DS Smith

R&D Project Manager

DS Smith

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: United Kingdom

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About the role

  • Develop new barrier solutions, surface treatments, and functional layers for fibre-based packaging
  • Screen and evaluate bio-based, water-based, polymer, mineral, or hybrid barrier chemistries
  • Design and run pilot trials for barrier coating applications (e.g., blade, rod, curtain, extrusion, dispersion)
  • Analyse failure modes and identify root causes of barrier performance variation
  • Liaise with new suppliers of surface treatment/barrier solutions/ technology to validate their offering
  • Support and carry out lab studies when needed on barrier property testing (WVTR, OTR, grease resistance, COBB, heat sealability, adhesion, etc.)
  • Scale laboratory formulations toward pilot and industrial production readiness
  • Develop project framework and project deployment information, preparing projects for hand-over to the business
  • Plan and execute projects as agreed with manager and available steering/reference groups
  • Design, plan and execute pilot trials for business demonstrators
  • Carry out baseline technical work, designing and developing solutions for project success.

Requirements

  • Educated to a degree level in a technology field (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar)
  • Previous experience in an industrial environment, preferably within the Fibre based Packaging or materials industry
  • Excellent technical, laboratory and measurement skills; knowledge of coating technologies, material characterisation, printing, packaging or recycling technologies
  • Demonstrable success in Project Management, working with teams and managing projects by prioritising workloads and delivering to deadlines and within budget
  • Very good knowledge in Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project
  • Fluent English, written and spoken
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, open minded, creative and curious
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
  • Flexibility to travel across Europe (1-2 times per month).
Benefits
  • Flexible working arrangements
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
barrier solutionssurface treatmentsfunctional layersbio-based chemistrieswater-based chemistriespolymer chemistriespilot trialsbarrier property testingcoating technologiesmaterial characterisation
Soft Skills
project managementcritical thinkingproblem-solvingorganizational skillscommunication skillsstakeholder managementflexibilitycreativitycuriosity