At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovative packaging solutions and enhance sustainability at DS Smith.
- Company: Join a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on packaging design and sustainability in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in packaging design and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Design for Variation Specialist to help drive smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable packaging solutions at DS Smith. Based within one of the world’s leading Global Automotive Distribution Centres, you’ll be part of our Mercia Design & Innovation Team, who play a key role in designing, maintaining and enhancing packaging solutions for a major customer’s global aftermarket network.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for identifying and delivering packaging improvement opportunities that create real value through:
- Reduced customer costs
- Optimised supply chain performance
- Improved product protection & damage reduction
- Improved sustainability impacts
You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day management of packaging Bills of Materials, while also identifying opportunities to simplify, rationalise and standardise our packaging range using an 80/20 mindset. This is a collaborative, hands‑on role where you'll work closely with:
- Our customer and their 3PL provider
- Creative and Automotive Designers
- Internal technical, operational and commercial teams
Main Responsibilities will include:
- Design & Innovation
- Develop fit-for-purpose packaging solutions
- Produce conceptual/local prototypes and manage materials
- Create technical drawings, reports and packaging specifications
- Support NPI processes, internal trials and quality improvements
- Create inbound & outbound logistics pallet plans
- Provide design-for-implementation and creative support
- Continuous Improvement
- Apply DS Smith Way principles to drive ongoing improvements
- Build CI pipelines to deliver annual packaging spend savings
- Optimise systems, metrics and standards to maximise performance
- Collaboration & Communication
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams
- Clearly communicate project requirements and business benefits
- Represent DS Smith with professionalism and customer focus
- Data & Analysis
- Manage and interpret large data sets with strong attention to detail
- Produce compelling justification documents outlining benefits
- Health, Safety & Environment
- Take ownership for safe ways of working
- Promote a proactive culture of safety and continuous improvement
To succeed, you’ll need strong analytical skills, the ability to communicate clearly, and the creativity to turn insights into innovative, practical packaging solutions.
Minimum requirements:
- GCSEs (or equivalent)
- Experience designing packaging
- Strong competence in MS Office
- Confident user of CAD and graphics software
- Understanding of 2D/3D drawings
- Self-motivated, detail-focused and able to drive project momentum
- Able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively
- Demonstrates DS Smith values: Caring, Challenging, Trusted, Responsive & Tenacious
Desirable:
- A-levels or degree in a design-related subject
- Knowledge of corrugated automotive packaging & supply cycles
- Experience in manufacturing or warehousing environments
- Strong commercial awareness
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
Location: Swadlincote - Mercia Global Automotive Distribution Centre
Working hours: Monday to Friday – 08:00 – 16:00
About us: 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!
Fair recruitment at DS Smith: 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.
Design for Variation Specialist in Swadlincote employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to drive meaningful change in sustainable packaging solutions. Located in the Mercia Global Automotive Distribution Centre in Swadlincote, our team enjoys competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of benefits including a pension scheme and employee discounts, all while working in an environment that values diversity and fosters professional growth. Join us to be part of a world-leading organisation where your contributions truly matter and help shape a more sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design for Variation Specialist in Swadlincote
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at DS Smith. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best packaging designs. Visuals speak louder than words!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your ideas! Prepare to talk about how you would tackle packaging challenges at DS Smith. They love innovative thinkers who can drive improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design for Variation Specialist in Swadlincote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in designing packaging solutions. Use specific examples that demonstrate your creativity and problem-solving skills, especially those that align with the role's focus on sustainability and efficiency.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves managing large data sets, showcase your analytical skills. Mention any tools or software you’ve used to interpret data and how you've applied insights to improve packaging solutions in the past.
Communicate Clearly:Effective communication is key! Ensure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas simply. This will show us that you can collaborate well with various teams and stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Packaging Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of packaging design. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable packaging and be ready to discuss how you can apply these insights at DS Smith. Show them you’re not just knowledgeable but passionate about creating innovative solutions.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since strong analytical skills are essential for this role, prepare examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in past projects. Bring along any relevant metrics or case studies that demonstrate your ability to interpret large data sets and make informed decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this collaborative role. Practice articulating your ideas clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts. Be prepared to explain how you would build relationships with customers and internal teams to ensure project success.
✨Emphasise Your Creative Problem-Solving
DS Smith values creativity in turning insights into practical solutions. Think of specific challenges you've faced in packaging design and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to think outside the box while still adhering to the principles of sustainability and efficiency.
