DS Smith

Product Development Specialist - Technical Innovation Platform (Food Contact & Primary Packaging)

DS Smith  •  Redditch, GB (Onsite)  •  1 day ago
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Job Description

About the Role

The role is responsible for being the creative engine throughout the Design phase, generating world class ideas to improve and further develop the platform’s portfolio of products in general and to fit specific customer needs.

You will drive the transition from concepts (generated outside the platform) into tangible products & solutions, through to pilot. You will execute the design work to optimise and extend the platform product portfolio, explore new material and structural design combinations to further enhance or optimise the portfolio, and engage with the sub-regional D&I Network on Design and Innovation Sprints.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Drive general and specific customer product development of food contact and primary packaging concepts owned by the platform to commercially viable products that support customer needs, required functionality, manufacturing feasibility and regulatory compliance by examine challenges and desired outcomes

  • Work in close collaboration with the selected site(s) to generate required specifications and drawings ready for production for the initial pilots

  • Create 2D and 3D design structures & specify manufacturing requirements

  • Provide world class visuals, product shots and representative renders for new product ideas and variants

  • Set and own the product requirements based on consumer, customer & supply chain insights & performance demands

  • Drive, coordinate and conduct/participate in performance testing (e.g. transit, shelf-life, drop tests) and refine designs based on test results against desired outcome

  • Develop prototypes and other supporting material to explain, test and challenge the concepts with customer and other relevant stakeholders

  • Drive CDM score through design by integrating recyclability material reduction and circularity principles into structural design without compromising performance

About You

  • Highly skilled structural designer with a degree in Industrial/Product design with well-documented examples on contributions in previous roles

  • Proven experience designing packaging from concept to MVP, including prototyping, validation, production & packing line integration

  • Previous experience designing packaging for food contact and/or primary products

  • Creative and technical design thinking - talented and skilled to design beyond the “box” with ability to generate innovative structural designs while balancing aesthetics, functionality, manufacturing and sustainability requirements

  • Strong knowledge of packaging materials, products, manufacturing processes

  • Skilled in CAD software (preferably ArtiosCAD) to develop detailed packaging designs

  • Highly skilled in product visualisation tools to generate 2D & 3D visuals and videos

  • Capable of troubleshooting issues, making real-world design decisions under time and cost constraints

  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills. Fluent in English, additional languages are a benefit.

APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE: 12th JUNE 2026

DS Smith

About DS Smith

DS Smith provides innovative packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services with a commitment to sustainability and a circular economy.

Our core purpose is to Redefine Packaging for a Changing World, and our expert teams work closely with like-minded partners to incorporate renewable resources for products that minimize our environmental impact, reduce complexity and increase profitability through supply chain optimization.

Industry
Manufacturing & Production
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
LONDON, GB
Year Founded
Unknown
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