IT Project Manager

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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