At DS Smith, we are committed to redefining packaging for a changing world. We are now looking for a Co-Pack Manager to join our team in Ely and lead our Co-Packing operations.
This is a key leadership role within the site, where you’ll be responsible for managing our packing function – ensuring the smooth delivery of services to some of the UK’s biggest FMCG brands. You’ll oversee daily operations while also looking strategically at how we can improve performance, delight customers, and grow our Co Pack offering.
Working closely with colleagues in manufacturing, supply chain, commercial, and customer service, you will ensure our customers’ promotional and seasonal packaging requirements are delivered right first time, every time. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys combining operational excellence with strong customer engagement.
Key responsibilities
Lead and manage the Ely Co Pack operation, ensuring all customer orders are fulfilled safely, on time, and to specification.
Plan and control daily activities, including labour planning, production scheduling, and equipment utilisation.
Drive operational performance through effective use of KPIs, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, quality, and environmental requirements, maintaining a “safety first” culture.
Lead, motivate, and develop the Co Pack team, providing training, coaching, and clear performance expectations.
Manage stock, materials, and supplier relationships to ensure availability and minimise waste.
Champion Lean principles, working to simplify processes, reduce downtime, and enhance customer service.
Update daily resource planning for next shift, based on latest volume and volume profile information and regularly monitor volumes of production levels in order to achieve correct headcounts for hitting targets.
Fostering strong working relationships between all teams internal and external to ensure both Operational and Customer KPI's /Contractual obligations are managed and met in line with agreed commercials/budgets
Ensure Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) and Work Instructions (WI) of operational processes are up to date, available at relevant place for employees
Conduct data analysis for the General Manager and direct customer upon request.
What we would like to see:
We are looking for someone with strong leadership skills, operational experience, and the drive to make a difference. You will be confident leading teams and have the commercial acumen to balance customer needs with operational efficiency.
Proven experience in managing operations within a co-packing, contract packing, FMCG, manufacturing, or logistics environment.
Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to engage, coach, and inspire teams.
Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
Demonstrated success in delivering against KPIs and driving continuous improvement.
Strong customer focus with the ability to build relationships and manage expectations effectively.
Financial and commercial awareness, with experience of managing budgets and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
A problem solver with a proactive, hands-on approach.
Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies would be advantageous.
What we can offer you:
Share Save scheme
Income Protection
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work and shopping discounts
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 people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation,manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
“To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.”
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Om os
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 people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 60,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation,manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
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