About the role
As a Design for Automotive Specialist, you will be at the forefront of delivering packaging innovation for one of our key global automotive customers. Based in a prominent Global Automotive Distribution Centre, you will identify and implement packaging improvement opportunities that reduce costs, enhance supply chain efficiency, and minimize damage risks.
You will manage day-to-day maintenance of packaging bills of materials while driving continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with the customer and their 3rd Party Logistics provider, you will combine technical expertise with strong collaboration skills to deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
Main Responsibilities will include:
1. Identify and implement packaging improvements to deliver cost savings and operational efficiencies.
2. Collaborate with customers and logistics partners to capture requirements and develop innovative solutions.
3. Create business justification documents using multiple data sources to outline benefits of proposals.
4. Design, validate, and implement packaging solutions through agreed testing procedures.
5. Drive standardization, rationalization, and optimization of packaging ranges using an 80/20 mindset.
6. Maintain strict attention to detail when managing large data sets and bills of materials.
7. Promote health, safety, and environmental responsibility in all activities.
8. Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with DS Smith Way principles.
About you
Minimum requirements:
Essential:
9. Educated to GCSE level or equivalent.
10. Accomplished in MS Office, CAD, and graphics software.
11. Technical understanding of 2D and 3D drawings.
12. Experience in packaging design.
13. Strong communication and collaboration skills.
14. Ability to manage data efficiently and deliver projects to strict timelines.
Desirable:
15. A-level or Degree in a relevant design discipline.
16. Knowledge of automotive packaging and supply chain processes.
17. Experience in manufacturing or warehousing environments.
18. Commercial awareness and understanding of sustainable materials.
Apply now and join DS Smith in driving innovation and sustainability in automotive packaging.
Benefits
19. Competitive salary
20. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
21. Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
22. Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
23. Employee Assistance Programme
24. Employee Discounts
25. Cycle to work scheme
Location: Swadlincote - Mercia Global Automotive Distribution Centre
Working hours: Monday to Friday – 08:00 – 16:00pm
About us
We’re DS Smith, the company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market-leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America
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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