Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: DS Smith

Location: Casablanca, Morocco

Job Type: Full time

Category: Industrial Operations Management / Packaging Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop the Design Office (Bureau d'Études) team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in packaging design.

• Drive the optimization of packaging designs to achieve significant reductions in material costs and manufacturing times while upholding stringent quality, safety, and environmental standards.

• Serve as a key liaison between the Design Office and critical departments including Commercial, Production, Logistics, Quality, and Procurement, ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration.

• Manage departmental performance indicators and ensure adherence to allocated budgets, demonstrating strong financial acumen and operational efficiency.

• Spearhead technological scouting and innovation initiatives within the packaging sector, identifying and integrating cutting-edge solutions to maintain DS Smith's competitive edge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "Design Manager" and the emphasis on packaging optimization, cost reduction, and cross-departmental coordination strongly indicate a focus on Revenue Operations or Sales Operations, specifically within a GTM context where product design directly impacts sales efficiency and customer acquisition costs. The requirement for 10+ years of experience and leadership responsibilities suggests a senior-level position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, mentor, and develop a team of design professionals, conducting regular performance reviews, identifying training needs, and fostering skill enhancement to build a high-performing design unit.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the primary point of contact for the Design Office, coordinating closely with Sales, Production, Logistics, Quality Assurance, and Procurement teams to ensure design solutions align with business objectives and operational capabilities.

• Cost & Efficiency Optimization: Implement strategies to optimize packaging designs, focusing on material cost reduction, streamlined manufacturing processes, and improved lead times without compromising product integrity or performance.

• Quality & Compliance Assurance: Ensure all packaging designs meet or exceed internal quality standards, as well as relevant safety and environmental regulations, contributing to DS Smith's reputation for excellence and sustainability.

• Process Improvement & Innovation: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Design Office, including participation in industrial trials, supplier qualification, and the evaluation of new technologies and materials to enhance packaging solutions and manufacturing processes.

• Budget Management: Oversee the Design Office's budget, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensuring financial objectives are met through efficient resource allocation and cost control measures.

• Technological Vigilance: Conduct ongoing market research and technological scouting to identify emerging trends, innovative materials, and advanced design tools within the packaging industry, recommending adoption where beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly align with a senior operations role focused on GTM efficiency. "Optimisation des conceptions packaging afin de réduire les coûts matière et les temps de fabrication" directly relates to cost of goods sold (COGS) and sales cycle optimization. "Coordination avec les différents services : Commercial, Production, Logistique, Qualité et Achats" highlights critical GTM enablement functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Higher education degree (Bac+3 to Bac+5) in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Science, or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in a design engineering or packaging development role, with a significant portion in a leadership or management capacity.

• Proven track record in managing industrial projects and leading technical teams. Required Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop technical teams, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

• Packaging Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of packaging design principles, materials (especially corrugated cardboard), and manufacturing processes, with a strong understanding of structural integrity and performance requirements.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Mastery of industry-standard packaging design software such as ArtiosCAD, Impact, AutoCAD, or equivalent.

• Process Optimization: Strong analytical skills with a focus on identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements in material usage and manufacturing workflows.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively liaig with diverse internal departments (Sales, Production, Logistics, Quality, Procurement).

• Project Management: Proven experience in managing complex industrial projects from conception through to implementation, including budget and timeline management.

Preferred Skills:

• Palletization Software: Familiarity with palletization planning tools like CAPE or equivalent.

• Graphic Design Software: Proficiency in graphic design tools such as Adobe Illustrator or equivalent for packaging artwork and layout.

• Color Management: Understanding of color management principles for flexographic printing applications.

• ERP Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly SAP, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Continuous Improvement Methodologies: Knowledge of methodologies like Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.

