Business Development Manager

The Smurfit Kappa Group plc are Europe's leading corrugated packaging company and one of the leading paper-based packaging companies in the world. An industry leader with 46,000 employees globally, 350 production sites around the world, with locations in 23 countries in Europe and 13 countries in the Americas.

People are at the heart of the organisation and we are constantly working towards creating a fully inclusive working environment where people from all backgrounds are free to be themselves and can succeed. Diversity makes sense for us, for our customers and for our future. We value different perspectives, skills and experiences, and welcome applications from all sections of our communities.

Smurfit Kappa Corrugated UK are;

• A Disability Confident Employer and guarantee an interview to candidates who meet our essential criteria.
• Open to considering flexible working, such as part-time hours, hybrid working and other flexible options.
• Happy to offer a wide range of Family Friendly policies including emergency time off for dependants and to provide generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave provisions for our valued colleagues.

A vacancy has arisen at our Northampton site for a Business Development Manager reporting to the Sales Director.

Main purpose of the role:

To manage and develop key existing accounts and directly develop new business sales and relationships with value added brands to meet set budgets for our business.

 The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Maintain, strengthen, and develop key customer relationships
• Work closely with the Customer Services Team to ensure business KPI’s are met whilst providing a high level of service to our customers
• To regularly visit customers at their premises to initiate and progress projects
• Create meaningful business plans for major accounts using the SKG Value Selling process
• To manage the development of projects with new and existing customers through the relevant internal departments
• Working with internal departments to advise and recommend design and commercial solutions in line with customer requirements
• Develop new business with existing and new customers

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Proactively manage accounts to deliver annualised sales targets
• Highly responsive customer focused approach
• Confident and professional in approach to internal and external stakeholders
• A good understanding of the packaging market
• Ability to work in a demanding customer centred role delivering against agreed deadlines, priorities and targets
• Excellent attention to detail and high work ethic
• A good team player with strong organisational skills
• Proficient in using Microsoft office products
• Ability to manage projects and communicate to both customers and the internal team effectively and with confidence and leadership
• A will to provide exceptional levels of service to all customers

Compliance with company’s Health and Safety requirements:

• Report accidents, hazards and near misses as well as faulty equipment to management
• Take reasonable care for own and others health and safety
• Co-operate with management on Health and Safety matters

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience of effectively managing relationships at all levels, internally and externally · Good understanding of sales and account management process
• Good financial background and understanding of the key business drivers
• Good commercial acumen and awareness
• Good knowledge of customer sectors
• Ability to challenge existing processes for the benefit of Smurfit Kappa and the customer and where feasible implement solutions
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm
• Evidence of demonstrating a proactive ‘can do’ attitude
• Proven track record in taking ownership and for consistently delivering results
• Excellent working knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft packages
• Excellent time management and personal organisation skills with a flexible approach
• Understanding of full product lifecycle from initial concept and design through to production, despatch

If you are looking for a new and exciting challenge, we would love to hear from you.

In order to apply for this vacancy, applicants should click on the apply link and follow the application process.