. About us DS Smith are a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services in more than 30 different countries. It’s a very exciting time to join, as we have committed to investing in our future across our strategic growth enablers within Innovation (R&D), Sustainability and Digital & Data. About the role You will directly contribute to the Packaging Solutions Department’s agenda by managing and executing workstreams of process & data-oriented projects and by supporting tech scouting for identifying opportunities and building new partnerships (Open Innovation). Key responsibilities: Project Management: Supporting the project’s schedule and deliverables, following an agile methodology. Defining in relation with the project’s sponsor and line manager the objectives, scopes, benefits, risks, resources and schedules of the process and data workstreams. Ensuring application of Group R&D and Group Innovation stage gate process and applying the different tools which support the project’s follow-up. Presenting updates to project’s steering committee and requesting decisions or guidance from project’s steerco members and line managers. Maintaining on-going communication with project’s sponsor and line manager. Ensuring appropriate reporting and communication within the project’s team. Organizing and facilitating project meetings. Process development: Contributing to product / process development through to MVP, by supporting technical feasibility and by contributing to business cases and qualifying industrialisation Accountable for building and qualifying all the process integration for DS Smith and our customers (machinery, hardware, software…) as well as the data management strategy within Paper & Board R&D projects. Managing proactively the key interfaces and interdependencies the project has with other teams (Group R&D, Group Innovation, SMI, Operations, IT…). Supporting teams till MSP and ensuring proper hand-over to the packaging operations. Open Innovation: Contributing to R&D-related insights and monitoring the technology landscape linked to Group R&D’s strategic areas to identify and qualify project and/or partnership opportunities based on industry knowledge, end-users’ needs and corporate priorities. About you Experienced in the field of innovation and in an industrial environment. Experienced in R&D project management. Knowledgeable about the manufacturing process of paper and corrugated cardboard. Familiar with various printing technologies and processes. Understanding in mechanization, ideally with packaging machines. Proficient in Industry 4.0, including automation, machine learning, and process control. Knowledgeable about the innovation process, including tech watch, IP rights, creativity tools, and value analysis. “To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.”