Design for Variation Specialist
About the role
About the role
We’re looking for a Design for Variation Specialist to help drive smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable packaging solutions at DS Smith.
Based within one of the world’s leading Global Automotive Distribution Centres, you’ll be part of our Mercia Design & Innovation Team, who play a key role in designing, maintaining and enhancing packaging solutions for a major customer’s global aftermarket network.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for identifying and delivering packaging improvement opportunities that create real value through:
Reduced customer costs
Optimised supply chain performance
Improved product protection & damage reduction
Improved sustainability impacts
You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day management of packaging Bills of Materials, while also identifying opportunities to simplify, rationalise and standardise our packaging range using an 80/20 mindset.
This is a collaborative, hands-on role where you'll work closely with:
Our customer and their 3PL provider
Creative and Automotive Designers
Internal technical, operational and commercial teams
Main Responsibilities will include:
Design & Innovation
Develop fit-for-purpose packaging solutions
Produce conceptual/local prototypes and manage materials
Create technical drawings, reports and packaging specifications
Support NPI processes, internal trials and quality improvements
Create inbound & outbound logistics pallet plans
Provide design-for-implementation and creative support
Continuous Improvement
Apply DS Smith Way principles to drive ongoing improvements
Build CI pipelines to deliver annual packaging spend savings
Optimise systems, metrics and standards to maximise performance
Collaboration & Communication
Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams
Clearly communicate project requirements and business benefits
Represent DS Smith with professionalism and customer focus
Data & Analysis
Manage and interpret large data sets with strong attention to detail
Produce compelling justification documents outlining benefits
Health, Safety & Environment
Take ownership for safe ways of working
Promote a proactive culture of safety and continuous improvement
About you
To succeed, you’ll need strong analytical skills, the ability to communicate clearly, and the creativity to turn insights into innovative, practical packaging solutions.
Minimum requirements:
Essential
GCSEs (or equivalent)
Experience designing packaging
Strong competence in MS Office
Confident user of CAD and graphics software
Understanding of 2D/3D drawings
Self-motivated, detail-focused and able to drive project momentum
Able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively
Demonstrates DS Smith values: Caring, Challenging, Trusted, Responsive & Tenacious
Desirable
A-levels or degree in a design-related subject
Knowledge of corrugated automotive packaging & supply cycles
Experience in manufacturing or warehousing environments
Strong commercial awareness
Benefits
Competitive salary
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Discounts
Cycle to work scheme
Location: Swadlincote - Mercia Global Automotive Distribution Centre
Working hours: Monday to Friday – 08:00 – 16:00pm
Questions about this role
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