Have the right to work in Spain
DS Smith doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.
Speak intermediate Spanish
Listed as a requirement in the ad.
Work in English
English is required, per the ad.
Work on-site in València
No relocation package mentioned.
University degree
“MSc (or equivalent) in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a related discipline.” — per the ad.

Requirements

What we're looking for

MSc (or equivalent) in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a related discipline. A PhD is advantageous
Previous experience using analytical instrumentation within an industrial, R&D, testing, or CRO environment
Experience assessing food contact materials and regulatory compliance
Strong practical experience with HPLC, GC, ICP, method development, validation, and troubleshooting
Sound understanding of food contact regulations and packaging materials, particularly paper, board, and cellulose-based products
Proven ability to analyse data, solve technical problems, and communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences
Experience managing projects, laboratory operations, quality systems, and regulatory compliance activities

Nice to have

Previous experience with paper, board, or packaging materials is an advantage

Languages

Very good written and spoken Spanish and English - level B2/ C1

The role

DS Smith has an exciting new opportunity for a Product Safety Laboratory Manager to lead our new Product Safety laboratory based in Valencia, Spain. You will provide analytical chemistry testing and technical expertise for R&D, strategic innovation projects, and major business initiatives.

The role combines hands-on technical leadership - designing, executing, and interpreting experiments in line with agreed milestones - with management skills: leading a team, running the laboratory as a well-governed operation, and owning its budget and performance.

Beyond laboratory and people management, you will act as the technical face of the laboratory to DS Smith's customers and internal stakeholders - presenting results, explaining technical findings in commercial terms, and building trust directly with clients. The successful candidate will bring seniority and confidence operating at manager and customer level, alongside strong analytical and laboratory management credentials.

What you'll do

Lead the laboratory and team, managing daily operations, workflows, and resource allocation
Serve as the primary technical contact for customers, presenting results and providing commercially relevant recommendations
Represent the laboratory during customer visits, audits, and technical reviews
Support R&D projects through experimental design, testing, data interpretation, and technical reporting
Manage the laboratory budget, purchasing, inventory, and cost control
Drive continuous improvement of laboratory methods, processes, and equipment
Maintain knowledge of food contact regulations and testing methodologies
Collaborate with R&D teams to ensure consistent quality, productivity, and best practices
Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality, and maintenance standards
Prepare and review scientific reports, maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.

How you'll work

Travel: Occasional travel within the UK and Europe to support R&D trials and business activities.

Location

Location: Valencia, Spain (onsite)

Hiring process

Interested? Apply today! Please send us your CV in English and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch, if shortlisted.

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.

About DS Smith

DS Smith is a leading international packaging company, specializing in sustainable corrugated packaging and paper products. With operations across Europe and North America, the company is a key player in the packaging industry, focusing on fiber-based solutions and circular economy principles. DS Smith serves a wide range of sectors including FMCG, e-commerce, and industrial markets, and is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in packaging design.

In Spain, DS Smith has a significant presence with multiple production and sales sites, including a major office in Madrid. The company is part of a global network that offers international professionals opportunities to work in a dynamic, sustainability-driven environment. DS Smith values diversity and provides a collaborative culture, making it an attractive employer for those looking to contribute to the future of sustainable packaging in Europe.

Industry: Packaging
Founded: 1940
Employees: 25,000–35,000
Headquarters: London, UK
In Spain: Madrid
Website: dssmith.com

Good to know if you are moving

DS Smith has a strong commitment to sustainability, which is central to its operations and strategy, offering opportunities to work on innovative eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The company operates in multiple countries, providing international career mobility and a diverse work environment.
Spain is a key market for DS Smith, with several facilities and a corporate office in Madrid, offering roles in engineering, operations, and management.
DS Smith is known for its focus on employee development and offers training programs to support career growth.
The company's work culture emphasizes collaboration and innovation, making it a good fit for professionals seeking a dynamic environment.

All open roles at DS Smith