Why is this job for you:
The role of IT Application Specialist is designed to provide high‑quality support for IT applications, enhance existing solutions, and contribute to the ongoing development of the organisation’s applications architecture. It operates as part of the applications team, delivering project activities that introduce new solutions and ensure their smooth transition into standard operational service. The position is responsible for contributing to the building and management of IT assets in alignment with established processes and security standards, while maintaining a focus on cost‑effective delivery and continuous improvement. It is also intended for an individual seeking to broaden functional and technical expertise across the application landscape as part of ongoing professional development.
You will:
Develop a good understanding of business strategy and future direction
Maintain a good knowledge of DS Smith application and technical infrastructure
Ensure all activities are carried out in line with the agreed processes and procedures
Work with third party application providers, as necessary e.g. Version1 etc.
Function as the recognised expert in specific application areas, providing advice and guidance to process owners and other business colleagues in order to maximise value from existing solutions and to identify areas for improvement
Provide second line application support to existing live locations
Propose potential areas for service improvement
Document solutions and train service desk staff to allow an increasing number of incidents and requests to be resolved at first line
Ensure application services are designed and delivered in line with internal IT SLAs.
Develop end-user guidelines
Undertake project work in line with overall project requirements and consistent with agreed IT Applications Architecture
Ensure new solutions meet service needs and are successfully transitioned into “business as usual” service & associated support
Contribute to the ongoing development of the IT Applications Architecture
Work closely with stakeholders, IT business analysts, and colleagues to understand business requirements and to drive the analysis and design of quality application solutions
Manage full system life cycle
Take responsibility for designing, testing, implementing, maintaining and supporting application software to ensure it is delivered on time and within budget
Where applications support is outsourced, work closely with third party providers to deliver solutions to DS Smith standards and expectations
You have:
Good IT background
Fluency in English
Proven ability to investigate and troubleshoot problems
Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities
Experience of a mixed internal and outsourced applications model
Experience and knowledge of business application / ERP solutions
Experience in process definition and documentation
The ability to understand, and document operational processes and align future workflows. Perform Gap analyses and define IT system requirements
A good understanding of IT processes including Application support and Change management
A solid understanding of IT infrastructure and how it supports the application landscape
Ability to present ideas in a user-friendly language
Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
Skills Required
- Good IT background
- Fluency in English
- Proven ability to investigate and troubleshoot problems
- Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Experience of a mixed internal and outsourced applications model
- Experience and knowledge of business application / ERP solutions
- Experience in process definition and documentation
- Ability to understand and document operational processes, perform gap analyses, and define IT system requirements
- Good understanding of IT processes including Application support and Change management
- A solid understanding of IT infrastructure and how it supports the application landscape
- Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
DS Smith Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about DS Smith and has not been reviewed or approved by DS Smith.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered okay to good across many roles, with some plants indicating competitive or above‑market hourly rates for operators and similar positions. This supports a broadly fair perception of base pay even as experiences vary by site.
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Healthcare Strength — U.S. offerings include day‑one medical/vision and dental, employer HSA contributions, and 100% company‑paid life and short/long‑term disability, alongside an EAP. Some role descriptions also highlight mental‑health and fertility options.
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Retirement Support — Packages commonly reference a 401(k) with company match and, in some locations, pension eligibility or company‑funded retirement contributions. This positions retirement benefits as a meaningful component of total rewards.
DS Smith Insights
What We Do
DS Smith provides innovative packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services with a commitment to sustainability and a circular economy. Our core purpose is to Redefine Packaging for a Changing World, and our expert teams work closely with like-minded partners to incorporate renewable resources for products that minimize our environmental impact, reduce complexity and increase profitability through supply chain optimization
