About the role
As Ideation and Solutions Specialist in the Future Innovation Team, you will be responsible for generating new ideas that could over time be commercially viable and deliver customer delight. You will work at the front end of concept creation, where creativity is fast and free flowing, imagining what could be possible and shaping early thinking into credible starting points for future products and systems. While packaging concepts are central, your scope will cover a broad range, from primary consumer packaging through to industrial solutions.
You will consider how new technologies and materials, once introduced, could be applied to influence how we manufacture, how customers pack, and how operations could evolve. You will work both independently and in group sessions to explore possibilities and evolve ideas.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Drive new ideation and concept generation for future products and systems, having in mind the innovation road map consisting of a broad portfolio of categories from FMCG to Industrial
- Explore and evolve ideas through sketching, prototyping and creative thinking
- Imagine and ideate how new materials and technologies could unlock new possibilities
- Work independently and in collaborative sprints to shape new concepts
- Collaborate with other specialists to develop ideas into credible outcomes
- Contribute to handover materials when concepts move to the next stage
- Ensure a funnel for new ideas with continuous addition.
About You
- Experience working in early-stage, radical or semi-radical innovation
- Recognised subject matter expert in packaging manufacturing processes, with hands-on experience of customer packaging lines and operations. Proven ability to turn this expertise into radical, credible concepts
- Energised by emerging materials and technologies and their potential to unlock new possibilities, with demonstrated capability to translate these into practical, innovative solutions
- Expert CAD and 3D printing tools and other applications
- Experience contributing to ideation and concept development in cross-functional teams
- Curious, passionate and open-minded self-starter with a drive to push the boundaries of thinking beyond the box and see the bigger picture
- Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills, able to communicate ideas clearly and simply
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and shaping ideas at the front end of innovation.
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.
Ideation and Solutions Specialist in London employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our Global Governance Assistant Secretary role offers not only competitive benefits but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic international environment. Join us in our commitment to sustainability and innovation, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact across our global operations.
