Global Innovation Manager

About Us

DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging worldwide. Through our purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World' and our Now and Next sustainability strategy, we are committed to leading the transition to the circular economy, while delivering more circular solutions for our customers and wider society - replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Global Innovation Manager to join the business and liaise with our Innovation and Procurement teams to ensure business continuity according to the new product development requirements and Procurement processes.

Working with various stakeholders internally and externally you will use strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier management principles to ensure the execution of the Innovation pipeline and plans.

This is a new role, and we are looking for an individual who is familiar with standard concepts, practices and procedures within new and existing product development. You will be familiar with working among various teams including Innovation and Procurement understanding their standards and ways of working. You'll have strong communications skills and be able to take

complex issues and convey these clearly and in multiple formats to various audiences. This individual will be someone who is willing to perform a variety of tasks and work independently and/or with general supervision.

Key Accountabilities

Responsibilities include (but not limited):

• To be the Innovation representative for external suppliers and internal stakeholders and build close relationships with Procurement Category Managers and Innovation teams.
• Drive sourcing processes to get the best value and optimal time-to-market for high potential global innovations/new products.
• Make recommendations to the development team when sourcing new products and to creatively think outside the box
• Ensure that all due diligence is obtained throughout the lifecycle prior to launch.
• Co-ordinate innovation sessions with procurement and across businesses, looking at ways to achieve first to market status
• Working with stakeholders, identify and quantify trade-offs between cost, quality, service and develop alternative options.
• Organise supplier presentations and/ or visits to suppliers covering Innovation agenda
• Work with Group Legal to establish an innovation project process for procurement, with supporting contract templates.
• Work both independently and with Group Legal to negotiate favorable contract terms.

• University Graduate Preferred
• Valuable post-graduate / master's degree
• CIPS or EU equivalent desirable
• Ideally 3 years relevant experience at the same or similar level
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent communication skills & influencing skills
• Attention to detail
• Good negotiation skills
• Ability to concurrently manage and coordinate multiple projects and contracts
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Self-motivated person that looks for ways to improve systems and efficiency
• Strong teamwork skills

Benefits

Additional benefits include:

• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Employee assistance program
• Cycle to work scheme
• Shopping discounts