Business Development Manager – Automotive

DS Smith

Business Development Manager leading sustainable sales growth within UK&I Automotive ecosystem. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute market strategies while offering a robust packaging portfolio.

Posted 6/16/2026full-timeRemote • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the 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, utilising a pure hunter mentality to convert high-value target categories
Coordinate with Sales, Marketing, CX, and Design teams to construct world-class pitches and account playbooks that focus on closed-loop solutions rather than tender activity
Act as the senior point of contact for target Automotive clients, leading complex stakeholder workshops and delivering deep industry-specific insights
Establish smooth internal frameworks to coordinate cross-functional tender responses and oversee the post-award transition period for seamless account handovers
Own performance metrics, sales forecasting, and budgeting protocols while actively tracking changing market trends, supply chain dynamics, and competitor activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Extensive B2B business development experience with a clear hunter mentality and a proven track record of securing new business wins
Deep knowledge of the Automotive ecosystem, logistics networks, and manufacturing supply chains
Demonstrated ability to navigate, influence, and collaborate effectively within multi-level, complex matrix organizations and central functional teams
Strong financial skills encompassing budget ownership, sales forecasting, target delivery, and the capability to navigate conflict or challenging negotiations
Confident presenter with excellent written and verbal English communication skills, capable of delivering dynamic, high-impact materials to senior executives.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Discretionary bonus
Car allowance
Private healthcare
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Pension scheme
Life assurance and income protection
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Discounts
Cycle to work scheme

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

B2B business developmentsales forecastingbudgetingperformance metrics

Soft Skills

hunter mentalitystakeholder managementcollaborationconflict resolutionpresentation skillswritten communicationverbal communication