Design Implementation

About the role

At DS Smith, we're redefining packaging through innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused solutions. We are looking for a Design for Implementation Specialist to join our team and play a critical role in transforming packaging concepts into manufacturable, commercially successful solutions. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced packaging professional who combines technical expertise, creativity, and project management skills to deliver high-quality packaging solutions that meet customer requirements while driving operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

As a Design for Implementation Specialist, you will:

• Process and manage daily design enquiries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Assess customer insights and translate requirements into practical packaging solutions.
• Develop fit-for-purpose designs that balance performance, sustainability, manufacturing capability, and cost.
• Create and maintain technical and manufacturing drawings, including structural and graphic specifications.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and manufacturing approvals.
• Route specifications through business systems to ensure accurate implementation.
• Produce prototypes and manage prototype materials to support customer and internal evaluations.
• Raise and manage tooling orders and technical specifications.
• Support production line trials, efficiency improvements, waste reduction initiatives, and margin enhancement projects.
• Provide support for board grade modelling, PACE activities, and packaging optimisation projects.
• Develop inbound and outbound logistics pallet plans to maximise supply chain efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, sales, innovation, commercial, and customer teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3 years' design experience, packaging experience would be advantageous.
• Technical knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and product development preferred.
• Experience using CAD software, preferably ArtiosCAD, alongside packaging-related software such as CAPE, Optim, or similar.
• Understanding of 2D and 3D technical drawings.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organisational skills.

Qualifications

• Packaging industry qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Product Design qualification or related discipline.
• Maths and English qualifications.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications.
• Competent user of CAD and graphics software.
• Health & Safety qualification desirable.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma qualification desirable.

We're looking for someone who:

• Is a proactive self-starter with a creative mindset.
• Enjoys solving complex challenges and finding innovative solutions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Shares best practices and supports continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
• Champions health and safety in everything they do.
• Builds strong relationships and collaborates effectively across teams.

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

Hinckley

Full Time

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…