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Package Design Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

DESIGN ENGINEER II

Mattaponi, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Creates a product's technical data package (TDP) for all detail design, subassemblies, and final ... and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, ...

Balfour Beatty

Design Manager

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Our Benefits Balfour Beatty offers employees a comprehensive compensation and benefit package ... owner-directed enhancements, and management of cost trends. Communicate / document noted changes ...

Swig Life

Art Director

Richmond, VA · On-site

$111K - $117K/yr

We design and produce premium insulated drinkware and coolers with women in mind. We believe that ... Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$87K/yr

... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ... In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$87K/yr

... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ... In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$87K/yr

... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ... In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$87K/yr

... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ... In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees ...

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Package Design Director information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a package design director?

To thrive as a Package Design Director, you need deep expertise in graphic and industrial design, brand strategy, and consumer packaging trends, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling tools, and project management platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, creative vision, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help guide teams and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, marketable packaging solutions that align with brand goals and consumer demands.

What does a package design director do?

A Package Design Director leads the creative process for designing product packaging, ensuring it is both visually appealing and functional. They manage a team of designers, collaborate with marketing and product development teams, and oversee the entire packaging design lifecycle—from conceptualization to production. Their role involves setting design standards, staying updated on industry trends, and ensuring that packaging aligns with brand identity and regulatory requirements. Additionally, they may work with external vendors and suppliers to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

What is the difference between Package Design Director vs Package Designer?

AspectPackage Design DirectorPackage Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Graphic Design, Packaging, or related fields; extensive experienceBachelor's in Graphic Design, Packaging, or related fields; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams, collaborating with marketing and productionDesigning packaging concepts, working under creative leads
Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, branding agencies, and packaging firmsCommon in design studios, branding agencies, and in-house teams

The Package Design Director focuses on leading and managing packaging projects, setting strategic vision, and overseeing teams. In contrast, the Package Designer is responsible for creating and executing packaging designs under guidance. Both roles require strong design skills, but the director role emphasizes leadership and strategic planning, while the designer role centers on hands-on design work.

How does a package design director typically collaborate with marketing and product development teams?

As a Package Design Director, you will regularly collaborate with marketing and product development teams to ensure packaging aligns with both brand strategy and functional requirements. This involves participating in brainstorming sessions, reviewing market research insights, and providing design solutions that meet product protection, shelf impact, and sustainability goals. Clear communication and an ability to balance creative vision with business objectives are essential, as you'll often mediate between creative ideas and practical constraints such as cost or manufacturing processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Package Design jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Package Design jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Package Design Director jobs in Virginia? For Package Design Director jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Package Design Director jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Package Design Director jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Package Design Director jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Package Design Director job openings:
Package Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Package Design Director job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Director, Packaging Engineering

