DesignforVariationSpecialist

**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_** * Man