Location: R8, Redditch - onsite Subject to Consultation About the role The Design to Operations Lead acts as the key interface between packaging innovation teams across EMEA to support the development of concepts with the use of the pilot capabilities at R8. In this role, you will ensure that corrugated packaging solutions are technically feasible and optimised for the diverse manufacturing capabilities within the company’s industrial network. The role combines strong technical expertise in corrugated board and converting processes with an understanding of design intent, industrial constraints, and production efficiency. This role is a part of Design & Innovation EMEA Team, directly reporting to the Head of Design Community Excellence. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as the technical bridge between innovation teams, the pilot facility and plant operations teams Act as a technical advisor providing insights on manufacturing feasibility and potential optimisation Identify potential issues (materials, processes, tolerances, cost drivers) Optimise machine settings and push the boundaries on the pilot equipment in R8 to understand art of the possible for concepts in development, with the ambition to industrialise and bring concepts to commercial scale Translate machine settings/findings into production-ready technical documents and process standards Lead the safety assessment, maintenance log and setting of a large range of R8 machinery park Act as a backup for the Pilot Operations Lead, operating forklifts and machines as required, in a safe and responsible way Promote Design for Manufacturing (DfM) principles to simplify designs without compromising performance, and develop guidelines and manufacturing constraints that designers must consider, ensuring consistency and manufacturability Facilitate collaboration between sub regional “innovation/pilot champions” and the pilot facility Capture and analyse pilot or commercial production feedback (quality issues, rejects, line efficiency), and feed lessons learned back into the design process for continuous improvement Cost and Efficiency Optimisation - support if needed the sub-regional Design for Innovation team in selecting the right equipment, process, or supplier for each product. About You Educated to a degree level (Mechanical / Industrial / Packaging / Process Engineering degree preferred), or equivalent combination of education and experience with the ability to set up and run pilot equipment independently Experience in both packaging solution development and manufacturing environments Deep understanding of corrugated production processes, materials, and industrial constraints Forklift license required (if the successful candidate doesn`t hold a license, it will be required to obtain one) Ability to trouble shoot and find solutions to complex technical challenges, and to balance creativity and pragmatism – able to take a strategic, high-level view on topics while also being able to dive into specific issues in detail Strong communication and project management skills Comfortable with ambiguity. APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE: 12th DECEMBER 2025