DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging worldwide, which is supported by recycling and papermaking operations. We play a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast moving consumer goods and industrials. Through our purpose of ‘Redefining Packaging for a Changing World’ and our Now and Next sustainability strategy, we are committed to leading the transition to the circular economy, while delivering more circular solutions for our customers and wider society – replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions.

About the role 

Innovation is a key driver of the DS Smith growth strategy. Concepts developed by the Group Innovation team typically combine innovation in the product (e.g. a radically new pack design or box construction), process (e.g. modular manufacturing, on customer-site fulfilment), route to market (e.g. digital platform) and the business model (e.g. 'As a service').

As a Regional Innovation Design Lead, you will drive proactive innovation for sales growth/ support margin enhancement through a value-added total cost of ownership approach, drive design efficiency KPIs as well as Customer KPIs to delight our Customers.

The role is a part of a Regional squad that leads Innovation projects through the Stage Gates MPV, MSP to successful Commercialisation in their Region (Northern Europe). It will provide excellent collaboration and communication with Central, Country and Cluster Design and Innovation teams to aid a successful commercial success.

Your remit will include but not limited to:

• Contribute to the overall Strategic Innovation Agenda, being an Ambassador for the Innovation change agenda

• Be recognised as the Technical and Design Leader on the projects in scope

• Continually develop and adapt ways of working, process, technology and tools to improve the Stage Gate process effectiveness.

• Facilitate, coach and support the D&I Regional Teams to deliver consistent successful deployment of Innovation Projects

• Report and deliver on Innovation Project KPI’s for the projects in scope

• Manage successful Pilots at Customer Sites, and ensure Central and Regional Teams are updated on project status.

About you  

Minimum requirements: 

• Degree Qualified with professional experience in Design/Innovation related areas

• Experienced in managing and deploying insight based, value focused innovation within a manufacturing environment, across wide and disparate geographies

• Confident hands-on approach to Innovation, with the ability to lead and coach innovation strategy and skills to transform teams 

• Excellent Project Management skills and knowledge of applying Design Thinking/Agile/Lean methodologies

• Advanced MS Office skills

• Able to work in a matrix organization and with an international mind-set

• Outstanding interpersonal and networking skills

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:  London (Paddington) – hybrid