New Product Development Coordinator

South West England, United Kingdom Smurfit Kappa Shape the Future of Packaging with Smurfit Westrock
Are you passionate about design, innovation, and turning great ideas into products that customers love?

At Smurfit Westrock, we're looking for an NPD Coordinator to play a key role in bringing packaging concepts to life. You'll work at the heart of our Technical & Design team, managing artwork, tooling, print development, and continuous improvement projects that make a real difference to our customers and operations.

If you enjoy problem-solving, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a global business committed to sustainability and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

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.

What You'll Be Doing

As our NPD Coordinator, you'll be the link between design, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers, ensuring new packaging solutions are delivered accurately, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing the complete artwork process, ensuring packaging designs are approved, produced, and delivered on time
• Providing technical support for print, artwork, tooling, stereos, and formes
• Creating and maintaining CAD drawings, print views, tooling specifications, and manufacturing documentation
• Coordinating tooling orders, maintenance, tracking, and disposal processes
• Producing customer samples and supporting trials, first runs, and product launches
• Monitoring new business opportunities to ensure they can be manufactured efficiently and cost-effectively
• Collaborating with suppliers to optimise tooling and manufacturing performance
• Supporting production teams with technical documentation and machine readiness activities
• Maintaining accurate records of designs, customer approvals, tooling assets, and technical data
• Analysing performance data and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Leading and supporting projects focused on print quality, tooling optimisation, and operational excellence
• Investigating quality issues and contributing to corrective actions and long-term solutions

What Success Looks Like

In this role you'll make a visible impact by:

• Delivering accurate, high-quality artwork and technical documentation
• Supporting successful product introductions and customer projects
• Driving improvements that enhance print quality, efficiency, and productivity
• Building strong relationships across Technical, Sales, Production, and Customer Service teams
• Helping ensure Smurfit Westrock remains at the forefront of innovative packaging solutions

What We're Looking For
Essential Skills

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• A proactive, self-motivated approach
• Commercial awareness and a continuous improvement mindset

Desirable Experience

• Experience within corrugated packaging or a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of tooling, print production, or packaging design
• Experience using CAD or similar design systems
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and technical documentation

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with creativity.

You'll be involved in everything from packaging design and tooling management through to process improvement projects, giving you exposure to a wide range of activities and opportunities to develop your career.

Whether you're already experienced in packaging and tooling or looking to build on your technical knowledge within a market-leading business, this role offers genuine scope to grow.

What We Offer
Reward & Benefits

• Competitive salary of £26,000 - £30,000
• Company pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Cycle to Work scheme

Wellbeing

• 24/7 confidential employee support for you and your family
• Family-friendly policies
• Flexible working options where applicable

Development

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Career progression within a global organisation
• Opportunities to contribute to high-profile innovation projects

Inclusion

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Ready to Create What's Next?

Join a business where innovation, sustainability, and people come together.

Apply today and help shape the future of packaging with Smurfit Westrock.

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

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

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to equality, inclusion and selecting the best person for the job.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and guarantee an interview to candidates who meet the essential criteria and are eligible under the scheme.