Sales Apprentice

Kickstart your career with a global leader in sustainable packaging DS Smith is a leading provider of fibre-based sustainable packaging solutions, supported by integrated recycling and papermaking operations. Our innovative approach enables major brands to reduce carbon, replace problematic plastics, and keep materials in use for longer- all supported by our industry-leading design capabilities and unique "box-to-box in 14 days" model. We are now looking for a motivated and ambitious individual to join our Mercia Packaging site as a Sales Apprentice. The Job As a Sales Executive Level 4 Apprentice, you will play a key role in supporting our commercial growth while developing the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in sales. You'll build strong relationships with customers, understand their packaging needs, and help deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions. Key responsibilities include: Contacting customers to understand their packaging requirements Managing enquiries and responding to customer queries Liaising with internal teams to ensure orders and enquiries are processed efficiently Developing an understanding of DS Smith's products, services, and the UK corrugated packaging market Your Development Journey & Apprenticeship Our 18-month Level 4 Sales Apprenticeship gives you the skills to succeed in consultative selling and account management, helping you build strong customer relationships from day one. You'll learn through a mix of structured training, hands-on experience, and a full business induction - with site visits to see how our packaging solutions come to life. Plus, a dedicated mentor will support you every step of the way. During the programme, you'll gain experience across key areas, including: Design Customer Services Supply Chain Direct Sales Teams This well-rounded experience will give you a strong foundation and a clear path to grow your career at DS Smith. Career Opportunities On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you'll be well-positioned to progress into a variety of roles within DS Smith, including: Sales Design Customer Service Commercial or Account Management While based at our Mercia site, you'll be part of the wider DS Smith team, working collaboratively across the business and contributing to our shared goal of excellence in sales and customer service. What You'll Need GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade C/4–9) or Level 2 Functional Skills To have lived in the UK or EEA for the past 3 consecutive years (funding requirement) Ability to start full-time on 3rd September 2026 Full right to work in the UK What's in It for You? Starting salary: £23,975, with increases as you progress Company pension Life insurance Income protection Cycle to work scheme A chance to launch a rewarding customer focused career with a global business Ready to begin your sales career with impact? If you're enthusiastic, customer-focused, and excited to learn, we'd love to welcome you to the team. Location: Mercia, Swadlincote 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, 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. #LI-CE 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 60,000 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! As the journey continues of bringing together the strengths of both organisations, during your candidate experience you may engage with our colleagues from International Paper! You could visit an International Paper or DS Smith site or office.