Job Description
Job description
We’re looking for outstanding graduates to join our International Marketing Graduate Programme in our Head Quarters in London, beginning in September 2026. The Marketing function has greatly enlarged its scope in the last 2 years, now including 4 "sub-functions” of Marketing Management, Marketing Communications and Digital, Product management & Customer Experience.
This programme will give graduates an opportunity to have rotations in all four marketing sub-functions and see the entire life-cycle, helping us grow brand awareness and more business. The role supports marketing functions across Europe, therefore there will be opportunities to travel and you could spend your second-year placement in one of our European teams.
Who are DS Smith?
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You might not have heard of us before, but you’ll likely have handled our products on a daily basis. We’re 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. From food and beverage packaging in your local supermarket to every Amazon parcel which arrives at your door, DS Smith has created packaging, which is innovative, secure and kinder to our planet.
About the programme
>
Initially based in our swish new offices in Paddington, London, you’ll begin the programme within the Category Management team where you’ll support the Marketing Manager with market analysis and opportunity, category performance, marketing account plans and product value propositions.
Your second placement will take place in another marketing function. This could be spent in the Marketing Communications and Digital Marketing teams, where you develop skills and experience in B2B marketing content creation, marketing plan development and digital execution and reporting. Or it could be in Product Management where you’ll support the Product Innovation Manager with managing key marketing projects, cross functional alignment, product development, sales strategies, sales collateral and value proposition. This second placement could offer graduates an opportunity to live and work internationally in one of our European sites.
Development
>
Alongside your on-the-job training, you’ll go on the DS Smith Graduate Journey where you’ll have a roadmap of development to support your career. When you join us, you’ll be given a full induction to the business, including a tour of some of our paper, packaging, and innovation factories.
In year one, you’ll learn about Self Leadership and Personal Effectiveness, while in year two, you’ll learn about leadership, stakeholder management and influencing. Finally, when the programme ends, you’ll deliver a presentation about your learnings, celebrate your success with a graduation dinner and work with your Talent Lead to find the best permanent home for you.
But don’t worry, you won’t be doing this alone. You’ll have a network of graduates to bounce ideas off, be given a mentor and a former graduate will be there for guidance and support throughout your journey.
About you
>
To be considered for this role you must have as a minimum:
• A degree (or due to complete this by September 2026). We’re open to a wide range of vocational disciplines such as Business and Marketing, but equally we’d be open to academic disciplines such as History, English, Politics and Philosophy.
• Be able to start in the business full time on 2nd September 2026.
• Speak fluently in English (minimum B2 level). A second European language would be beneficial.
• Hold the relevant right to work within the UK and/or Europe.
• Be fully flexible and geographically mobile as the second placement will take place internationally.
Benefits
So what’s in it for you?
• A starting salary of £30,000.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company Pension.
• Employee Assistance Programme (which offers up to 8x free counselling sessions per year).
• Life Insurance.
• Income Protection.
• Assessment Centres will be held virtually on the 4th April
We’re looking for outstanding graduates to join our International Marketing Graduate Programme in our Head Quarters in London, beginning in September 2026. The Marketing function has greatly enlarged its scope in the last 2 years, now including 4 "sub-functions” of Marketing Management, Marketing Communications and Digital, Product management & Customer Experience.
This programme will give graduates an opportunity to have rotations in all four marketing sub-functions and see the entire life-cycle, helping us grow brand awareness and more business. The role supports marketing functions across Europe, therefore there will be opportunities to travel and you could spend your second-year placement in one of our European teams.
Who are DS Smith?
>
You might not have heard of us before, but you’ll likely have handled our products on a daily basis. We’re 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. From food and beverage packaging in your local supermarket to every Amazon parcel which arrives at your door, DS Smith has created packaging, which is innovative, secure and kinder to our planet.
About the programme
>
Initially based in our swish new offices in Paddington, London, you’ll begin the programme within the Category Management team where you’ll support the Marketing Manager with market analysis and opportunity, category performance, marketing account plans and product value propositions.
Your second placement will take place in another marketing function. This could be spent in the Marketing Communications and Digital Marketing teams, where you develop skills and experience in B2B marketing content creation, marketing plan development and digital execution and reporting. Or it could be in Product Management where you’ll support the Product Innovation Manager with managing key marketing projects, cross functional alignment, product development, sales strategies, sales collateral and value proposition. This second placement could offer graduates an opportunity to live and work internationally in one of our European sites.
Development
>
Alongside your on-the-job training, you’ll go on the DS Smith Graduate Journey where you’ll have a roadmap of development to support your career. When you join us, you’ll be given a full induction to the business, including a tour of some of our paper, packaging, and innovation factories.
In year one, you’ll learn about Self Leadership and Personal Effectiveness, while in year two, you’ll learn about leadership, stakeholder management and influencing. Finally, when the programme ends, you’ll deliver a presentation about your learnings, celebrate your success with a graduation dinner and work with your Talent Lead to find the best permanent home for you.
But don’t worry, you won’t be doing this alone. You’ll have a network of graduates to bounce ideas off, be given a mentor and a former graduate will be there for guidance and support throughout your journey.
About you
>
To be considered for this role you must have as a minimum:
• A degree (or due to complete this by September 2026). We’re open to a wide range of vocational disciplines such as Business and Marketing, but equally we’d be open to academic disciplines such as History, English, Politics and Philosophy.
• Be able to start in the business full time on 2nd September 2026.
• Speak fluently in English (minimum B2 level). A second European language would be beneficial.
• Hold the relevant right to work within the UK and/or Europe.
• Be fully flexible and geographically mobile as the second placement will take place internationally.
Benefits
So what’s in it for you?
• A starting salary of £30,000.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company Pension.
• Employee Assistance Programme (which offers up to 8x free counselling sessions per year).
• Life Insurance.
• Income Protection.
• Assessment Centres will be held virtually on the 4th April
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The International Marketing Graduate Programme London 2026 | DS Smith Bright Network position is now open for candidates interested in the Marketing Executive Jobs sector. This role in London offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Marketing Executive Jobs is a plus.
