A re you a driven leader passionate about packaging innovation and design excellence? DS Smith is looking for a high-performing individual to head up our Design & Innovation function across the cluster, managing a creative team and playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our packaging solutions. As our Cluster Design & Innovation Manager, you will:
Lead the design and innovation strategy within the cluster, ensuring alignment with our wider Division and Country objectives.
Manage the PackRight Centre and a talented team of packaging designers, fostering innovation and ensuring high-quality, efficient solutions.
Drive consistency in design tools, services, KPIs, and reporting, and promote a unified approach to innovation delivery.
Champion technical innovation and creative design that delivers real value to customers and supports business growth.
Collaborate closely with sales, manufacturing, and customer teams to ensure were always innovating to meet market needs.
Key Responsibilities will include:
Deliver on agreed KPIs and lead innovation development projects that create value and enhance retailer engagement.
Understand and anticipate customer needs and market trends across the cluster, translating these insights into practical design solutions.
Develop and maintain deep knowledge of the clusters manufacturing capabilities, using this to influence packaging design and strategy.
Ensure all packaging designs meet regulatory standards, developing a local centre of excellence for testing and specification.
Lead, coach, and grow a high-performing D&I team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
In this role, youll have the opportunity to influence major projects, collaborate with forward-thinking colleagues, and make a real impact across the business.
What Were Looking For
Strong people leadership and coaching abilities
Experience managing innovation/design teams in a manufacturing or packaging environment
Change management skills able to challenge, improve, and drive transformation
Commercial acumen with a creative edge understands how design impacts value
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Highly organised, strategic thinker with a hands-on approach
A curious mindset someone who asks why and digs deep for the best solutions
Willingness to travel up to 50% of working hours across sites
Fluent English required (additional European language desirable
What we offer
Competitive salary + discretionary bonus
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Pension scheme, life assurance & income protection
Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
Cycle to work & employee discount programmes
Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support
Turn your passion into a career and help shape the future of sustainable packaging with DS Smith. Ready to Lead the Future of Packaging Innovation?
Location: On Site - Hinckley plus regular travel to sites and customers
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