Design Variation Specialist

About the role

We’re looking for a Design for Variation Specialist to help drive smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable packaging solutions at DS Smith. Based within one of the world’s leading Global Automotive Distribution Centres, you’ll be part of our Mercia Design & Innovation Team, who play a key role in designing, maintaining and enhancing packaging solutions for a major customer’s global aftermarket network.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for identifying and delivering packaging improvement opportunities that create real value through:
Reduced customer costs, Optimised supply chain performance, Improved product protection & damage reduction, Improved sustainability impacts.

• Design & Innovation: develop fit‑for‑purpose packaging solutions; produce conceptual/local prototypes and manage materials; create technical drawings, reports and packaging specifications; support NPI processes, internal trials and quality improvements; create inbound & outbound logistics pallet plans; provide design‑for‑implementation and creative support.
• Continuous Improvement: apply DS Smith Way principles to drive ongoing improvements; build CI pipelines to deliver annual packaging spend savings; optimise systems, metrics and standards to maximise performance.
• Collaboration & Communication: build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams; clearly communicate project requirements and business benefits; represent DS Smith with professionalism and customer focus.
• Data & Analysis: manage and interpret large data sets with strong attention to detail; produce compelling justification documents outlining benefits.
• Health, Safety & Environment: take ownership for safe ways of working; promote a proactive culture of safety and continuous improvement.

• Essential GCSEs (or equivalent).
• Experience designing packaging.
• Strong competence in MS Office.
• Confident user of CAD and graphics software.
• Understanding of 2D/3D drawings.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑focused and able to drive project momentum.
• Able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrates DS Smith values:
  Caring, Challenging, Trusted, Responsive & Tenacious.

• A‑levels or degree in a design‑related subject.
• Knowledge of corrugated automotive packaging & supply cycles.
• Experience in manufacturing or warehousing environments.
• Strong commercial awareness.

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection.
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee Discounts.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Swadlincote - Mercia Global Automotive Distribution Centre.

Monday to Friday – 08:00 – 16:00pm.

We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.