Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: PCA (Packaging Corporation of America)

Location: Burlington, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Design & Engineering

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with 2+ years preferred in management)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the plant's design services department, ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment with business objectives.

• Provide critical technical direction and guidance to a team of designers, fostering innovation and adherence to company design standards.

• Drive customer engagement by collaborating with sales and production teams to develop and present optimized packaging and display solutions, directly impacting new business acquisition and client retention.

• Contribute to overall plant performance and profitability as a key member of the plant management team, identifying and implementing process improvements.

• Oversee project management for all design-related initiatives, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of solutions that meet customer requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and context provided strongly indicate a role rooted in operations and GTM enablement, specifically within the manufacturing and packaging sector. The emphasis on plant performance, collaboration with sales and production, and customer-facing design strategy positions this role at the intersection of design, operations, and business development. The "Operations Management" category is chosen to reflect the managerial and operational oversight responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive project management for all plant design services, encompassing new product development and enhancements for existing offerings, ensuring strict adherence to PCA's established design standards.

• Directly supervise, train, mentor, and develop the design department staff, including designers and other support personnel, to cultivate a high-performing and skilled team.

• Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between the design department and other plant functions (e.g., sales, production, engineering) to ensure project status transparency, resource allocation efficiency, and design feasibility.

• Conduct thorough evaluations of packaging and display needs for both prospective and existing customers, identifying opportunities to enhance style, functionality, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, and overall design efficiency.

• Partner closely with sales and production teams to select optimal packaging and display solutions for manufacturing, balancing customer requirements with plant capabilities and cost considerations.

• Leverage the collective expertise of PCA's design force to conceptualize and develop superior product designs that meet or exceed customer expectations.

• Determine the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturing formats for products, ensuring alignment with customer timelines and quality requirements.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, productive business relationships with key customers, serving as a trusted point of contact for design-related inquiries and solutions.

• Act as a primary resource for the sales team, providing technical design expertise and support to facilitate the acquisition of new business opportunities.

• Manage the hazardous material packaging program, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities provided are extensive. The enhancement focuses on framing these within an operational context, emphasizing the managerial, cross-functional, and customer-facing aspects that are critical for a Design Manager in a manufacturing environment. The inclusion of "operational excellence," "strategic alignment," and "process improvements" highlights the broader operational impact of this design leadership role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Structural Engineering, or Packaging required.

Experience: Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in packaging and point-of-purchase (POP) display creation and design.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in the corrugated packaging industry, with a strong technical understanding of corrugated packaging design principles, cutting dies, converting machinery, and printing processes.

• In-depth knowledge of production methods, printing techniques, packaging materials, various design styles, and the retail application of packaging and POP displays.

• Demonstrated solid project management experience, including planning, execution, and oversight of complex design initiatives.

• Proficient in Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) software, essential for creating and manipulating design specifications.

• Strong working knowledge of standard business productivity software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, for communication, data analysis, and reporting.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to network effectively and build robust relationships with individuals across various experience levels and corporate departments, both internally and externally.

• Solid financial and business operations analysis skills, with a proven ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities for process and cost improvements.

• Strong listening, evaluating, and problem-solving capabilities, with the aptitude to develop alternative solutions and consistently meet deadlines.

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective articulation of procedures, policies, and information to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Two (2) years of previous design department management experience, including hiring, coaching, performance development, and implementing corrective actions.

• Experience in rapid experimentation of design ideas and a capacity to learn from and iterate on failed concepts.

• Ability to quickly assess customer situations and needs within the current market environment and align design possibilities with cross-business objectives.

• Aptitude to be accessible, responsive, and empathetic to customer needs, advocating for their requirements while fostering mutual agreement on project scope.