• Flexographic Printing: Understanding of flexographic printing processes and their impact on packaging design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years) and the specific mention of managing teams and coordinating across multiple departments (Commercial, Production, Logistics, Quality, Procurement) strongly suggest this role is pivotal for GTM strategy and execution, making it a key Revenue Operations or Sales Operations position. The emphasis on cost reduction and efficiency directly impacts sales margins and operational scalability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Optimization Case Studies: Showcase examples of packaging designs you have led that resulted in measurable cost savings (e.g., material reduction, reduced shipping volume) and/or improved manufacturing efficiency. Quantify the impact with specific percentages or monetary values.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Present documented evidence of process enhancements implemented within a design office or engineering team, illustrating your ability to streamline workflows, improve lead times, and enhance team productivity.

• System Implementation Examples: Provide examples of your involvement in the selection, implementation, or optimization of design software (e.g., ArtiosCAD, Impact) or related systems (e.g., ERP integration for design data). Detail the challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Project Deliverables: Include case studies where your design solutions successfully integrated with commercial requirements, production capabilities, and logistics constraints, demonstrating your ability to manage complex stakeholder needs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to map, analyze, and redesign design office workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and improve turnaround times for new packaging concepts and revisions.

• System Integration & Automation: Document your experience with integrating design software with other enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, PDM) or implementing automation solutions to improve data flow, reduce manual effort, and ensure design accuracy.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Present examples of how you have established and tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) for a design team, including metrics related to design accuracy, project completion rates, cost savings, and team output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio demonstrating tangible results in process optimization, cost reduction, and cross-functional project leadership is crucial. The emphasis on specific software (ArtiosCAD, Impact, CAPE, Illustrator) and ERP systems (SAP) indicates the need for practical, system-level experience to be showcased.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on DS Smith's presence in Morocco and the senior nature of this Design Manager role (10+ years of experience, leadership responsibilities, specialized technical skills), the estimated annual gross salary range in Casablanca, Morocco is approximately 600,000 MAD to 900,000 MAD. This range is derived from industry benchmarks for senior engineering and management positions in manufacturing and packaging, considering Morocco's cost of living and typical compensation structures.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care for employees and potentially their dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a pension or retirement fund, potentially with employer matching.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave allowances.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences to enhance technical and leadership skills.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance, including departmental KPIs.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Potential for Relocation Assistance: If applicable, support for candidates relocating to Casablanca.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility may be available for project-critical tasks, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior engineering management roles in Morocco. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and DS Smith's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed are typical for large multinational corporations in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: DS Smith operates within the packaging industry, a critical component of the broader supply chain and e-commerce ecosystem. The company specializes in sustainable packaging solutions, which positions it at the intersection of manufacturing, logistics, and environmental responsibility. This industry context means operations professionals here are focused on efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

Company Size: DS Smith is a large, multinational corporation. As a global leader in packaging, its size implies robust operational structures, established processes, and opportunities for large-scale impact. For operations professionals, this means exposure to complex supply chains, diverse markets, and significant resources for process improvement and technological investment.

Founded: DS Smith was founded in 1940. Its long history suggests a stable, well-established organization with deep expertise in its field. This longevity often translates into a culture that values experience, tradition, and long-term strategic planning, while also adapting to modern demands for innovation and sustainability.

Team Structure:

• Design Office: The Design Manager will lead a dedicated team responsible for the conceptualization, design, and technical specification of packaging solutions. This team likely comprises packaging designers, structural engineers, and potentially graphic designers.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior operations leader, likely a Head of Operations, Plant Manager, or similar executive, within the Casablanca facility.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with Sales (understanding customer needs and market trends), Production (ensuring manufacturability and efficiency), Logistics (optimizing for transport and warehousing), Quality Assurance (meeting standards), and Procurement (sourcing materials and managing supplier relationships). This interconnectedness is typical of operations roles driving GTM success.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data from sales, production, and logistics to inform packaging design decisions, aiming for optimal material usage, cost-effectiveness, and supply chain efficiency.

