Media Relations Executive Full Time

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’re looking for a proactive and organised Media Relations Executive to join our Corporate Affairs team within the Packaging division.

As our EMEA Communications function continues to evolve, this role plays a key part in supporting a more joined‑up, proactive media approach that protects and enhances our corporate reputation while supporting commercial growth. Reporting to the Senior Media Relations Manager, you will assist with content creation, media monitoring, campaign coordination and reactive media handling.

The role will contribute to building a strong and consistent reputation for the company across key EMEA markets, working closely with regional teams and agency partners to ensure a consistent and compelling brand narrative.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with early-career experience in media relations, PR or communications who is keen to grow in a fast‑moving, international environment.

Key Responsibilities

Media relations & monitoring

• Carry out daily media monitoring across EMEA and help produce monthly dashboards and reports
• Track emerging media themes, competitor activity and potential reputational risks
• Act as a first point of contact for incoming media enquiries, escalating issues where required
• Maintain distribution lists and support outreach with agency partners

Campaign & content support

• Assist with drafting press releases, quotes, Q&As and briefing notes
• Support proactive media campaigns by coordinating with local markets and agencies
• Help manage the central editorial calendar and track key milestones
• Collect inputs and assets from across the business for campaign toolkits

Issues management

• Log and track reactive enquiries and ensure timely internal updates
• Help maintain issues response documents, holding statements and Q&As
• Support the Senior Media Relations Manager during live or emerging issues

Story development & materials

• Identify potential story leads across the business
• Gather background information, data and insights to support media content
• Produce first drafts of media materials and help maintain the asset library

About You

• Degree-level education, ideally in communications, media, journalism, languages or social sciences
• Experience in communications, PR, journalism or a similar environment, with understanding of print, broadcast and digital media
• Experience supporting media relations or campaign activity (corporate or agency)
• Exposure to drafting press materials or briefing content
• Comfortable working collaboratively across teams and functions and engaging with senior stakeholders when required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail
• Highly organised, adaptable and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Familiarity with media monitoring or social listening tools is desirable

What We Offer

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

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.