• Previous experience working in a team environment, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing among colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Basic Requirements" and "Preferred Requirements" have been consolidated and detailed under "Required Skills" and "Preferred Skills" respectively. The "Knowledge, Skills & Abilities" section has been integrated into these skill categories, with a focus on operationalizing these skills. Specific mention of CAD software and Microsoft Office suite is made prominent as key technical requirements. The distinction between required and preferred management experience is clearly maintained.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating successful packaging or POP display design projects from concept to execution.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the customer's challenge, the design solution developed, the specific role played by the applicant, and the quantifiable business impact (e.g., cost savings, increased sales, improved efficiency, enhanced brand presentation).

• Highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of corrugated industry constraints, manufacturing processes, and retail display best practices.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss and present your approach to managing the design lifecycle, from initial client consultation and concept ideation through to final production-ready specifications.

• Detail your methodology for collaborating with sales, production, and other cross-functional teams to ensure design feasibility, efficient resource allocation, and timely project delivery.

• Explain your process for evaluating customer needs, market trends, and operational constraints to inform design decisions and drive continuous improvement within the design function.

• Describe how you would implement and mentor a team in utilizing CAD software and other design tools to enhance productivity and design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is designed to guide candidates on how to present their qualifications in a way that aligns with operations and GTM roles. The emphasis is on demonstrating tangible results, process understanding, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical for operations professionals. The "Portfolio Essentials" and "Process Documentation" sections prompt candidates to think about how they've applied their skills to drive business outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $96,000 - $144,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Annual Bonus: Eligibility for an annual bonus based on individual contributions and overall company performance, aligning incentives with business success.

• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year, with pro-rata vacation granted during the initial year of hire based on the start date.

• Paid Holidays: Comprehensive paid holiday schedule.

• Health Coverage: Eligibility to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents within 30 days of employment.

• Life & Disability: Automatic enrollment in life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and disability coverage upon hire.

• 401k Plan: Automatic enrollment in the 401k plan upon hire, offering both pre-tax and Roth contribution options.

• Employer Matching Contributions: Company-provided matching contributions to the 401k plan, enhancing retirement savings.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with potential for overtime as required by project demands and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly extracted. The benefits are detailed and categorized for clarity, with specific mentions of performance-based bonuses and retirement matching to highlight financial incentives beyond base salary, which are crucial considerations for operations professionals. The working hours are generalized to 40 hours, with a note on potential overtime, which is common in operational management roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Packaging & Corrugated Materials. As a Fortune 500 company, PCA operates within a competitive industrial manufacturing sector, emphasizing innovation, customer solutions, and environmental responsibility.

Company Size: Approximately 15,000 team members across over 100 locations in the United States. This indicates a large, established organization with a significant operational footprint, offering opportunities for scale and impact.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, PCA's status as a Fortune 500 company implies a long-standing history of operational excellence and market presence. The company slogan "People • Customers • Trust" suggests a culture prioritizing relationships, integrity, and service.

Team Structure:

• The Design Department likely comprises a team of designers, potentially with specialized roles (e.g., structural designers, graphic designers), reporting to the Design Manager.

• The Design Manager is a key member of the plant management team, indicating a direct reporting relationship to the Plant Manager or a similar senior operational leader.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing customer data, market insights, and performance metrics to inform design decisions and optimize packaging solutions.

• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluating and refining design workflows, production methods, and collaboration processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.

• Customer-Centric Solutions: Prioritizing understanding and meeting customer needs through innovative, functional, and cost-effective packaging designs.

Company Website: https://www.pcanet.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description from LinkedIn has been integrated to provide context on PCA's industry position, size, and values. The "Team Structure" and "Methodology" sections infer how the Design Manager fits into the broader operational framework and the likely approach to design and business processes within a large manufacturing entity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the operational and design functions of a large manufacturing plant. It requires a blend of technical design expertise, project management acumen, and people leadership. The scope includes direct team management, cross-functional collaboration, and direct contribution to plant performance and business development.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to the Plant Manager or a Director of Operations, with direct reports being the designers and potentially other design support staff within the plant. This structure places the role firmly within the plant's operational hierarchy.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a significant impact on revenue generation and profitability by:

• Developing innovative packaging solutions that secure new business and expand existing client relationships.

