
- Build confidence in professional communication to support customer relationships.
- Learn and begin applying value-based selling techniques to understand and meet customer needs.
- Participate in client meetings, presentations, and sales calls to observe and contribute.
- Assist in managing newly onboarded customer accounts under guidance.
- Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and opportunities using our CRM system.
- Help prepare sales reports and customer updates for internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to marketing and promotional activities at the site.
- Support onboarding of new customer accounts and help manage existing ones.
- Take part in structured training covering commercial awareness, negotiation, and product knowledge.
As this is a sales-focused trainee role, your progress will be measured using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as activity levels, customer engagement, and contribution to new business opportunities. You will receive full support, coaching, and mentoring to help you succeed and grow in the role.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- A genuine interest in business development and customer engagement.
- Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated and proactive approach to learning and work.
- Well-organised and detail oriented.
- Comfortable using IT systems and open to learning CRM tools.
- Full clean UK driver’s licence.
Desirable:
- Experience in sales, customer service, or a commercial setting (e.g. part-time roles, internships, placements).
- A degree or equivalent qualification, or relevant industry experience.
Packaging experience is a bonus – but absolutely not essential. We’re more interested in your potential, mindset, and enthusiasm. We’ll provide all the training and support you need to learn the industry and succeed in the role.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary and benefits package (including annual leave, pension and Cycle to Work scheme)
- Career development opportunities in a leading UK packaging business
- Full training and onboarding – no packaging experience required
- A supportive, inclusive working environment
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- A culture that values collaboration, integrity and continuous improvement
- Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
Apply Today
Applications are open now — take the next step in your career with Smurfit Westrock and help us build a sustainable future together.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.
Seniority level
- Internship
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Business Development and Sales
Industries
- Packaging and Containers Manufacturing
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Business Development Trainee employer: Smurfit Kappa
Contact Detail:
Smurfit Kappa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Research Smurfit Kappa and their product portfolio thoroughly. Understanding their offerings will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the company and its business development goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Smurfit Kappa on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your understanding of value-based selling techniques. Familiarise yourself with how these techniques apply to customer engagement, as this is a key aspect of the role and will demonstrate your readiness to learn.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a mock sales report or customer interaction record. This practical demonstration of your abilities can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the Business Development Trainee role. Emphasise any customer service or sales experience, even if it's from part-time jobs or internships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your genuine interest in business development and your motivation to learn. Mention specific aspects of Smurfit Kappa that attract you, such as their commitment to sustainability and training opportunities.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on essential skills mentioned in the job description, like communication, organisation, and IT proficiency. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past experiences.
Show Enthusiasm: Convey your enthusiasm for the role and the packaging industry throughout your application. Use positive language and express your eagerness to contribute to Smurfit Kappa's growth and success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smurfit Kappa
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Smurfit Kappa and its product portfolio. Understanding their business model and recent developments will help you answer questions more effectively and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to business development and customer engagement. Be ready to discuss your motivation for applying, your understanding of value-based selling, and how you can contribute to the team. Practising your responses can boost your confidence.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Business Development Trainee, strong communication skills are essential. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and engage with the interviewer. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be prepared to ask thoughtful questions about the role, training opportunities, and company culture. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you.
