Business Development Manager (Junior)

Smurfit Westrock; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing manufacturing company in Manchester is seeking a dynamic Business Development professional to join their team. This role is essential in driving growth and building robust relationships with stakeholders while delivering commercial impact. Candidates need a degree-level education or equivalent experience and should be proactive, resilient, and results-focused. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment are key to thriving in this position. Flexibility to travel and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• Flexibility to travel as needed for site visits and training.
• Valid driver's license.
• Experience in a business to business sales organisation.

Responsibilities

• Leverage market expertise to shape strategy and identify opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Use commercial acumen to deliver measurable impact.
• Create and execute strategic plans.
• Identify and secure sales opportunities.
• Negotiate for win-win outcomes.

Skills

Proactive approach

Resilience

Results orientation

Attention to detail

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent experience

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic and results-driven Business Development professional to join our team at Smurfit Westrock, Stalybridge. This is a development opportunity designed for individuals who want to grow their skills and make a real impact. This role is pivotal in driving growth, building strong relationships, and delivering commercial impact for both our business and our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Market Expertise: Leverage a deep understanding of the market, Smurfit Westrock, and our customers to shape strategy, identify opportunities, and influence decisions.
• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain long-lasting, mutually beneficial connections internally, cross-functionally, and externally across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Commercial Acumen: Know your numbers and use them effectively to deliver measurable commercial impact.
• Strategic Planning: Create and execute plans and tactics that address current needs while anticipating future trends, driving value for both Smurfit Westrock and our customers.
• Selling: Identify and secure opportunities by communicating mutual value through compelling commercial stories, ensuring strong closes and clear next steps.
• Negotiating: Achieve win-win outcomes that protect Smurfit Westrock s value while ensuring customers feel valued and supported.

Person Attributes

We re looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Action Bias: A proactive approach to getting things done.
• Resilience: Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Results Focused: Commitment to achieving and exceeding targets.
• Diligence: Attention to detail and thoroughness in execution.
• Active Listening: Strong interpersonal skills to understand and respond to customer needs effectively.

Key Requirements

• Flexibility to travel as needed for site visits and training.
• Valid driver s license.
• Experience working in a business to business sales organisation.

Qualifications & Development

• Degree-level candidate (or equivalent experience) with a strong desire to learn and grow.
• Willingness to train, develop new skills, and embrace continuous learning.
• Previous sales experience is beneficial but not essential we ll provide full training and mentorship.