Remote Automotive Growth Hunter – B2B Sales & Strategy

DS Smith Plc; Manchester; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus

Car allowance

Private healthcare

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Income protection

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead growth across the UK & Ireland Automotive space. You will hunt high-value accounts, shape market strategies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver value-led sustainable packaging solutions.

You will manage complex stakeholder engagements, drive pipeline conversion, and ensure seamless transitions to Strategic Account Managers. A proven, proactive leader with strong English communication will thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• Extensive B2B business development experience with a hunter mentality and a proven track record of securing new business wins.
• Deep knowledge of the Automotive ecosystem, logistics networks, and manufacturing supply chains; packaging industry experience valued but not essential.
• Ability to navigate, influence, and collaborate within multi-level, complex matrix organizations and central functional teams.
• Strong financial skills including budget ownership, sales forecasting, target delivery, and negotiation.
• Confident presenter with excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous development and execution of long- and medium-term market segment strategies for the UK&I Automotive cluster to secure sustainable growth.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospective accounts and convert high-value target categories.
• Coordinate with Sales, Marketing, CX, and Design teams to construct pitches and account playbooks focused on value-led solutions.
• Act as the senior point of contact for target Automotive clients, leading workshops and delivering industry insights.
• Establish smooth internal frameworks to coordinate tender responses and oversee post-award handovers.

Skills

Hunter mentality

B2B sales

English communication

Job description

DS Smith is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead growth across the UK & Ireland Automotive space. You will hunt high-value accounts, shape market strategies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver value-led sustainable packaging solutions.

You will manage complex stakeholder engagements, drive pipeline conversion, and ensure seamless transitions to Strategic Account Managers. A proven, proactive leader with strong English communication will thrive in this role.