Account Manager (Retail)

DS Smith Plc; West Stow; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Car allowance

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Income protection

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Discounts

Cycle to work scheme

25 days holiday

Job summary

DS Smith Plc is seeking an experienced Account Manager to support the Midlands and South East in the UK packaging (retail) team. You will lead account plans, drive margin improvements, and partner with design and innovation teams to turn customer requirements into solution-led offers.

The role requires a proactive self-starter who can work remotely with travel for client pitches, site visits, and stakeholder meetings across the Midlands and South East.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in account management within FMCG or packaging.
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.
• Experience translating customer needs into functional packaging solutions.
• Ability to analyse financials and act on insights.
• Able to present professionally to clients and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Execute account plans to grow revenue and margins within existing customers.
• Build deep partnerships across FMCG and industrial sectors to drive loyalty.
• Coordinate with Design and Innovation teams to deliver tailored, sustainable packaging.
• Manage metrics and provide accurate sales forecasts via CRM.
• Collaborate with regional teams to maximise opportunities and improve supply chain efficiency.

Skills

Account Management

FMCG packaging

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Relationship building

Presentations

Independent working

Job description

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive Account Manager to join our UK Packaging (Retail) team, supporting the Midlands and the South East. Our team works collaboratively across regional sales, design, and site functions to deliver sustainable packaging solutions that exceed expectations. Our business is fuelled by curious minds, and this is an incredible time to join us as a brand ambassador strengthening relationships with global brands.

This role will focus on leading the development, retention, and strategic growth of our existing portfolio across the FMCG and industrial sectors. You will manage detailed account plans, drive margin improvements, and partner with cross-functional design and innovation teams to turn customer requirements into solution-led commercial offers.

A successful candidate must be a proven self-starter and commercial partner, comfortable working collaboratively in a multi-level matrix environment to deliver a customer experience that exceeds expectations.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strategy & Growth: Lead the execution of account plans to secure organic revenue growth and margin improvements within existing customers
• Relationship Management: Build deep partnerships across the FMCG and industrial sectors to drive customer loyalty and satisfaction
• Value-Led Solutions: Coordinate with Design and Innovation teams to translate customer needs into tailored, sustainable packaging offerings
• Pipeline & Forecasting: Manage account metrics and communicate precise sales volume and revenue forecasts to the business via our CRM system
• Collaboration & Efficiency: Work alongside regional sales networks and operations teams to maximise market opportunities and drive supply chain efficiencies

So, if you are an experienced Account Management professional within the FMCG or Packaging space, looking for a new challenge in a business which prioritises creativity and encourages you to make a difference — then we might be looking for you!

About you

• Proven success, knowledge, and experience in an Account Management role within FMCG – packaging experience highly desirable but will welcome experience in other areas
• A Full driving license
• A strong ability to work independently & remotely with travel as needed
• Strong business acumen and negotiation skills with the ability to deal with conflict and challenge both externally and internally
• Proven success, knowledge, and experience of analysing and initiating actions based on financial insights and understanding
• Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders around the business
• Ability to deliver dynamic & professional presentations

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

Location:

This is a remote role with regular travel required for client pitches, site visits, and internal stakeholder meetings across the Midlands and South East.

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!

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.