Global Innovation Manager

Create and develop complex category plans using strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier stakeholder management principles.
Supervise and collaborate with the business to ensure that strategies are successfully implemented to drive category outcomes.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Global Procurement Innovation Manager to join the business on a FTC maternity cover to be the interface between our Innovation and Procurement teams to ensure business continuity according to the new product development requirements and Procurement processes.

Working with various stakeholders internally and externally you will use business partnering to ensure the Global Category Managers’ strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier management principles are used to ensure the execution of the Innovation pipeline and plans.

We are looking for an individual who is familiar with standard Procurement concepts, practices and procedures within new and existing product development. You will be familiar with working among various teams including Innovation and Procurement understanding their standards and ways of working. You’ll have strong communications skills and be able to take complex issues and convey these clearly and in multiple formats to various audiences. This individual will be someone who is willing to perform a variety of tasks and work independently and/or with general supervision.

Key accountabilities

Responsibilities include (but not limited):

• To be the Innovation representative for external suppliers and internal stakeholders and build close relationships with Procurement Category Managers and Innovation teams.

• Drive sourcing processes to get the best value and optimal time-to-market for high potential global innovations/new products.

• Make recommendations to the development team when sourcing new products and to creatively think outside the box

• Ensure that all due diligence is obtained throughout the lifecycle prior to launch.

• Co-ordinate innovation sessions with procurement and across businesses, looking at ways to achieve first to market status

• Working with stakeholders, identify and quantify trade-offs between cost, quality, service and develop alternative options.

• Organise supplier presentations and/ or visits to suppliers covering Innovation agenda

• Work with Group Legal to establish an innovation project process for procurement, with supporting contract templates.

• Work both independently and with Group Legal to negotiate favourable contract terms.

About you

• University Graduate Preferred

• Valuable post-graduate / master's degree

• CIPS or EU equivalent desirable

• Ideally 3 years relevant experience at the same or similar level

• Strong project management skills

• Excellent communication skills & influencing skills

• Attention to detail

• Good negotiation skills

• Ability to concurrently manage and coordinate multiple projects and contracts

• Strong planning and organisational skills

• Self-motivated person that looks for ways to improve systems and efficiency

• Strong teamwork skills

Benefits

Additional benefits include:

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

• Discretionary bonus

• Pension scheme

• Life assurance

• Income protection

• Employee assistance program

• Cycle to work scheme

• Shopping discounts

About us

We’re DS Smith, the FTSE100 company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, proudly employing over 30,000 people, and supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market-leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America. 

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.