Product Innovation Manager

DS Smith

Product Innovation Manager at DS Smith leading strategic innovation and packaging solutions for the UK & Ireland market. Seeking an experienced professional to drive successful product commercialization and market adoption.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeLondon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive the successful deployment and scaled commercial adoption of packaging innovations
Champion products internally and externally
Actively contribute to and lead on the delivery of revenue budgets and targeted sales plans
Partner with sales and marketing sub-functions to translate customer and retailer pain points into commercial opportunities
Manage the localisation and refinement of centrally led market-sizing strategies
Support product portfolio offer through the Annual Business Planning process
Adopt a proactive approach to insight sharing and an innovative approach to customer engagement
Lead retail workshops, trade fairs, and high-impact pitches
Ensure strategic solutions mitigate real-world shopper and consumer challenges

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree or equivalent in a related field (Product Management, Business, Marketing, or Sales)
Relevant experience in a product management, commercial sales, or B2B marketing role, ideally within packaging or manufacturing
Solid understanding of stage-gate processes, technical packaging limitations, and the ability to build and monitor robust revenue budgets
Results-oriented with a proven track record of managing sales plans and driving the market adoption of strategic products
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and align with senior leadership
Confident presenter and natural story-seller who can engage directly with customers and retailers to unlock commercial opportunities
Agile, solutions-oriented, and comfortable managing change within an evolving, multi-cultural market environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Discretionary bonus
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Discounts
Cycle to work scheme

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

product managementcommercial salesB2B marketingstage-gate processesrevenue budgetsmarket adoptionpackaging innovationslocalisation strategiesannual business planningcustomer engagement

Soft Skills

results-orientedwritten communicationverbal communicationinfluencingpresentation skillsstorytellingengagementproactive approachsolutions-orientedchange management

Certifications

degree in Product Managementdegree in Businessdegree in Marketingdegree in Sales