• Optimizing designs for cost-effectiveness and efficient manufacturing, directly influencing production costs and margins.

• Enhancing product presentation and functionality, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into broader operational management roles within PCA, such as Plant Manager, Operations Director, or leading larger design centers.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of packaging engineering, sustainable design, or advanced manufacturing processes.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles within Sales, Business Development, or Product Management, leveraging design and customer-facing experience.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training, workshops, and industry conferences focused on design innovation, manufacturing technology, and leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the Design Manager role within a typical career progression for operations and management professionals in manufacturing. It highlights the strategic impact of design on business outcomes and outlines potential career paths for ambitious candidates within PCA.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based on-site within a manufacturing plant environment. The Design Department likely operates in a dedicated office space within or adjacent to the production floor, facilitating close collaboration with manufacturing and sales teams.

Office Location(s): Burlington, Wisconsin. This location is part of PCA's extensive network of facilities across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster close interaction with the design team, sales representatives, and production personnel. Open communication and quick problem-solving are encouraged.

• Tools and Technology: Access to modern CAD software, design workstations, and potentially prototyping equipment. Integration with plant-specific ERP or production management systems may also be a feature.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project huddles are standard. The environment supports both focused individual work and dynamic group collaboration.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. However, given the customer-facing and production-support responsibilities, flexibility may be required to meet critical deadlines, customer demands, or urgent production needs, potentially involving occasional overtime or adjusted hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section describes the physical and operational context of the role, emphasizing the on-site nature and the collaborative, fast-paced environment typical of a manufacturing plant's design department. It links the workspace directly to the operational requirements of supporting sales and production.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application, focusing on direct experience in packaging design, CAD proficiency, and management qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the Design Manager or Plant Manager to assess your technical expertise, leadership style, project management approach, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss specific design projects and operational challenges.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Meetings with key members of the design team, sales, and production to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate into the plant's operational structure.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio of your work or complete a design challenge that demonstrates your problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and ability to optimize designs for production and cost.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to finalize the decision and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly demonstrate the business results achieved. Use metrics such as cost savings (e.g., material reduction, manufacturing efficiency), revenue generated from new business secured, or improvements in customer satisfaction scores.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, from understanding customer needs and market research to concept development, prototyping, and final production handoff. Highlight how you collaborated with cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio showcases your command of CAD software and your understanding of corrugated materials, printing methods, and converting machinery.

• Highlight Leadership: If you have management experience, include examples of team development, mentoring, and successful project leadership.

• Tailor to PCA: Research PCA's product lines, customer base, and sustainability initiatives. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with PCA's stated values and business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Optimization: Be ready to tackle a hypothetical design challenge that requires you to balance aesthetic appeal, structural integrity, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability within specific constraints.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would address common operational challenges, such as production delays impacting design timelines, budget constraints, or customer feedback requiring design revisions.

• Leadership Scenarios: Practice answering questions about how you motivate teams, handle underperforming employees, resolve interdepartmental conflicts, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on navigating the application and interview process, specifically tailored to a management role in a manufacturing/operations setting. It emphasizes the importance of a results-oriented portfolio and preparedness for operational challenges and leadership scenarios.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD packages (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or specialized packaging design software like ArtiosCAD) is essential for creating detailed structural designs, mock-ups, and production-ready files.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Word (for documentation and proposals), Excel (for cost analysis, data tracking, and performance metrics), and Outlook (for communication and scheduling) are fundamental.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems used in manufacturing for tracking materials, production schedules, and inventory is beneficial for understanding operational flows.

• Business Intelligence Tools (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, exposure to BI tools or data visualization platforms could be advantageous for analyzing design impact on KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software (e.g., Salesforce): Understanding how design specifications and customer interactions are managed within a CRM system is valuable for sales collaboration and customer tracking.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project) for task assignment, progress tracking, and deadline management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the essential technical tools and software that a Design Manager would likely use, focusing on CAD and standard office productivity suites. It also includes common manufacturing/operations systems that a manager in this role would interact with or benefit from understanding.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through innovative and effective packaging solutions. This translates to prioritizing client needs in design decisions and fostering strong relationships.

