Agile Performance Manager - New Product Development - 12 months FTC

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Agile Performance Manager to drive innovation through enhanced team performance. In this pivotal role, you'll implement Agile principles to accelerate product development, fostering collaboration and quick decision-making. Your expertise in Agile and Lean methodologies will be crucial in standardizing processes and developing metrics for success. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's growth and sustainability strategy, all while working in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you're passionate about leading teams towards high performance and innovation, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Discretionary bonus

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Income protection

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of Agile/Lean methodologies in NPD.
• Experience in improving team performance through coaching.

Responsibilities

• Enhancing squad performance in New Product Development.
• Standardizing ways of working within the Strategic Innovation Squad Community.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Lean methodologies

Change management

Coaching

Leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Agile Performance Manager - New Product Development - 12 months FTC, London

Client: DS Smith

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 817041b5da93

Job Views: 4

Posted: 29.04.2025

Expiry Date: 13.06.2025

Job Description:

DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging worldwide, supported by recycling and papermaking operations. We play a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods, and industrials. Committed to ‘Redefining Packaging for a Changing World’ and our sustainability strategy, we aim to lead the transition to a circular economy by delivering innovative recycling solutions, reducing plastics, and lowering carbon footprints.

About the role

DS Smith is transforming its innovation delivery by deploying Agile principles and capabilities within our business. Agile squads have been introduced to enable collaboration and quick decision-making to develop and scale strategic innovation products faster.

As a key member of the Innovation team, your role will be to enhance individual and squad performance to develop innovative products aligned with customer needs, driving growth and profitability. You will support leadership in embedding a high-performing innovation approach, developing teams, and fostering behavioral changes.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Contributing to strategic innovation targets through improved squad performance in New Product Development and Commercialisation.
• Refining and embedding Agile techniques to accelerate product development cycles, including collective decision-making and working in fast cycles.
• Developing proactive behaviors and problem-solving mindsets to address challenges.
• Standardizing ways of working within the Strategic Innovation Squad Community across divisions and regions.
• Establishing squad performance metrics, including self-assessment and governance, to enhance team performance.

About you

• Deep understanding of Agile/Lean methodologies and their application in NPD and manufacturing environments.
• Experience in improving team performance through change management, coaching, and role modeling.
• Ability to foster collaboration across portfolio, program, and project teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to analyze quickly, resolve conflicts, and adapt to change.

Additional benefits include a discretionary bonus, pension scheme, life assurance, and income protection.