New Product Development Coordinator

Smurfit Kappa Group; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking an NPD Coordinator to join our Technical team in the UK. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or apprentice eager to learn how innovative packaging solutions are developed, produced and delivered to customers.

You will work alongside experienced colleagues, coordinating artwork approvals, maintaining packaging specs, and supporting successful product launches while building supplier relationships and contributing to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Required: relevant qualification in design, engineering, manufacturing or related field.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Proactive attitude with good communication and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate artwork approvals and ensure milestones are met on time.
• Maintain artwork, packaging specifications, and documentation before production.
• Assist with design approvals to support successful product launches.
• Manage print, artwork, tooling, stereo, and forme records for accuracy.
• Support document control to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Coordinate tooling orders and maintenance to keep operations ready.
• Build supplier relationships to improve service and performance.
• Contribute to feasibility studies and new product development projects.
• Ensure manufacturing requirements are communicated in project plans.
• Facilitate smooth transfer from development to production.
• Collaborate with Design, Production, Quality, Customer Service, Sales.
• Analyse data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives enhancing efficiency and quality.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Relationship building

Problem solving

Proactive mindset

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in design/engineering/manufacturing or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shape the Future of Packaging with Smurfit Westrock

Are you organised, curious, and eager to learn? Looking for a role where you can develop new skills while working on real customer projects? At Smurfit Westrock, we're looking for an NPD Coordinator to join our Technical team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate, college leaver, apprentice or someone looking to begin a career in product development and manufacturing. You'll work alongside experienced colleagues, learning how innovative packaging solutions are developed, produced and delivered to customers.

Why Smurfit Westrock?

As a global leader in sustainable paper-based packaging, we're driven by innovation, customer excellence, and a commitment to creating a positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.

We believe our success starts with our people. That's why we invest in development, wellbeing, and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow.

The Role of an NPD Coordinator

• Coordinate artwork approval processes and ensure milestones are achieved on time.
• Maintain accurate artwork, packaging specifications, and supporting documentation prior to production release.
• Support the timely approval of customer packaging designs to ensure successful product launches.
• Manage print, artwork, tooling, stereo, and forme records to ensure they remain accurate and up to date.
• Support document control activities to maintain compliance with customer and internal requirements.
• Coordinate tooling orders, maintenance, and record-keeping to ensure operational readiness.
• Build strong supplier relationships to improve service, responsiveness, and performance.
• Contribute to feasibility assessments and new product development projects.
• Ensure manufacturing requirements are considered and communicated throughout project planning.
• Facilitate the smooth transfer of products from development into production.
• Work collaboratively with Design, Production, Quality, Customer Service, and Sales teams.
• Analyse production, tooling, and quality data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong attention to detail
• Organisation and time management
• Microsoft Office skills
• Communication and relationship-building skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Positive and proactive approach
• Willingness to learn new technical skills

Desirable Experience:

• Relevant qualification in design, engineering, manufacturing, business or a related subject
• Project, apprenticeship, work experience or part-time employment exposure
• Interest in packaging, design, engineering or manufacturing

No Packaging Experience? No Problem. We are looking for enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn. Full training, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided.

Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.

We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.