• Process Optimization: A core focus on continuously improving the design-to-production workflow, identifying and eliminating bottlenecks, and enhancing the speed and accuracy of the design process.

• Innovation & Technology Integration: Proactive adoption of new design technologies, materials, and manufacturing techniques to maintain a competitive advantage and offer cutting-edge solutions to clients.

Company Website: https://www.dssmith.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: DS Smith's focus on sustainable packaging and its position in the global supply chain mean this operations role is integral to both efficiency and corporate responsibility initiatives. The company's size and history suggest a structured environment where process adherence and data-driven decision-making are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager position represents a senior-level role within the operations and engineering function. It signifies a transition from individual contributor or junior management to a leadership position with significant responsibility for team management, strategic design input, and cross-functional influence. The role is critical for enabling efficient Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies by ensuring packaging designs are cost-effective, manufacturable, and meet market demands.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level operations executive (e.g., Plant Manager, Head of Operations, or Director of Engineering), indicating a direct line of influence into the broader operational strategy of the Casablanca facility. This structure allows for input into strategic decisions impacting production, supply chain, and ultimately, sales enablement.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is substantial, directly influencing:

• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): By optimizing material usage and manufacturing efficiency, the role directly reduces production costs, enhancing profitability and competitive pricing for sales.

• Sales Enablement: Ensuring packaging meets customer requirements, market trends, and logistical needs facilitates smoother sales cycles and customer satisfaction.

• Supply Chain Efficiency: Designs that optimize for transport, storage, and handling contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective overall supply chain.

• Innovation & Market Position: Driving technological adoption in packaging design helps DS Smith maintain its leadership position and appeal to clients seeking advanced solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership in Operations: Potential to advance to roles such as Head of Operations, Plant Manager, or Director of Engineering within DS Smith, overseeing broader operational functions.

• Specialization in Packaging Technology: Deepen expertise in advanced packaging materials, sustainable solutions, or specific manufacturing technologies, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to transition into roles within supply chain management, procurement, or even product development, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Global Mobility: As a multinational company, DS Smith may offer opportunities for international assignments or leadership roles in other regions, expanding one's global operations experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title, combined with the 10+ years of experience and cross-functional responsibilities, clearly positions this role as a significant step in an operations career path, directly impacting GTM efficiency and profitability. The growth opportunities suggest a structured career progression within DS Smith's operations framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Casablanca Box Plant, indicating an industrial manufacturing environment. While the Design Manager will have an office space, it will be integrated within or adjacent to the production facility, fostering close proximity to manufacturing processes and teams.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the DS Smith Casablanca Box Plant in Morocco. This facility is likely equipped with design studios, prototyping areas, and access to production lines for trials and observation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will encourage frequent interaction with production engineers, quality control personnel, logistics coordinators, and sales representatives. This close-knit environment is crucial for rapid problem-solving and design iteration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software (ArtiosCAD, Impact, AutoCAD), prototyping equipment, and potentially advanced visualization tools will be standard. Connectivity to ERP systems (SAP) for data integration is also expected.

• Operational Immersion: The on-site nature allows for direct observation of manufacturing processes, understanding of material flows, and immediate feedback on design implementations, which is invaluable for an operations role focused on efficiency.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday. However, given the critical nature of design to production and sales, there may be expectations for occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines, support critical production runs, or address urgent client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a manufacturing plant is typical for operations management roles where direct oversight and interaction with production are essential for efficiency and problem-solving. This environment supports the GTM objective of ensuring product readiness and market responsiveness.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on experience in packaging design, team management, and relevant software proficiency.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with a hiring manager or senior engineer to assess your technical expertise in packaging design, materials, manufacturing processes, and specific software tools (ArtiosCAD, Impact, etc.). Be prepared to discuss design challenges and solutions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present a selection of your most impactful projects. Focus on quantifiable achievements in cost reduction, efficiency gains, and successful cross-functional collaborations. Prepare clear, concise case studies.

