We’re looking for outstanding Mathematics or Engineering graduates at a Masters level to join our Research & Development graduate programme, beginning in September 2024. The opportunity which is based at our Redditch Innovation Centre will be an exciting opportunity to be involved in the development of our packaging offering.
We’re about Revolution not Evolution! We want to find the art of the possible and it begins here in Research & Development where we take a simple material such as paper or cardboard, and determine where we maximise its potential, overcoming barriers to meet our Circular Economy led sustainability strategy, whilst exceeding customer expectations in delivering advanced and functional products. All the while finding ways where we can reduce waste, optimise our machines and operations, and continue to develop our products for the future.
Who are DS Smith?
You might not have heard of us before, but you’ll likely have handled our products on a daily basis. We’re the leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services. We’ve been around for over eighty years and operate in over thirty countries across the UK, Europe and the United States. From food and beverage packaging in your local supermarket to every Amazon parcel which arrives at your door, DS Smith has created packaging, which is innovative, secure and kinder to our planet.
About the programme
You’ll be based within our Redditch Innovation Centre, an exciting hub where we establish new ways to make our corrugated packaging stronger, more sustainable and finding opportunities to reduce waste. One of your placements will be in our Material Optimalisation & Design team, working on predictive software testing and development. You’ll validate new product innovations and concepts which we need to embrace within our strength predictive software, ensuring that our designers understand exactly the levels our packaging products can withstand. You’ll get involved in a range of projects such as supporting new concepts for corrugated packaging and software integration, this would include analysing data, modelling, design and validation before roll out of the new concept.
In the other placement you will work within the R&D laboratory, where you’ll validate the predictive software estimations with empirical results. You will be directly engaged with R&D Directors, partaking in key strategic innovation projects across the business platforms and competencies (Next Generation Technology, Material Development, Paper & Board, Packaging Solution, Surfaces & Barriers, Product Development). You will also support our wider business including UK Packaging, design and innovation and our PACE programme (Performance, Assurance, Consistency and Environment) with technologically advanced testing tools which deliver exceptional, consistent packaging performance based on customer requirements.
This programme allows us to provide for our customers clear performance specifications and criteria, consistent reliable packaging, removing unnecessary costs and risks, as well as removing material that isn’t considered necessary. You’ll need to generate reports, analyse data, and make conclusions to ensure that the work you’ve done within our Material Optimisation and design placement holds up.
Development
Alongside your on-the-job training, you’ll go on the DS Smith Graduate Journey where you’ll have a roadmap of development to support your career. When you join us, you’ll be given a full induction to the business, including a tour of some of our paper, packaging, and innovation factories.
In year one, you’ll learn about Self Leadership and Personal Effectiveness, while in year two, you’ll learn about leadership, stakeholder management and influencing. Finally, when the programme ends, you’ll deliver a presentation about your learnings, celebrate your success with a graduation dinner and work with your Talent Lead to find the best permanent home for you.
But don’t worry, you won’t be doing this alone. You’ll have a network of graduates to bounce ideas off, be given a mentor and a former graduate will be there for guidance and support throughout your journey.
About you
To be considered for this role you must have as a minimum:
- A Masters Degree in Mathematics or Engineering (preferably mechanical disciplines) or due to achieve this by September 2024.
- Be able to start in the business full time on 2nd September 2024.
- Speak fluent in English (minimum B2 level).
- Hold the relevant right to work within the UK.
- Be able to travel flexibly as part of the role.
Benefits
So what’s in it for you?
- A starting salary of £30,000.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Company pension.
- Cycle to work programme.
- Employee Assistance Programme which offers up to eight free counselling sessions per year.
- Life insurance.
- Income protection.
*Assessment Centres will be held in March/April 2024.
