At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and deliver innovative packaging projects while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions across 30+ countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Remote role with travel; we value diversity and encourage all to apply.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team redefining packaging for a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and the packaging industry is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Design for Innovation Specialist
About the role
Be a game changer as we invent, re-imagine, and redefine packaging.
We are seeking a Design for Innovation Specialist, responsible for managing and delivering programmes and projects across the UK North Cluster. The role involves ensuring value through innovation, continuous improvement projects, market insight, and research. This is an exciting opportunity as we focus on strategic growth in Innovation (R&D), Sustainability, and Digital & Data sectors.
The successful candidate will help deliver a unique, best-in-class proposition to excite customers, discuss ideas, and offer relevant solutions.
Reporting to the Cluster D&I Manager, you will drive the Innovation Agenda using our solution-driven approach to deliver our Value Proposition to Customers and achieve profitable growth for DS Smith.
Key strategic project areas include:
- Operational excellence and continuous improvement
- DS Smith Sustainability commitments
- Supporting Sales during opportunities, scoping technical requirements, and presenting solutions
- Onboarding new business to ensure accuracy from the start
- Leading Impact and PackRight Centre visits
- Delivering margin enhancement projects and contractual VE agreements
- Providing technical support remotely and on-site
- Identifying and managing technical improvements on customer lines
- Developing commercially viable solutions aligned with customer challenges
- Supporting content development, Strategic Innovation Sessions, and bespoke Packright customer sessions
The role involves monitoring and coordinating key projects aligned with strategic goals, ensuring they stay on track to deliver results.
About you
- Proven project management experience
- Experience in continuous improvement and value engineering
- Background in packaging industry, ideally in a technical or design role
- Good understanding of materials and box performance
- Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills
- Enthusiastic, influential, and committed to excellence
- Ability to develop and implement alternative solutions
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective project and time management
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to prioritize activities for maximum value and growth
- Commitment to personal development and continuous improvement
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
Remote role ideally within easy reach of the M62 corridor (Leeds/Wakefield/York/Hull or similar) with regular travel to DS Smith and customer sites.
About us
We’re DS Smith, redefining packaging for a changing world. Operating in over 30 countries, we support customers across FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce sectors with sustainable packaging solutions. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a culture where everyone can succeed.
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives to address sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates, even those not meeting all criteria.
Om os
We are DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions alongside International Paper. With over 60,000 employees across North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, we innovate and manufacture to make the world safer and more productive through sustainable solutions. Join us and contribute to our mission!
#J-18808-LjbffrDesign for Innovation Specialist employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Design for Innovation Specialist, you will have the opportunity to drive impactful projects while benefiting from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to your personal development. Our inclusive environment encourages diverse perspectives, ensuring that every team member can contribute to redefining packaging for a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design for Innovation Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in packaging innovation and sustainability. This will not only help you understand the industry better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations with potential employers about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the packaging industry, especially those involved in design and innovation. Attend industry events, webinars, or join relevant online forums to connect with others and learn about job opportunities that may not be widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed that demonstrate your project management skills and experience in continuous improvement. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully implemented innovative solutions in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research DS Smith's recent projects and initiatives in innovation and sustainability. Being knowledgeable about their work will show your genuine interest in the company and help you articulate how you can add value to their team during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Design for Innovation Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, continuous improvement, and the packaging industry. Use specific examples that demonstrate your technical understanding and problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their innovation agenda and sustainability commitments, and provide examples of how you've driven change in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey ideas clearly. Use concise language and structure your documents well to make them easy to read.
Highlight Relevant Projects:Include specific projects in your application that demonstrate your experience in delivering innovative solutions and managing technical improvements. This will show your potential employer that you can contribute effectively to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous project management experiences in detail. Highlight specific projects where you implemented continuous improvement or value engineering programmes, as this aligns closely with the role's requirements.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the materials and box performance factors relevant to the packaging industry. Be ready to discuss how your technical understanding can contribute to innovative solutions for customers.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
Since the role involves meeting with customers to discuss ideas and solutions, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex ideas to clients or stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Your Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to provide examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles. Discuss your analytical approach to problem-solving and how it has led to successful outcomes, particularly in a design or innovation context.
