Internal Communications Business Partner - 12 months FTC

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!

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Business Partner in Internal Communications to support our Paper, Recycling & Capex and Paper Sourcing & Procurement (PRC&PSP) division during an exciting period of transformation as we work towards our growth agenda. This pivotal role will focus on designing and implementing robust communication strategies that ensure colleagues are well-informed, heard, and have an exceptional employee experience.

PRC and PS&P operate 12 paper mills, 24 recycling depots, and office locations across EMEA, together supporting the Packaging division and our end customers.

The successful candidate will have a strategic mindset and a hands‑on approach, the ability to build and maintain strong internal networks across the different DS Smith divisions and functions, and the wider Group Corporate Affairs Team.

You’ll partner closely with senior leaders to build a compelling narrative that reflects the division’s strategy, culture, and contribution to our business. You’ll use a mix of trusted and innovative communication channels to ensure colleagues are well informed, inspired, and connected to our purpose and priorities. Cultural awareness and proven experience of working in a matrixed global culture will also be important.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, enjoy influencing and advising leaders, and love creating communication experiences that truly land—this is the role for you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a trusted adviser to divisional leaders, supporting them with clear, timely and strategic internal communications
• Translate complex business activity into clear, engaging messages that resonate with varied audiences
• Define and build a strong narrative that articulates the division’s purpose, priorities, and impact
• Strengthen the voice of the division’s leadership team through clear messaging, storytelling, and well‑supported moments
• Draft speeches, scripts, presentations, and internal posts for leaders—helping them communicate with confidence and authenticity
• Partner with HR to design and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and morale
• Analyse employee feedback through surveys, focus groups, and other channels to assess the communication impact and areas for improvement
• Manage and curate content across core channels such as email, SharePoint, newsletters, Viva Engage, and town halls
• Introduce fresh approaches and formats to improve reach and engagement across diverse teams
• Create content that’s compelling, human, and accessible, using a mix of formats: articles, videos, events, toolkits, talking points, FAQs and more
• Ensure all communication is aligned with our internal communications strategy, tone of voice and brand.

About You

• Proven experience in internal communications, employee engagement, and change communications
• Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships at all levels, including with senior leaders
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to simplify complex topics
• Passionate storyteller and content creator. Able to mine for stories across a wide network of stakeholders – from commercial to operational teams
• Strong judgement, resilience, and the confidence to offer challenge as well as advice
• Creative thinking, curiosity, and a desire to continuously improve how we communicate
• Experience using digital channels and analytics to shape communication strategies
• Excellent project management skills - the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, while able to be resilient and deliver results under pressure and to tight deadlines.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package (25 days annual leave, Digital GP, pension, life assurance, income protection, employee discounts, etc.)
• A supportive, creative, and collaborative communications team
• The chance to influence and shape the story of a major part of the business
• Freedom to innovate and bring new ideas to life
• Real opportunities for growth, visibility and impact.

Location: London (Paddington) – hybrid

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, 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.

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