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Smithfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
Shape the future of packaging innovation at Smithfield Foods, where a wide array of materials and processes drive industry-leading solutions. As the Director of Package Engineering, you will lead a team of subject matter experts, ensuring successful project execution and impactful results.
Your leadership will be instrumental in identifying, developing, and commercializing new, improved, and cost-efficient packaging solutions that enhance product performance and sustainability. In addition to driving innovation, your team will collaborate on cross-functional projects, supporting key business platforms, new product development, cost-saving initiatives, and core business strategies.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence packaging excellence, optimize efficiency, and contribute to Smithfield's commitment to quality and innovation.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Packaging Engineering Leadership and Strategy: You will lead packaging engineering initiatives to drive savings through waste reduction, material optimization, and innovative solutions while managing a high-performing team to achieve strategic objectives. Additionally, you will stay ahead of market trends, shaping long-term strategic plans for Smithfield's products, and actively champion packaging expertise across the organization to foster collaboration and advancement.
  • New Product Development and Process Optimization: You will oversee all aspects of packaging engineering related to new product development, collaborating with R&D Managers, Business Managers, and Process Engineering Managers to design efficient packaging solutions within tight deadlines. Additionally, you will provide ongoing support for packaging on existing products, leveraging your knowledge of Smithfield plants and processes to educate cross-functional teams and lead impactful projects. You will also research new technologies, drive their implementation when beneficial, and use your expertise to support and identify future capital investments in packaging.
  • Project and Operations Management: You will lead packaging projects from concept to implementation, ensuring alignment with Smithfield's business requirements while effectively managing incoming requests from both business and plant operations. Additionally, you will navigate complex, multi-stream projects by fostering cross-functional relationships and alliances, driving collaboration, and delivering innovative solutions across departments.
  • Technical Expertise and Compliance: You will successfully navigate Smithfield's operating systems, software, and procedures while developing a deep understanding of the company's corporate structure, products, and processes. In addition, you will apply your expertise in packaging dielines and their technical relationship to equipment, independently conducting plant trials at manufacturing locations. You will effectively communicate packaging information across all levels of the organization, identify innovative solutions with financial feasibility in mind, and proactively anticipate and resolve potential roadblocks based on project experience.
  • Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 10+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development is required.
  • Ability to demonstrate proven results with fundamental packaging knowledge, plant testing, and project management.
  • Experience with "complex packaging strategies" such as lean manufacturing, corporate purchasing agreements, and strategic sourcing.
  • Progressive experience utilizing packaging software, specification databases and SAP.
  • Extensive knowledge of packaging lab testing and techniques.
  • Excellent PC skills: MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Strong communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Strong project management skills in support of cross functional team activities.
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
  • Must be willing to travel a minimum of 50%.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • Enterprise Process Transformation: Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale process improvement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in efficiency, cost, quality, and service across multiple plants, lines, or product categories.
  • Customer-Back Innovation Leadership: Proven success translating customer and consumer insights into scalable packaging solutions that enhance product protection, performance, and overall user experience.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence: Strong ability to lead across FSQA, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Commercial teams-aligning priorities and driving decisions that balance quality, cost, and operational performance.
  • Strategic External Partnerships: Experience developing and leveraging supplier and equipment vendor partnerships to enable innovation, enhance capabilities, and accelerate speed-to-market.
  • Standards, Simplification & Automation: Expertise in establishing packaging standards, driving SKU and specification simplification, and enabling automation to improve scalability and operational consistency.
  • Packaging Systems Innovation: Track record of advancing packaging systems, tools, and processes to drive step-change improvements in cost, quality, and speed.
  • Advanced Materials & Application Expertise: Deep knowledge of resin and fiber-based systems, with the ability to guide material selection based on performance, cost, manufacturability, and sustainability considerations.
  • Manufacturing Systems & Equipment Integration: Strong understanding of packaging equipment and processes (e.g., rollstock, rotary, shrink, case packaging, palletization), with the ability to design solutions that perform reliably at scale across diverse operating environments.
  • Operational Excellence & OEE Improvement: Proven ability to improve line performance and throughput by aligning packaging design with operational capabilities, with a strong understanding of system-level OEE drivers.
  • Sustainability & Regulatory Strategy: Experience leading packaging strategies that proactively address sustainability goals (including EPR considerations) and regulatory requirements, particularly for food safety and direct-contact applications.
  • Business & Financial Acumen: Ability to connect packaging decisions to P&L impact, optimizing for total value creation across material cost, labor, efficiency, logistics, and waste.
  • Executive Communication: Skilled at translating complex technical trade-offs into clear, business-focused insights that enable alignment and decision-making at all levels of the organization.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making & Change Leadership: Leverages data and digital tools to quantify opportunities and simplify complexity, while successfully leading organizational change and driving adoption of new packaging solutions and processes.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provides clear direction, performance feedback, and ongoing coaching to direct reports to drive accountability and professional growth.
  • Establishes individual and team objectives aligned with business strategy and ensures consistent execution against goals.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, development planning, and succession planning to strengthen organizational capability.
  • Fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, ensuring strong engagement across the team.
  • Leads organizational efforts to attract, develop, and retain top talent, while building future leadership capability within the function.
  • Ensures effective resource planning and prioritization across projects, balancing workload, capability, and business needs.
  • Promotes alignment and partnership across cross-functional teams by setting expectations for ownership, communication, and results delivery.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Capable of sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
  • Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
  • Able to travel as needed.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The expected pay range for this position is $160,000 - $202,500 annually.
Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.
Relocation Package AvailableYes
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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