Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Multi-Site Leadership

Company: Placon Corporation

Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management / Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-site design teams to deliver innovative product and tooling designs, crucial for Go-To-Market (GTM) success and product lifecycle management.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within design processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely delivery of New Product Development (NPD) outputs.

• Oversee technical feasibility assessments, project quoting, and external tooling procurement, directly impacting cost of goods sold (COGS) and operational efficiency.

• Develop and coach a high-performing team, fostering a growth-focused culture and ensuring operational excellence across all design functions.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and manufacturing to translate business opportunities into effective packaging solutions and optimize manufacturing performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Manager," has significant operational and GTM implications. The responsibilities for managing design schedules, technical feasibility, vendor performance, and cross-functional partnerships align closely with Revenue Operations (RevOps) and Sales Operations principles by ensuring the product development pipeline is efficient and aligned with market demands. The emphasis on multi-site leadership and process improvement also points to a strong operational management component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor design teams across multiple geographic locations, ensuring consistent delivery of accurate and on-time product and tooling designs that support GTM strategies.

• Manage the master design schedule, resource allocation, and project timelines to meet critical customer deadlines and support revenue generation initiatives.

• Oversee the entire product development and tooling design lifecycle within the New Product Development (NPD) process, from concept to production readiness.

• Conduct thorough technical feasibility assessments and support accurate project quoting processes to ensure profitable project execution.

• Lead the procurement of external tooling, manage vendor relationships, and monitor vendor performance to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to schedules.

• Partner closely with Sales and Marketing teams to identify new business opportunities, understand market needs, and develop innovative packaging solutions that enhance market presence.

• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for design quality, cost efficiency, and delivery timelines, driving data-informed continuous improvement efforts.

• Manage the departmental budget, including capital expenditures and operating costs, ensuring financial accountability and optimal resource utilization.

• Develop and coach team members through effective hiring, training, feedback, and performance management, cultivating a culture of high performance and professional growth.

• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant safety standards, including ISO, SQF, and GMP, maintaining operational integrity and product quality.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Manufacturing, Engineering, Sales) to provide technical expertise, optimize overall performance, and resolve operational challenges.

• Protect company intellectual property through diligent management and adherence to IP policies.

• Lead strategic projects that enhance design capabilities, operational efficiency, and drive business growth, providing clear and concise communication to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed directly translate into operational impact by ensuring product readiness, cost control, and market responsiveness. "Oversee product development and tooling design within the NPD process" implies a critical role in the GTM engine, as new products directly fuel revenue. Managing external tooling procurement and vendor performance is a key operational function impacting COGS and production timelines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Industrial) or Business Management.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years in design, with a strong emphasis on product and tooling design, and a minimum of 5 years in leadership or management roles.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in CAD/CAM software and advanced tooling design principles.

• Significant experience in a manufacturing environment, with a preference for experience in tooling fabrication and die-casting.

• Demonstrated success in project management, including scope definition, resource planning, and execution.

• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost management, and capital expenditure planning.

• Proficient problem-solving skills, with a structured approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.

• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems; Oracle experience is a plus.

• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams effectively, driving consensus and achieving common goals.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Prior multi-site leadership experience, managing teams across different physical locations.

• Background in lean manufacturing methodologies or Six Sigma principles, with a focus on process optimization.

• In-depth knowledge of tool and die fabrication processes.

• Experience with change management initiatives, particularly within a growing or evolving organization.

• Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO, SQF, and GMP.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years in both design and leadership, combined with specific technical skills like CAD/CAM and tooling design, indicates this is a mid-to-senior level management role. The "Nice to Have" section, particularly multi-site leadership and lean/Six Sigma, suggests a focus on scalable operations and process efficiency, common in operations management roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful product and tooling design projects, showcasing technical proficiency and problem-solving capabilities.

• Case studies detailing the management of design schedules, resource allocation, and on-time delivery within the New Product Development (NPD) lifecycle.

• Examples of managing external tooling procurement, vendor selection, and performance monitoring, highlighting cost-efficiency and quality outcomes.

• Documentation of departmental budget management, capital expenditure planning, and operational cost control.

• Evidence of process improvement initiatives within design or manufacturing workflows, illustrating a data-driven approach to efficiency gains. Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams and documentation illustrating the New Product Development (NPD) process as managed by the candidate.

• Examples of how metrics (quality, cost, delivery) were established, monitored, and utilized for continuous improvement within design teams.

• Documentation showcasing cross-functional collaboration processes, particularly with sales, marketing, and manufacturing teams, for integrated GTM strategies.

• Evidence of team development strategies, including hiring, training, performance management, and coaching methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a leadership role involving design and operations, a portfolio demonstrating not just technical design output but also process management, financial oversight, and team leadership is critical. This aligns with operations expectations where quantifiable results and process efficiency are paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive salary range, estimated between $120,000 - $160,000 annually, based on experience, leadership scope, and multi-site responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Eligibility for an annual bonus, tied to individual and company performance, reflecting a results-oriented operational culture.

