Graphic Designer, Mid-Level

About the company

DS Smith is a global packaging business focused on sustainable, high-quality solutions for customers across more than 30 countries. The company serves industries such as FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce, with a strong emphasis on innovation, service, and reducing environmental impact. Its team of over 30,000 people works in a collaborative and inclusive culture aimed at creating better packaging and a more sustainable future.

Role overview

DS Smith is looking for a Middleweight Designer to join its Speciality team. The role centers on developing inventive retail marketing and point-of-sale creative for retail settings, ensuring every concept aligns with brand standards as well as retailer requirements. You will partner with the Design Team Lead and Head of Creative and Innovation on client projects, displays, marketing assets, and special assignments. This position suits a detail-oriented designer who understands shopper behavior, can interpret briefs into strong visual ideas, and thrives in a fast-moving, team-based environment.

What you'll do

• Take ownership of briefs, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring work stays organized and on schedule.
• Design original POS and retail display concepts that remain on-brand and suitable for execution in store environments.
• Contribute ideas during creative workshops and help develop pitches for new business opportunities.
• Support the wider Speciality Cluster on innovation-focused initiatives and design-led projects.
• Keep communication clear with clients and internal stakeholders so expectations and outputs stay aligned.
• Track market and industry trends to help keep creative output current and engaging.
• Improve studio processes and workflow efficiency where possible.
• Assist with budgeting, resource allocation, and project coordination tasks.
• Check and approve design work to make sure quality standards are met before release.
• Work across teams to deliver effective, high-quality, and innovative solutions.

What we're looking for

• Hands-on background in POS and display design, ideally for FMCG and blue-chip brands.
• Strong command of both 3D and 2D design tools.
• Advanced working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Experience in animation, web, or digital design would be an advantage.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially in layout, typography, and image use.
• Proven ability to adapt brand and retailer guidelines into fresh creative concepts.
• Understanding of print production methods and what is feasible with different materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a collaborative working style.
• Comfort working to tight deadlines in a high-pressure, fast-paced setting.
• Positive, proactive mindset with a practical can-do attitude.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension, life assurance, and income protection coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programme for well-being support.
• Discounts across a range of products and services.
• Cycle-to-work scheme to support greener commuting.
• Remote working flexibility, with travel to DS Smith sites and client locations when needed.

Equal opportunity

DS Smith promotes an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds have equal opportunity to succeed. Applications are welcomed from candidates regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. The company believes that diverse teams strengthen creativity, innovation, and long-term success.