At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and performance in a dynamic, multi-site manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while driving financial excellence.
- Qualifications: Senior finance leadership experience and a professional accounting qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services. Operating across multiple sites, we’re committed to redefining packaging for a changing world—delivering innovation, efficiency and long-term value for our customers and communities.
As we continue to strengthen our UK Packaging business, we are seeking an exceptional Finance Director to join our leadership team.
The Role
As Finance Director – UK Packaging, you will act as a strategic partner to the Managing Director, playing a pivotal role in shaping and delivering business strategy across a complex, multi-site manufacturing environment. This is a highly visible leadership role with full accountability for financial performance, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, governance and capital allocation. You will drive sustainable value creation, performance improvement and transformation across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Partner closely with the Managing Director and leadership team to define and deliver the UK strategy
- Act as a trusted adviser and “co-pilot,” providing insight, challenge and guidance at executive level
- Lead and inspire a high-performing finance function within a matrix, multi-site organisation
- Build strong cross-functional relationships across operations, commercial and central teams
- Performance & Insight
- Develop deep understanding of market dynamics, customer economics and operational drivers
- Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights
- Drive robust performance frameworks linking financial outcomes to operational KPIs
- Proactively identify risks, opportunities and performance trends
- Value Creation
- Lead pricing strategy and margin optimisation across customers and segments
- Enhance customer and product profitability to support commercial decision-making
- Drive operational performance improvements in cost, productivity and efficiency
- Deliver transformation initiatives focused on cost reduction, cash generation and sustainable growth
- Financial Control & Governance
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning processes
- Ensure strong financial controls, compliance and reporting integrity across all sites
- Lead capital investment decisions with a focus on return and strategic alignment
- Cash & Capital Management
- Own P&L, balance sheet and cash flow performance
- Drive working capital optimisation and embed a strong cash culture
- Lead capital allocation and enterprise risk management frameworks
- Transformation & Operational Excellence
- Lead the finance transformation agenda, including systems, processes and data capabilities
- Drive digitisation, automation and data-led decision-making
- Improve efficiency, standardisation and scalability across the finance function
- People & Culture
- Lead, develop and inspire a geographically dispersed finance organisation
- Build strong finance business partnering capability across the business
- Develop talent pipelines and succession plans for key roles
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
About You
We are looking for a highly credible and commercially astute finance leader who can operate at scale and pace within a complex manufacturing environment. You will bring:
- Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally at Finance Director level
- A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent)
- Strong track record in multi-site, operational or manufacturing environments
- Proven ability to drive performance improvement, margin enhancement and cash generation
- Experience leading transformation and change in complex, matrix organisations
- Exceptional leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills
- A strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into execution
- Courage, resilience and sound judgement to challenge and drive decisions
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 60,000 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!
Finance Director, UK Packaging employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the sustainable packaging industry, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Finance Director in our London-based team, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth through continuous development opportunities and a commitment to sustainability. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of remote work and the chance to lead transformative initiatives across our multi-site operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director, UK Packaging
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like DS Smith. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director, UK Packaging
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to DS Smith.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on DS Smith's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with DS Smith.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at DS Smith will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former DS Smith employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
