At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and build strong client relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values sustainability and employee well-being.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for business development.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a thriving industry.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!
Shaping Growth. Building Partnerships. Driving Innovation.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Business Development Manager to join our high-performing Sales Team at West Auckland.
Reporting directly to the Sales Director, you will play a key role in driving strategic growth across the Northeast — leading on new business development while also managing a small portfolio of important existing customers. You\’ll be the face of our organisation in the region, identifying opportunities, deepening partnerships, and positioning Smurfit Westrock as the preferred development partner for our clients.
We\’re ideally looking for someone with experience in the corrugated packaging sector, but we are equally keen to hear from candidates with a strong track record in winning new business and managing key accounts within a fast-paced commercial environment.
About Us
We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
The Role
You\’ll focus on creating and converting high-quality opportunities using a value-based, consultative sales approach. Your goal? To deliver new business aligned to the West Auckland Sales Strategy, successfully integrate those customers into the wider business, and grow key accounts through insight, collaboration, and exceptional service.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Sales Director to agree and deliver the regional sales strategy.
- Proactively identify, target, and win new business opportunities in line with growth objectives.
- Achieve agreed sales and profitability targets for new business development.
- Build strong, long-term relationships with both new and existing key accounts.
- Develop a deep understanding of each customer\’s business model to identify opportunities where Smurfit Westrock can deliver measurable value.
- Manage newly acquired accounts, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience and consistently high customer satisfaction.
- Contribute to marketing and promotional initiatives across the West Auckland site.
- Provide meaningful market insight on competitors, trends, and customer activity.
- Collaborate closely with the Sales Support and NPD teams to develop tailored solutions.
- Utilise CRM as an integral part of the sales process and follow our Value Selling methodology.
- Ensure compliance with company procedures and all Health & Safety requirements.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve performance, processes, and ways of working.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Strong commercial and technical awareness, with the ability to articulate and deliver a multi-layered sales offering.
- Solid financial understanding and the ability to interpret key business drivers.
- Proven commercial acumen and a customer-centric mindset.
- Good understanding of relevant customer sectors and market dynamics.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- Ongoing training and development opportunitity
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
- Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
If you bring energy, ambition, and the determination to deliver results — along with the personal and technical skills to succeed — we would love to hear from you.
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.
Business Development Manager employer: Smurfit Westrock
Contact Detail:
Smurfit Westrock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Research the company culture at Smurfit Westrock. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and employee well-being will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give us insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can significantly boost your chances of landing that Business Development Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to business development. Think about how your skills align with their focus on exceptional service and sustainability. We want to see you shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and really keen on joining the Smurfit Westrock family.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you know what the Business Development Manager role entails and how your skills fit in. This will help us see that you’re the right match for our team!
Show Your Passion: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about sustainability and personal development. Don’t just list your experiences; tell us why you care about these values and how they align with our mission at Smurfit Westrock.
Tailor Your Application: Generic applications can be a bit of a snooze-fest. Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences and skills that relate directly to the Business Development Manager position. We want to see the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and it ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smurfit Westrock
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Smurfit Westrock's mission and values. Understand their commitment to sustainability and employee well-being. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you align your answers with their core principles.
✨Showcase Your Business Acumen
As a Business Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of market trends and customer needs. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified opportunities and driven growth. This will show that you can contribute effectively to their goals.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's future plans, team dynamics, and how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Be ready to articulate your value proposition clearly. Practice summarising your experience and skills in a way that highlights how they align with the responsibilities of the Business Development Manager role. A confident pitch can set you apart from other candidates.