• Comprehensive benefits package, typically including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k).

• Professional development opportunities, such as training programs, certifications, and conference attendance, supporting career growth in operations and design leadership.

• Opportunities for travel to regional and potentially international facilities, broadening exposure to diverse operational environments.

Working Hours: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for project deadlines and operational needs. Occasional travel may require adjustments to the standard schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience and multi-site leadership responsibilities in the manufacturing sector in the US Midwest. The "annual bonus" and "comprehensive benefits" are standard for such roles, reinforcing the expectation of a professional, results-driven operations environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Packaging & Containers Manufacturing. Placon is a leader in custom-designed, high-quality thermoformed plastic packaging solutions.

Company Size: Placon Corporation is a significant player in its industry, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category, with an estimated employee count that supports multi-site operations.

Founded: Founded in 1966, Placon has a long-standing history and established reputation in the packaging industry, suggesting a culture that values experience, stability, and long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely operates within a broader Operations or Engineering division, with a matrix reporting structure for multi-site leadership.

• This role reports to senior operations or engineering leadership, with direct reports comprising design engineers, CAD specialists, and potentially project coordinators across various facilities.

• Close collaboration is expected with departments such as Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely a core operational principle, utilizing metrics from design performance, manufacturing efficiency, and market feedback.

• Process optimization through methodologies like Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma is probable, given the preference for candidates with this background.

• A strategic approach to product development and innovation, driven by customer needs and market trends, is a key operational focus.

Company Website: https://placon.isolvedhire.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and founding date suggest a stable, established organization with a focus on manufacturing excellence. The "multi-site leadership" aspect inherently implies a complex operational structure requiring strong coordination and standardized processes, typical of larger enterprises.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, overseeing critical design functions across multiple operational sites. It requires a blend of technical design expertise and robust people and project management skills, positioning it as a key leadership role within the operations hierarchy.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive, likely a VP of Operations, VP of Engineering, or Chief Operating Officer (COO). This high-level reporting structure indicates significant influence on operational strategy and GTM execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts Placon's ability to bring new products to market efficiently, control manufacturing costs through effective tooling design, and meet customer demands. Success in this role is crucial for revenue growth, market competitiveness, and overall operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential advancement to Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a similar executive leadership role overseeing broader operational functions.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like advanced tooling design, lean manufacturing implementation, or strategic supply chain management related to tooling procurement.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to lead larger, more complex strategic projects that span multiple departments or business units, enhancing leadership capabilities and business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on multi-site leadership and strategic project involvement suggests a clear path for career progression within operations management, potentially leading to executive-level positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as an "onsite" position, implying a traditional office environment within a Placon facility. This setting will likely foster direct team interaction and collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Madison, Wisconsin. However, the role requires regular travel to other "regional facilities" and occasional domestic and international travel, indicating a distributed operational footprint.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a professional office setting equipped with standard office technology, with access to design software and project management tools.

• Expect a collaborative environment where interaction with design teams, manufacturing personnel, sales representatives, and other operational stakeholders is frequent.

• The need for travel suggests an adaptable work style, comfortable working both in a primary office and at various operational sites.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week). However, the demands of managing schedules across multiple sites and ensuring timely project completion may necessitate flexibility and occasional extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "onsite" requirement and regular travel indicate a hands-on leadership approach, common in manufacturing operations where direct oversight and team engagement are critical for efficiency and problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a Recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your leadership experience, technical design expertise (CAD/CAM, tooling), project management skills, and understanding of manufacturing operations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to multi-site leadership.

• Technical/Team Interview: May involve a panel interview with key stakeholders from design, manufacturing, or other departments. This stage will assess your problem-solving abilities and cross-functional collaboration style. A portfolio review might be integrated here.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Operations) to confirm strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Placon's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantifiable Achievements: Showcase projects with clear metrics on cost savings, efficiency improvements, time-to-market reduction, or quality enhancements achieved through your design leadership.

• Process & Methodology: Highlight your approach to managing design workflows, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives. Demonstrate how you've implemented or leveraged Lean/Six Sigma principles.

• Multi-Site Management: Include examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects across different locations, addressing communication, standardization, and resource challenges.

• Technical Depth: Present examples of complex tooling designs or product development challenges you've overcome, demonstrating your CAD/CAM proficiency and understanding of manufacturing constraints.

• Business Acumen: Frame your contributions in terms of business impact, such as supporting new business opportunities, improving profitability, or enhancing customer satisfaction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for case study questions related to optimizing a multi-site design process, addressing a critical tooling failure, or developing a strategy for a new product launch under tight deadlines.

• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, conflict resolution strategies, and how you motivate teams.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting, capital expenditure planning, and vendor management in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on multi-site leadership, process improvement, and financial management suggests that interviewers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate strategic thinking and operational execution, not just technical design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/CAM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD/CAM software is essential. Specific examples relevant to plastic thermoforming and tooling design might include SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD, or specialized CAM packages.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with simulation software, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and potentially PDM (Product Data Management) tools.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for managing schedules, tasks, and resources across multiple projects and locations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ERP/MRP Systems: Direct experience with Oracle (preferred) or other ERP/MRP systems for managing inventory, production planning, and cost tracking.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for data analysis, performance monitoring, and report generation, especially for KPIs related to design, cost, and delivery.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing a CRM, understanding how design impacts sales and marketing efforts (supported by CRM data) is beneficial.

• Knowledge of process automation tools or methodologies that can streamline design workflows or data management processes.

• Familiarity with integration tools or concepts if different systems need to communicate effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of Oracle ERP/MRP, along with CAD/CAM and general project management tools, highlights the blend of technical design and operational system management required for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs through innovative and high-quality packaging solutions.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards and fostering respectful relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners, aligned with "The Placon Way."

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly seek better methods, materials, and designs that enhance product performance and operational efficiency.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, delivering on commitments, and driving measurable results across design and operations.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Valuing cross-functional partnerships and collective problem-solving to achieve shared objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless collaboration between design, sales, marketing, and manufacturing to ensure designs are technically feasible, market-aligned, and cost-effective for production.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication channels across all levels and sites to address challenges, share best practices, and maintain alignment.

• Feedback Loops: Establishing robust feedback mechanisms from manufacturing and sales back to the design team to inform continuous improvement and future designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "The Placon Way" suggests a strong emphasis on company values and culture. The focus on innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration are typical of forward-thinking operations and engineering teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Multi-Site Management: Effectively leading and standardizing design processes, team performance, and quality across geographically dispersed facilities requires strong organizational and communication skills.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Ensuring designs meet customer needs and market trends while adhering to strict manufacturing capabilities, cost targets, and regulatory compliance.

• Managing External Vendor Relationships: Successfully negotiating, managing, and holding external tooling suppliers accountable for quality, cost, and delivery timelines.

• Driving Change: Implementing new processes, technologies, or methodologies within a long-standing organization and across multiple sites can face resistance and require adept change management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications or training in specialized CAD/CAM software, tooling design, or materials science relevant to packaging.

• Operations Leadership Development: Participation in leadership programs, executive coaching, or workshops focused on strategic planning, financial management, and multi-site operations management.

• Industry Exposure: Attending relevant industry conferences, trade shows, and professional development events to stay abreast of emerging trends in packaging design, manufacturing technology, and operations best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined directly relate to the complexities of a multi-site operational role, emphasizing the need for strong leadership, process management, and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience leading design teams across multiple locations. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on communication, standardization, and performance metrics).

• "Walk me through your process for conducting a technical feasibility assessment for a new product or tooling design. How do you balance innovation with manufacturing constraints?" (Highlight your structured approach, cross-functional input, and risk assessment).

• "How have you used data and KPIs to drive continuous improvement within a design or manufacturing team? Provide a specific example." (Emphasize your analytical skills, focus on metrics like quality, cost, and delivery, and impact on operational efficiency).

• "Describe a time you had to manage a critical vendor relationship for tooling procurement. What were the challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase your vendor management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Placon and our position in the packaging industry? How do you see your role contributing to our success?" (Research Placon's products, markets, and recent news. Connect your design and operations leadership to their business goals).

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your teams?" (Discuss methods for encouraging new ideas, implementing feedback, and promoting Lean/Six Sigma principles).

• "How do you ensure alignment and collaboration between design teams at different sites and with other departments like Sales and Manufacturing?" (Explain your communication strategies, team-building efforts, and cross-functional partnership approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project type or by key responsibility areas (e.g., Multi-Site Leadership, NPD Process Management, Cost Optimization).

• Focus on Operations & GTM: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the operational solutions implemented, and the quantifiable impact on revenue, cost, or market position.

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers to demonstrate achievements (e.g., "Reduced tooling lead time by 15%", "Achieved 10% cost savings on new product launch", "Improved on-time delivery rate from 85% to 95%").

• Showcase Process Improvement: Highlight specific instances where you improved design workflows, implemented new tools, or streamlined processes, demonstrating your operational mindset.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio, especially regarding challenges, lessons learned, and your strategic decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation guidance emphasizes connecting design leadership with operational outcomes and GTM strategy, reflecting the nuanced nature of this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Placon Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your experience in multi-site leadership, CAD/CAM, tooling design, project management, budgeting, and any ERP/MRP system experience (especially Oracle). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your design projects, focusing on those that demonstrate process management, cost savings, efficiency improvements, and successful cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to present these with a focus on operational impact and GTM support.

• Research Placon: Understand their product offerings, target markets, and company values ("The Placon Way"). Prepare to articulate how your leadership style and operational expertise align with their business objectives.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common leadership, technical, and behavioral interview questions, specifically preparing examples that showcase your ability to manage operations, drive improvement, and lead teams effectively across multiple locations.

⚠️ 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.