Government Affairs Specialist

About us

DS Smith is the leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services. We've been around for over eighty years and operate in over thirty countries across the UK, Europe and the United States. We have a strong commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. Our core purpose is to Redefine Packaging for a Changing World, and our expert teams work closely with some of the world's largest brands to incorporate renewable resources for products that minimize our environmental impact, reduce complexity, and increase profitability through supply chain optimization.

About the role

Have a passion for public affairs and seeking a new challenge?

We have a fabulous opportunity at DS Smith for a motivated and energetic self-starter to join the Corporate Affairs Team as a Government Affairs Specialist. This is a fantastic role for the right candidate to be part of a dynamic and lively business function.

Supporting the Head of Government Affairs, you will be working closely with other members of the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability teams in the business to drive the government affairs activity for DS Smith in the EU and the UK. A natural 'people-person', you will be promoting outreach and lobbying activities, raising awareness, and building relationships with key external stakeholders as well as participating in internal activities to ensure timely implementation of new laws and legislations.

Using your excellent policy knowledge and writing and communication skills, you will be responsible for (amongst other things):

• Policy monitoring, analysis and reporting
• Developing policy-related positions for DS Smith
• Coordinating our involvement in industry associations
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement

So, if you are detail-orientated, a confident collaborator and a have a strong interest in sustainability issues, then we might be looking for you!

About you

• Degree in Politics, Economics, Law , or related subject (or Equiv)
• Approx. 2-3 years of experience working in public affairs in a similar role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of a European language (French or German ideally) would be advantageous
• Good understanding of UK and EU policy processes and institutions
• Knowledge of sustainability, climate, and environmental policy issues
• Good people skills combined with a proactive and confident manner to help you to build a good rapport with colleagues and external stakeholders across a range of nationalities and backgrounds

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Discretionary bonus
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Discounts
• Cycle to work scheme

Location: This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office and home - however flexibility will be required at times.