Grow Your Sales Career with Smurfit Westrock – Business Development Trainee
Are you ready to launch your sales career or bring your skills into a dynamic, fast-paced industry where you can make a real impact? At Smurfit Westrock Tannochside, we have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Trainee to join our team.
Whether you’re exploring a new career path or looking to develop your sales skills, this role offers hands-on experience, structured training and the chance to contribute to real business growth from day one.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life stages — if you’re motivated, curious and eager to learn, we want to hear from you.
What The Role Involves
This is a developmental role designed to provide hands-on experience and structured learning in business development and sales within the packaging industry. As part of your growth journey, you will:
* Support research into new business opportunities within target markets.
* Begin developing knowledge of the Smurfit Westrock Group’s diverse product portfolio.
* Build confidence in professional communication to support customer relationships.
* Learn and begin applying value-based selling techniques to understand and meet customer needs.
* Participate in client meetings, presentations, and sales calls to observe and contribute.
* Assist in managing newly onboarded customer accounts under guidance.
* Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and opportunities using our CRM system.
* Help prepare sales reports and customer updates for internal and external stakeholders.
* Contribute to marketing and promotional activities at the site.
* Support onboarding of new customer accounts and help manage existing ones.
* Take part in structured training covering commercial awareness, negotiation, and product knowledge.
As this is a sales-focused trainee role, your progress will be measured using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as activity levels, customer engagement, and contribution to new business opportunities. You will receive full support, coaching, and mentoring to help you succeed and grow in the role.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
* A genuine interest in business development and customer engagement.
* Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
* Self-motivated and proactive approach to learning and work.
* Well-organised and detail oriented.
* Comfortable using IT systems and open to learning CRM tools.
* Full clean UK driver’s licence.
Desirable:
* Experience in sales, customer service, or a commercial setting (e.g. part-time roles, internships, placements).
* A degree or equivalent qualification, or relevant industry experience.
Packaging experience is a bonus – but absolutely not essential. We’re more interested in your potential, mindset, and enthusiasm. We’ll provide all the training and support you need to learn the industry and succeed in the role.
What We Offer
* A competitive salary and benefits package (including annual leave, pension and Cycle to Work scheme)
* Career development opportunities in a leading UK packaging business
* Full training and onboarding – no packaging experience required
* A supportive, inclusive working environment
* Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
* 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
* A culture that values collaboration, integrity and continuous improvement
* Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
Apply Today
Applications are open now — take the next step in your career with Smurfit Westrock and help us build a sustainable future together.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job