About the role
We have a very exciting opportunity for an IT Project Manager to join our Packaging Division. Reporting into the Head of I&T Project Delivery, the IT Project Manager will be responsible for leading the roll out of ERP / MES systems across our packaging sites.
The successful IT Project Manager will be responsible for leading the planning, execution, and successful delivery of Packaging IT projects. This role oversees cross-functional project teams and ensures projects are completed on time, within budget and meet defined scope, quality, and business objectives. You have the ability to demonstrate your project management expertise by applying project management methodologies, tools, and best practices to drive project success, manage changes effectively, and support continuous improvement efforts.
This role is to be UK based, hybrid working with travel to sites when needed.
Key responsibilities:
Lead the end-to-end project management lifecycle for IT projects from initiation to closure. Projects are likely to be ERP/MES replacements, system integrations, application deployments and roll-outs
Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and project documentation
Develop and implement change management plans to effectively manage project changes and transitions
Manage and coordinate project activities, resources, dependencies, and deliverables across workstreams
Manage project risks, issues, changes, and escalations through proactive identification, mitigation, and resolution
Assemble and lead cross-functional project teams, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability
Collaborate with business partners, IT teams, and vendors to ensure alignment and manage dependencies
Monitor project performance using appropriate metrics and tools, and take corrective actions as needed
Facilitate project meetings, status reporting, and communication with stakeholders and sponsors
Manage and control project budgets, forecasting costs, and ensuring projects are delivered within approved budgets
Mentor and coach team members on project management practices
About you
Highly experienced in IT project management, with a proven track record of delivering ERP / MES deployment projects
Strong expertise in project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall), tools, and best practices
Proficiency in project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Confluence, Planview)
Experience in budget management, cost forecasting, and financial reporting
Knowledge of IT systems, applications, and infrastructure
Knowledge of change management principles and experience leading organizational transitions
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to manage cross-functional teams and navigate matrix organizational structures
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
PMP or relevant project management certification required
About us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 60,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
“To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.”
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