About the Role
The role is responsible for enabling the successful industrialisation of the platform’s product range by bridging packaging design with manufacturing realities. You will lead the implementation at site level and collaborate closely with machine suppliers to ensure concepts can be run on the packaging lines with or without changes to existing production lines. You will support commissioning at customer level when needed to support pilot customer launches.
Key Accountabilities
Take the lead and drive the transition of new packaging concepts into scalable, production-ready solutions whilst maintaining the key product design characteristics as required by both the business and key customers
Identify, assess and coordinate with packaging machine suppliers to ensure the concept can be mechanised efficiently and effectively
Lead the execution of production trials and factory/site acceptance tests
Evaluate existing capabilities and with the right stakeholders address the modification or integration of new machines, tooling or settings required to enable successful implementation
Act as a problem-solver during trials and launch phases, resolving issues in manufacturability or runnability on packaging line(s)
Standardise mechanisation approaches and share best practices across sites to ensure packaging formats are implemented consistently and efficiently
Collaborate with operations and machine suppliers to improve efficiency, reduce waste and optimise overall equipment effectiveness.
About You
Degree in mechanical engineering or another relevant field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience applying engineering principles to convert packaging concepts into manufacturable solutions
Proven ability to drive and lead the work of “industrialising” new packaging formats or technologies
Experience preparing and executing production trials, line commissioning and performance validation
Strong and deep technical understanding of packaging machinery, converting processes and automation technologies
Excellent communicator to enable credible interaction with sites & customers
Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot, think in solutions not problems.
Location: UK or Belgium with ability to travel extensively to our different sites for production trials and quality checks
APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE: 12th JUNE 2026
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.
