Design Manager Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Design Manager is responsible for the operational oversight and management of the plant design services.  The Design Manager provides technical direction and guidance to designers on all areas of design creation and production.  This position interacts with customers, sales, and production on designs for the purpose of securing new business and expanding present business.  As a member of the plant management team, the Design Manager is responsible for evaluating opportunities to improve overall plant performance and profitability.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Provide overall direction and project management for all ongoing plant design needs.  This includes overseeing projects for new and existing products and ensuring adherence to PCA’s design standards.

Oversight and management of the design department including supervision, training, and mentoring of designers and other design staff.

Liaise with appropriate plant departments to ensure regular communication regarding project status, resource availability, design feasibility, and scheduling.

Evaluate the packaging/display needs for prospective and current customers for possible improvement in style, function, appearance, cost, and efficient product design.

Collaborate with the sales and production departments for the selection of packaging and displays to be manufactured in the plant. 

Utilize the knowledge and expertise of the PCA design force to create the best possible product.

Determine the best format to run product while balancing cost and efficiency in order to meet or exceed the customers’ requirements and timelines.

Foster strong business relationships with customers.

Serve as a resource for the sales team in developing new business.

Manage the hazardous material packaging program as required.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, structural engineering, or packaging required. 

Eight (8) years’ previous experience with packaging and point of purchase display creation and design. 

Experience in corrugated industry with a technical understanding of corrugated packaging design, cutting dies, converting machinery and printing required.

Strong working knowledge of production methods, printing methods, materials, styles, and standard design forms and retail usage of packaging and point of purchase displays required. 

Solid project management experience required.

Strong working knowledge of computer systems including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software. 

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Two (2) years’ previous design department management with experience in hiring, coaching, performance development, and corrective action strongly preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle numerous details, deadlines, and requests.

Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple projects and/or requests concurrently

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experience and corporate levels both within and outside of the company. 

Solid financial and business operations analysis skills with the ability to identify opportunities for improvements.

Strong listening, evaluating, and problem solving skills.  Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines. 

Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with multiple audiences on procedures, policies, practices, and requests for information.

Strong negotiation and persuasion skills with the ability to create new business opportunities.

Ability to quickly grasp the customer’s current situation and their needs based on the current market environment and cross business objectives.  Based on customer understanding, able to visualize and develop compelling design possibilities. 

Ability to engage in rapid experimentation of multiple design ideas and ability to learn from failed design concepts.

Ability to be accessible, available and responsive to the customer and understand the customer’s point of view.  Ability to advocate for customer needs to others and create mutual agreement on project scope.

Previous experience working in a team environment preferred, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing among co-workers.

Must be able to travel as necessary and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.