• Behavioral & Leadership Interview: Evaluation of your leadership style, problem-solving approach, communication skills, and ability to manage teams and stakeholders. Questions will likely revolve around past experiences in conflict resolution, project management, and driving change.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior management (e.g., Plant Director) to discuss strategic fit, long-term vision for the Design Office, and alignment with DS Smith's company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., "Reduced material cost by 15%", "Decreased production cycle time by 2 days", "Improved shipping efficiency by 10%").

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Include examples that highlight your use of ArtiosCAD, Impact, AutoCAD, and any other relevant design or simulation tools.

• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Success: Present projects where you successfully collaborated with Sales, Production, or Logistics, illustrating your understanding of their needs and constraints.

• Highlight Leadership: If possible, include examples of team development, process improvements you initiated, or instances where you mentored junior designers.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Select projects that showcase your ability to tackle complex design challenges and find innovative, efficient solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Optimization Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical packaging design challenge and asked to outline your approach to optimizing it for cost, performance, and manufacturability.

• Process Improvement Plan: Be ready to discuss how you would analyze and improve the current design office workflow at DS Smith Casablanca, focusing on efficiency and integration.

• Team Management Case Study: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a specific team-related issue (e.g., underperformance, conflict) or how you foster professional development within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio showcasing quantifiable results in cost reduction and efficiency, alongside cross-functional collaboration, is critical for this role. It directly aligns with the operational aspects of GTM, where design directly impacts profitability and market readiness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Packaging Design Software:

  • ArtiosCAD: Essential for 3D structural design, Dieline creation, and virtual prototyping of packaging. Proficiency is a core requirement.
  • Impact: Another key software for packaging design and die-making, often used for detailed structural engineering.
  • AutoCAD: Useful for 2D drafting, technical drawings, and integration with other engineering workflows.

• Palletization Software:

  • CAPE (or equivalent): Crucial for optimizing how products are loaded onto pallets for efficient shipping and warehousing, directly impacting logistics costs.

• Graphic Design Software:

  • Adobe Illustrator (or equivalent): Necessary for creating or refining artwork, layouts, and ensuring compatibility with printing processes.

• ERP Systems:

  • SAP (or equivalent): Integration with ERP systems is vital for managing bills of materials, production planning, inventory, and cost tracking related to packaging materials and designs.

• Productivity Suites:

  • Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint): Standard tools for reporting, presentations, data analysis, and general communication. Excel proficiency is particularly important for data analysis and cost modeling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Performance Dashboards: Likely internal tools or Excel-based reports to track KPIs such as design turnaround time, material cost savings, number of design revisions, and project completion rates.

• ERP Reporting Modules: Utilizing SAP or similar systems for generating reports on material costs, inventory levels, and production output related to packaging.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing customer relationships, understanding how design impacts the sales process (via CRM data) and potentially automating aspects of design data transfer to production systems would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of ArtiosCAD, Impact, AutoCAD, CAPE, Illustrator, and SAP highlights the technical depth required for this role. Proficiency in these specific tools is paramount for effective performance and will be a key focus during the interview and portfolio review.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Optimization: A strong emphasis on finding the most efficient ways to design, manufacture, and distribute packaging, reducing waste and costs at every stage. This aligns with core GTM principles of lean operations.

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: Encouraging the exploration and adoption of new materials, technologies, and design approaches to stay ahead in the competitive packaging market and meet evolving customer needs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work seamlessly together, valuing open communication and shared problem-solving across departments like Sales, Production, and Logistics.

• Quality & Reliability: A commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable packaging solutions that meet stringent standards and ensure customer satisfaction and brand protection.