• Operational Excellence: A drive for efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement in all design and production processes. This value emphasizes cost-effectiveness, waste reduction, and adherence to manufacturing standards.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: A belief in the power of collective effort, encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders, building a reputation for reliability and honesty.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new design techniques, materials, and technologies to deliver cutting-edge packaging solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively participating in cross-functional meetings with Sales, Production, and other departments to ensure seamless project execution and alignment.

• Solution-Oriented Communication: Focusing discussions on identifying challenges and collaboratively developing practical, efficient solutions that meet both customer and business objectives.

• Feedback Integration: Creating an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine designs and improve processes, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the likely cultural values and collaboration styles prevalent in a company like PCA, drawing from its industry, size, and stated mission. It emphasizes how these values would manifest in the daily work of a Design Manager and their team, particularly in relation to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Demands with Production Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into manufacturable solutions that meet cost targets and production capabilities within the corrugated industry.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Navigating and reconciling the often-competing priorities of customers, sales teams, and production management to achieve optimal design outcomes.

• Driving Adoption of New Technologies/Processes: Leading the team in adopting new design software, materials, or manufacturing techniques to maintain a competitive edge, requiring training and change management.

• Maintaining Design Quality under Tight Deadlines: Ensuring high standards of design accuracy and functionality are met even when facing demanding project timelines and rapid turnaround requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Engineering Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in packaging engineering, structural design, or material science to deepen technical expertise.

• Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma Training: Acquiring knowledge in process improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma to enhance operational efficiency and problem-solving skills within the plant.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in internal or external leadership training to hone management, strategic planning, and team-building capabilities for future advancement.

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Attending events focused on packaging innovation, manufacturing technology, and market trends to stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential challenges a Design Manager might face in this role and outlines structured growth and development opportunities that align with career progression in operations and management. It emphasizes continuous learning and skill enhancement relevant to the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a creative design vision with strict production limitations or cost targets. How did you approach this, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and operational feasibility).

• "Walk me through your process for evaluating a new customer's packaging needs and translating those into a viable design proposal. How do you ensure alignment with sales and production?" (Focus on customer understanding, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic thinking).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of PCA, how would you contribute to our mission of 'Packaging With Purpose' and our core values of 'People • Customers • Trust' within your role as Design Manager?" (Focus on cultural alignment and values integration).

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your design team and with other departments like Sales and Production?" (Focus on teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each case study, tell a compelling story: the challenge, your innovative solution, the collaborative process, and the quantifiable business impact.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality images or 3D renderings of your designs. If possible, include diagrams illustrating structural elements or manufacturing processes.

• Data Emphasis: Clearly present key metrics related to cost savings, efficiency gains, sales increases, or material reduction. Use charts or graphs where appropriate.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects efficiently, focusing on the most relevant details for this role and company. Practice your delivery to ensure smooth articulation and confident communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable interview preparation advice, including example questions that probe operational thinking, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit. It also offers strategic guidance on portfolio presentation, emphasizing the need to demonstrate tangible business impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Dayforce portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in packaging design, CAD proficiency, project management, and any team leadership roles. Use keywords from the job description, such as "corrugated industry," "structural engineering," "production methods," and "business operations analysis."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful packaging or POP display design projects. For each, prepare a concise summary that details the customer challenge, your solution, your role, and quantifiable results (cost savings, efficiency improvements, sales impact). Ensure it demonstrates your understanding of manufacturing processes.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research PCA's products, services, and company values. Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to design management, cross-functional collaboration, and operational problem-solving. Be ready to walk through your portfolio and discuss your process.

• Understand the Operations Context: Frame your experience and responses to demonstrate not just design skill, but also an understanding of how design impacts plant performance, customer relationships, and overall business profitability.

⚠️ 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.