Product Innovation Manager UK&I in London
About the role
About the role
Have a passion for product commercialisation and strategic growth? Are you seeking a new challenge? We have a fabulous opportunity at DS Smith for a motivated, energetic and experienced professional to join us as Product Innovation Manager for our UK & Ireland Packaging business. This is a fantastic, highly visible role for the right candidate with a real opportunity to drive our strategic innovation and packaging solutions agenda forward in a dynamic and fast-paced business.
You will be the lead in driving the successful deployment and scaled commercial adoption of our packaging innovations, championing our products both internally and externally. You will also actively contribute to and lead on the delivery of revenue budgets and targeted sales plans, partnering with the sales and marketing sub-functions to translate customer and retailer pain points into clear commercial opportunities.
You will manage the localisation and refinement of centrally led market-sizing strategies while supporting our product portfolio offer through the Annual Business Planning process. By adopting a proactive approach to insight sharing and an innovative approach to customer engagement including leading retail workshops, trade fairs, and high-impact pitches, you will ensure our strategic solutions mitigate real-world shopper and consumer challenges.
This role requires excellent stakeholder management skills at all levels of the organisation with the ability to influence and enthuse those around you across a matrix of cross-functional teams. Experience in managing financial KPIs, facilitating sales training, and navigating stage-gate development frameworks is the key to being successful in this role, alongside being a passionate and energetic advocate for high-quality packaging innovation across the business.
So, if you are detail-orientated, with strong project management skills and a flair for creativity then we might be looking for you!
About you
- Degree or equivalent in a related field (Product Management, Business, Marketing, or Sales)
- Relevant experience in a product management, commercial sales, or B2B marketing role, ideally within packaging or manufacturing
- Solid understanding of stage-gate processes, technical packaging limitations, and the ability to build and monitor robust revenue budgets
- Results-oriented with a proven track record of managing sales plans and driving the market adoption of strategic products
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and align with senior leadership
- Confident presenter and natural story-seller who can engage directly with customers and retailers to unlock commercial opportunities
- Agile, solutions-oriented, and comfortable managing change within an evolving, multi-cultural market environment
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- 25 days holiday plus
Your tasks
Lead product innovation and drive strategic growth in packaging solutions.
Your profile
Degree in related field and experience in product management or B2B marketing.
What's also included
Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, and 25 days holiday.
Tech stack & ways of working
Product Innovation Manager UK&I in London employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and employee development. As the General Manager at our Featherstone site, you'll lead a passionate team in a high-performing environment, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, competitive benefits, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the packaging industry while fostering a culture where every colleague feels valued and empowered.
View DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED profile
Your perspectives
Make a real impact by championing innovative packaging solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED!
Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED would be by your initiative!
Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED through your school's career services!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion
When applying for a product management role like Product Innovation Manager UK&I, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements
In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role
Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Innovation Manager UK&I position at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
Locations
- London
