Location
London, UK (Subject to Consultation)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive, based on experience

About the Role
We are seeking a strategic and experienced communications professional to join our team and play a key role in shaping DS Smith's brand narrative and strategy. This role is responsible for owning and evolving the long-term brand strategy, defining and governing brand standards across all touchpoints, and ensuring consistency and compliance throughout all customer journey interactions. As the Brand & Sustainability Communications Manager, you will develop the strategic positioning of our communications to enhance brand presence and drive engagement within key influencer groups in our target accounts.

A core focus of this role is the development of compelling, sustainability-focused communications that resonate with customer pain points and support DS Smith's reputational growth. The role requires a multi-channel mindset and a collaborative approach, engaging across many DS Smith functions to create content aligned with business objectives and that connects meaningfully with target audiences.

The ideal candidate will be a creative thinker with excellent communication skills, passionate about creating top-of-mind brand communications, and possess a deep understanding of the impact of innovation and sustainability on customers. If you are ready to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, purpose-driven industry and team, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities
- Define, own, and maintain DS Smith's brand guidelines, ensuring they are fit for purpose across all channels and customer touchpoints and act as the primary point of contact for all brand enquiries
- Establish a clear governance framework enabling internal stakeholders to create materials compliant with brand standards
- Collaborate with the IP Corporate Affairs team to ensure alignment with corporate branding and joint initiatives
- Develop and lead a strategic brand communications framework to ensure consistent messaging across all channels and customer interactions, establishing a cohesive, aligned, long-term brand position
- Integrate brand communications and content across product, service, and sustainability narratives to reinforce DS Smith's value proposition and convey the brand's values, mission, and vision internally and externally
- Develop and lead a strategic sustainability communications framework to create consistent messaging on sustainability across all channels and customer interactions
- Manage and support market-led brand and sustainability initiatives, working with the Campaign Implementation Manager to ensure consistent application of DS Smith's brand and sustainability positioning in communications and content
- Monitor brand and sustainability perception and messaging effectiveness, using insights to refine and evolve the strategy

Experience
- Proven experience in a communications or marketing role with a strong focus on sustainability
- Demonstrated success in developing strategic sustainability themes and aligning cross-functional stakeholders within a global business environment
- Deep understanding of sustainability-related regulatory requirements, particularly in packaging, and the ability to translate these into credible communications
- Strong capability to develop and execute sustainability-focused content and communications strategies that meet evolving audience expectations and external pressures

About You
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and align diverse stakeholder groups around strategic messaging
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with high attention to detail and strategic oversight
- Creative thinker with a passion for creating impactful brand communications
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to engage across multiple functions and teams

Qualifications
- Relevant qualifications in communications, marketing, sustainability, or related fields are desirable but not explicitly required