Machine Systems Manager

DS Smith; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging solutions company is seeking a Machine Systems Manager to develop, implement, and optimize automated solutions in production and packaging lines. The successful candidate will collaborate with stakeholders to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability while acting as a technical advisor. The role requires experience in packaging machinery, project management skills, and fluency in English. This is a full-time position based in Greater London.

Qualifications

• Strong project management skills leading automation projects from requirements to commissioning.
• Good understanding of packaging machinery and material science with pragmatic execution.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the Automation for Innovation Concepts strategy.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to improve automation.
• Act as technical advisor in key customer dialogues.

Skills

Industrial Maintenance

Machining

Mechanical Knowledge

CNC

Precision Measuring Instruments

Schematics

Maintenance

Hydraulics

Plastics Injection Molding

Programmable Logic Controllers

Manufacturing

Troubleshooting

Education

Masters or Bachelors degree in automation, mechatronics, or electrical engineering

Job description

Location : UK and Europe

Suject to Consultation

The Machine Systems Manager leads the work for developing implementing and optimizing automated solutions within production and packaging lines for innovative packaging concepts mainly for the EMEA market. The role requires packing line machine experience understanding of industrial processes and the ability to drive improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency quality and sustainability.

By deeply understanding operational constraints line configurations and automation needs the role helps shaping new concepts that are not only creative but also implementable and commercially viable . This is typically made with frequent contacts on machine and technology supplier side as well as contacts directly with relevant persons on the Customer and internal DS Smith side.

With excellent communication skills and collaborative mindset the role acts as a trusted advisor enabling faster deployment of new formats unlocking efficiency improvements and contributing directly to strong partnerships with key customers through technical credibility and problem-solving.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Define promote and drive the Automation for Innovation Concepts strategy aligned with the overall strategic innovation agenda relevant for R&D.

Work with the relevant matrix of internal and external stakeholders in mainly Europe to understand the current state of customers supply chains business drivers manufacturing operations to create commercially viable future state improvements and create a strategy to achieve competitive advantage through appropriate deployment of automation & mechanisation.

Be a driving part of process capability improvements in Automation at our customers either with modifications on existing or propose new lines.

Work closely together with Central regional SMI organisations and with major customers to understand their current automation situation and how to translate it into project definitions for Automation for Innovation concepts.

Act as technical advisor in key customer dialogues. Participate in commercial discussions with key accounts to offer mechanisation guidance validate feasibility and build trust as solution‑oriented technical partner.

Identify opportunities and bring ides for how to reduce waste downtime or complexity through automation smarter line configuration and / or equipment improvements for concepts in scope.

On a regular basis engage with European design managers and sub-regional innovation teams.

Be the front face of R&D for Automation for Innovation Concepts with key customers internal and external stakeholders.

About you

Masters or Bachelors degree in automation mechatronics electrical engineering or equivalent.

Able to define and drive a D&I vision on Automation for Innovation Concepts anticipates coming trends and to deliver real value for key customers and the wider 80s customer network in EMEA.

Good understanding of the packaging machinery material science scientific curiosity with pragmatic execution. Willing to roll up sleeves when the work demands it.

Ability to bring packaging line experts together from the Sub‑regions to create a community that deliver solutions across EMEA.

Strong project management skills leading automation projects from requirements to commissioning.

Fluent in English any other European languages are a plus.

APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE : 12TH DECEMBER 2025

Required Experience :

Manager

Key Skills

• Industrial Maintenance
• Machining
• Mechanical Knowledge
• CNC
• Precision Measuring Instruments
• Schematics
• Maintenance
• Hydraulics
• Plastics Injection Molding
• Programmable Logic Controllers
• Manufacturing
• Troubleshooting

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1