At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transition of innovative packaging concepts into production-ready solutions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on technical innovation in packaging.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Extensive travel to various sites for trials and quality checks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging design and manufacturing in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in mechanical engineering or relevant experience; strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Role
The role is responsible for enabling the successful industrialisation of the platform’s product range by bridging packaging design with manufacturing realities. You will lead the implementation at site level and collaborate closely with machine suppliers to ensure concepts can be run on the packaging lines with or without changes to existing production lines. You will support commissioning at customer level when needed to support pilot customer launches.
Key Accountabilities
- Take the lead and drive the transition of new packaging concepts into scalable, production-ready solutions whilst maintaining the key product design characteristics as required by both the business and key customers.
- Identify, assess and coordinate with packaging machine suppliers to ensure the concept can be mechanised efficiently and effectively.
- Lead the execution of production trials and factory/site acceptance tests.
- Evaluate existing capabilities and with the right stakeholders address the modification or integration of new machines, tooling or settings required to enable successful implementation.
- Act as a problem-solver during trials and launch phases, resolving issues in manufacturability or runnability on packaging line(s).
- Standardise mechanisation approaches and share best practices across sites to ensure packaging formats are implemented consistently and efficiently.
- Collaborate with operations and machine suppliers to improve efficiency, reduce waste and optimise overall equipment effectiveness.
About You
- Degree in mechanical engineering or another relevant field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience applying engineering principles to convert packaging concepts into manufacturable solutions.
- Proven ability to drive and lead the work of “industrialising” new packaging formats or technologies.
- Experience preparing and executing production trials, line commissioning and performance validation.
- Strong and deep technical understanding of packaging machinery, converting processes and automation technologies.
- Excellent communicator to enable credible interaction with sites & customers.
- Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot, think in solutions not problems.
Location: UK or Belgium with ability to travel extensively to our different sites for production trials and quality checks.
APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE: 12th JUNE 2026
Technical Operations Lead – Technical Innovation Platform (Flexibles and Industrial) in London employer: DS Smith
As a Technical Operations Lead at our innovative platform, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and continuous improvement. We offer extensive employee growth opportunities, including professional development and training, all while working in a supportive environment that values your contributions. Located in the UK or Belgium, you will enjoy the unique advantage of engaging with diverse teams across multiple sites, ensuring your role is both impactful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Operations Lead – Technical Innovation Platform (Flexibles and Industrial) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to technical operations. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of specific examples where you’ve tackled challenges in packaging design or manufacturing. We want to see how you think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Operations Lead – Technical Innovation Platform (Flexibles and Industrial) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Technical Operations Lead. Highlight your experience with packaging design and manufacturing, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your engineering background and how it aligns with the responsibilities of industrialising new packaging concepts.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on your technical expertise! Make sure to detail your understanding of packaging machinery and converting processes. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team right from the get-go.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Packaging Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of packaging design and manufacturing processes. Understand how different materials and machinery work together, as this will help you demonstrate your technical expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully tackled challenges in production trials or machine integration. Highlight your ability to think on your feet and provide solutions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex technical concepts. Being able to communicate effectively with both technical teams and customers is key, so consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.
✨Research the Company and Its Innovations
Familiarise yourself with the company's product range and recent innovations in packaging technology. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
