Internal Communications Business Partner - 12 months FTC

Job description

About UsWe 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 RoleWe 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) – hybridTo 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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Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

03-04-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English