DS Smith is a multinational leading supplier of corrugated packaging in Europe and North America.  The company has quadrupled in size over the past decade and is a member of the FTSE 100 index in the UK with a market capitalization of circa £4b. 

The company’s success has been delivered through a combination of operational effectiveness and an astute acquisition strategy.  DS Smith entered the US market in 2017 through its acquisition of the Interstate Resources group of companies. With a dynamic leadership team and a changing market, the group is set for continued growth both in Europe and the US.

The DS Smith North America Packaging and Paper (DSS NAPP or NAPP) division is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, has approximately 1900 employees, operates in 9 states, and has an organizational footprint comprised of 17 operating sites.  DSS NAPP’s operations are fully integrated and operate across the entire packaging supply chain, from wood procurement, paper manufacturing, product design, packaging manufacturing and customer logistics.  DSS NAPP’s paper is ultimately utilized by DSS NAPP’s converting facilities—as well as third party customers—to manufacture corrugated containers, sheets, and display products. 

The majority of the DSS NAPP’s customer base for its packaging products is fast-moving consumer goods and food customers with the balance being made up of corrugated sheets, industrial, and wholesale distribution customers.

DS Smith believes that the North American region represents a compelling and attractive location for DS Smith to continue expanding its international fiber-based packaging footprint.

The Position:

DS Smith NAPP Division is seeking to fill the role of Box Business Unit Head of Finance.  The BU Head of Finance will be a finance professional who works well in a collaborative, fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.  The successful candidate will contribute to our profitable growth by developing efficient operating processes and driving a culture of financial accountability. S/he will possess a positive attitude, be hard-working and driven with a focus on results, accountability and driving improvement and change. The ideal candidate will have a foundation in manufacturing finance combined with strong leadership, influencing and teamwork skills.  This position will be based either in Lebanon, IN or Reading, PA and will have responsibility for three manufacturing locations spanning Pennsylvania and Indiana.  Occasional travel to other facilities within the Business Unit will be required.  There will be a total of three to five direct reports including site-based financial analysts and commercial finance resources.  The position will report to the Vice President Finance with a dotted line to the Box Business Unit General Manager.    

 Key Responsibilities:

Serve as key member of the Box Business Unit Leadership Team Lead all aspects of annual budgeting process across the Business Unit Prepare monthly financial forecast for P&L, balance sheet, capex and cash flow Prepare monthly reporting and analysis of financial and operational results Thoroughly explain financial performance and key variances from budget, forecast and prior year to BU Leadership Team and Divisional leadership in monthly business review meetings Reconcile waste figures across all sites on monthly basis and partner with Operations Team to research and resolve any variances as needed Provide remote and on the ground support to other sites and the central finance team within the North America packaging division in the delivery of ongoing and ad-hoc financial reporting objectives Develop, monitor and execute specific initiatives to optimize working capital Identify and implement process improvement opportunities within the finance function Oversee capital planning, capital forecasting and business case development for key investments Supervise Commercial Finance team and ensure pricing aligns with profitable growth objectives Monitor and implement site level internal controls to ensure reporting integrity, safeguarding of company assets and mitigation of key business risks Ensure inventory is properly valued and controlled by maintaining strong reconciliation and cycle count processes Partner with Finance Resource Center (Shared Services) to ensure smooth monthly closing process with timely and accurate financial results Collaborate with IT and Operations Department leaders on SAP/Kiwi ERP implementations

The Candidate Education and Qualifications:

Four-year Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics 5+ years of progressive finance experience in a manufacturing organization MBA or CMA designation preferred Proactive and self-motivated with ability to manage multiple projects under limited supervision Exceptional problem-solving skills both individually and in a group setting Calm under pressure with ability to manage through significant levels of organizational change Ability to distil complex financial topics down to easily understood and actionable recommendations to improve business performance Customer-focused with strong attention to detail; Capable of delivering accurate, quality results in timely manner Intellectual curiosity and courage to implement new ways of working; Demonstrated experience implementing process improvements Confidence interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels of organization from shop floor through division leadership Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel; Experience with SAP and Hyperion HFM a plus