• Sustainability: A core principle for DS Smith, driving the development of environmentally responsible packaging solutions that minimize ecological impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Expect a highly collaborative style where the Design Manager and their team work closely with stakeholders from Sales, Production, Logistics, and Quality. This involves regular meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and a proactive approach to understanding and addressing the needs of other departments.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that encourages constructive feedback from all levels and departments to continuously refine designs and processes, ensuring practical applicability and market relevance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned within the design team and across other operational functions to build collective expertise and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on efficiency, innovation, and collaboration directly supports the operational backbone of any Go-To-Market strategy. The sustainability focus adds a layer of corporate responsibility that is increasingly important across all business functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Cost vs. Performance: Constantly navigating the trade-off between reducing material costs and ensuring packaging meets performance, protective, and aesthetic requirements. This requires strong analytical skills and creative problem-solving.

• Rapid Market Evolution: Keeping pace with evolving consumer demands, e-commerce trends, and sustainability mandates requires continuous learning and adaptation of design strategies.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring that design decisions effectively serve the diverse needs of Sales, Production, Logistics, and Marketing, which can sometimes have competing priorities.

• Technological Integration: Staying current with and integrating new design technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes into existing workflows, which can require significant investment and training.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Packaging Technologies: Access to training and resources on emerging materials (e.g., bio-based, recycled), smart packaging solutions, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Opportunities for formal leadership training, executive coaching, and mentorship programs to enhance management capabilities.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining certifications in packaging science, industrial engineering, or project management.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Potential to gain experience or insights from other operational areas within DS Smith, broadening one's understanding of the end-to-end supply chain and GTM processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are typical for senior operations roles in manufacturing, directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of GTM strategies. The growth opportunities highlight a commitment to developing leaders within the operations function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach optimizing the packaging design for Product X to reduce material costs by 15% while maintaining its protective qualities for e-commerce shipping?" (Focus on methodology, material science, testing).

• "Describe a time you had to align conflicting priorities between Sales and Production regarding a packaging design. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on negotiation, collaboration, problem-solving).

• "What are the key steps you would take to implement a new packaging design software, like ArtiosCAD, within an existing team and ensure successful adoption?" (Focus on change management, training, process integration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of DS Smith, how would you ensure our packaging designs align with the company's sustainability goals?" (Research DS Smith's sustainability reports and initiatives).

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within a design engineering team?" (Discuss your leadership style, methods for encouraging new ideas, and process refinement).

• "How do you measure the success of your design team and its contribution to the overall business objectives?" (Focus on relevant KPIs, ROI, and impact on COGS and sales enablement). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the challenge, your specific role and actions, the tools and methodologies used, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Highlight Key Software: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your proficiency with ArtiosCAD, Impact, AutoCAD, CAPE, Illustrator, and SAP where relevant to your projects.

• Emphasize GTM Impact: Frame your achievements in terms of their contribution to cost reduction, operational efficiency, market competitiveness, and sales support.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design choices, material properties, manufacturing feasibility, and problem-solving techniques.

• Showcase Leadership: Briefly touch upon how you managed your team or collaborated with stakeholders to achieve project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that demonstrate quantifiable impact on cost, efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration is crucial. These examples directly showcase the candidate's ability to contribute to GTM objectives through optimized design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the DS Smith careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, specifically mentioning leadership roles, team management, and accomplishments in packaging design, cost reduction, and process optimization. Ensure keywords like ArtiosCAD, Impact, AutoCAD, CAPE, SAP, and "Industrial Engineering" are prominently featured.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects. For each, prepare a concise summary that quantifies results (e.g., % cost savings, % efficiency gain) and clearly outlines your role, the challenges, and the solutions implemented. Focus on case studies demonstrating cross-functional collaboration and GTM impact.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review your knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes (corrugated cardboard, flexographic printing), and the specific software mentioned (ArtiosCAD, Impact, AutoCAD, CAPE, Illustrator). Be ready to discuss design principles and problem-solving approaches.

• Research DS Smith: Understand their commitment to sustainability, their market position, and their approach to innovation. This will help you tailor your responses to align with their company values and strategic objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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