Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!
Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.
About Us
We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a New Product Development Manager to lead innovation, product development, and technical delivery at our Weston-super-Mare site. This role is central to driving customer-focused packaging solutions, supporting commercial growth, and delivering technically robust, operationally viable, and sustainable corrugated products.You will own the end-to-end new product development and introduction process – from early concept and customer engagement through to first production runs and post-launch optimisation. Working closely with Sales, Design, Operations, Supply Chain, and external partners, you will ensure new products meet customer requirements while supporting margin, efficiency, and continuous improvement objectives
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the full New Product Development (NPD) lifecycle, ensuring robust governance from concept through to launch and scale-up.
- Act as the technical interface for customers, providing expert support to Sales and Commercial teams to deliver compelling, value-led packaging solutions.
- Translate customer specifications into manufacturable designs that meet production capabilities, cost targets, and quality standards.
- Manage new business and innovation projects, supporting growth through differentiated packaging propositions.
- Oversee first-off trials and production runs, ensuring smooth handover into operations and identifying opportunities for optimisation.
- Drive margin enhancement and cost take-out initiatives through material optimisation, process improvement, and supplier collaboration.
- Maintain and develop site-specific technical data, machine capabilities, and process limitations.
- Lead engagement with graphics, stereo, ink, and tooling suppliers, ensuring quality, service, and cost performance through structured supplier management.
- Support continuous improvement of site printing, die-cutting, and conversion capabilities in collaboration with Operations.
- Provide technical input into paper grade selection and material performance using recognised tools and system data.
- Ensure all NPD and technical activities comply with company Health, Safety, Quality, and Hygiene standards.
- Set, track, and deliver departmental objectives aligned to site and divisional strategy.
About You
- Experienced NPD or Technical Manager within a manufacturing or packaging environment (corrugated experience desirable).
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance customer requirements, operational capability, and margin delivery.
- Confident leader with an approachable, collaborative style and the ability to influence across functions.
- Highly organised with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, able to engage effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
- Data-driven and solutions-focused, with a track record of delivering innovation and continuous improvement.
What We Offer
- A highly visible role with real influence on product innovation and commercial success.
- The opportunity to work closely with key customers on progressive, sustainable packaging solutions.
- A collaborative site culture with strong links across commercial, operational, and technical teams.
- Ongoing development opportunities within a market-leading packaging business.
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.
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.
