Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Pratt Industries

Location: Schertz, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / GTM Support

Date Posted: 2026-08-04T22:13:12.279

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design and structural sample creation process, directly supporting sales promotions and new account acquisition for corrugated packaging solutions.

• Lead and manage a team of designers and technical staff, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality artwork and structural box samples that align with customer needs and production feasibility.

• Analyze industry trends and innovations in equipment and materials to recommend updates and improvements to product styles, board weights, and design capabilities, enhancing competitive positioning.

• Collaborate closely with Sales Representatives, accompanying them on client visits to present new product designs and articulate technical specifications, thereby facilitating sales growth and customer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a manufacturing environment but has significant Go-To-Market (GTM) implications due to its direct support of sales promotions and customer presentations. The "Design Manager" title, while creative, functions here as a critical operations and GTM enablement role within the manufacturing lifecycle of corrugated packaging. The emphasis on production feasibility and sales collaboration highlights its operational importance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Formulate and communicate innovative design concepts for new accounts and products, performing thorough analysis of customer requirements and assessing production feasibility to ensure viable solutions.

• Lead the creation of artwork and structural box samples, coordinating with the design team to meet sales team deadlines and priority levels for various client projects.

• Conduct regular reviews of existing accounts, proposing strategic updates to design styles, board weights, and incorporating new developments or material innovations to maintain client satisfaction and market relevance.

• Research and analyze changes within the corrugated packaging industry, identifying and evaluating new equipment and technological innovations that can be adapted to enhance company operations and design capabilities.

• Manage subordinate performance, ensuring adherence to project timelines, quality standards, and efficient workload prioritization, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Implement, maintain, and enforce all company policies and procedures, with a strong emphasis on safety protocols, good housekeeping practices, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, DEQ, EEO).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a blend of creative oversight, operational management, and strategic input. The role requires not just design execution but also the strategic analysis of market trends, production capabilities, and customer needs, directly impacting sales effectiveness and operational efficiency. The focus on "production feasibility" and "customer needs" links this design role directly to core operational and GTM objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in graphics, drafting, structural design, or a closely related manufacturing field.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in overseeing the creation of artwork and structural box samples for client presentation and sales promotion.

• Strong analytical skills to assess customer needs, analyze production feasibility, and evaluate industry innovations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present information to diverse groups, including sales teams, management, clients, and the general public.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a design team, ensuring performance, adherence to deadlines, and coordination of workload priorities.

• Proficiency in understanding and applying mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, probability, and statistical inference, as well as geometry and trigonometry, for design and analysis.

• Aptitude for defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions; ability to interpret technical instructions and variables.

• Working knowledge of equipment design and capabilities relevant to efficient manufacturing operations in the corrugated industry.

• Understanding of cost implications in design decisions to drive cost reduction and identify areas for improvement.

• Experience with budget development, adherence, and analysis for the design department.

• Commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring regulatory compliance (OSHA, DEQ, EEO). Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in a production/manufacturing facility, specifically within the corrugated packaging industry.

• Experience accompanying sales representatives on customer visits to present new products and designs.

• Familiarity with advanced design software and 3D modeling tools relevant to packaging design.

• Knowledge of sustainability and recycling practices within the paper and packaging sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on mathematical and reasoning abilities, alongside technical knowledge of equipment and cost implications, suggests this role requires a strong operational and analytical mindset, not just creative flair. The preference for corrugated industry experience is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating the ability to translate customer needs into feasible structural and graphical packaging designs.

• Include case studies that highlight the process of assessing production feasibility, addressing customer requirements, and developing innovative design solutions for the corrugated industry.

• Provide examples of artwork creation and structural sample development, illustrating the end-to-end design lifecycle from concept to client presentation.

• Demonstrate experience in analyzing industry innovations and recommending design or material updates that improved product offerings or operational efficiency.

• Quantify the impact of design contributions, where possible, on sales promotions, new account acquisition, or cost savings. Process Documentation:

• Document the workflow for conceptualizing, designing, and producing structural box samples and artwork, detailing stages from initial client brief to final sales collateral.

• Outline methodologies for assessing production feasibility and collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are cost-effective and manufacturable.

• Detail processes for managing design team workload, prioritizing projects, and ensuring timely delivery of sales support materials.

• Describe how industry research and innovation are integrated into the design process to drive continuous improvement and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with strong GTM and operational ties, a portfolio that bridges creative output with tangible business impact (sales support, feasibility, cost) is crucial. The focus should be on demonstrating problem-solving capabilities within a manufacturing and sales context, not just aesthetic design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Pratt Industries' operational scale and the typical compensation for Design Managers in manufacturing and GTM support roles in the Texas region, an estimated annual salary range of $75,000 - $110,000 is expected. This range accounts for the specified experience level (5-10 years), leadership responsibilities, and the strategic importance of the role in supporting sales and operational efficiency.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance coverage.

• Access to All State services for additional protection.

• Pre-Paid Legal services for legal assistance.

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Generous Paid Vacation time for work-life balance.

• Paid Holidays to observe national and company-recognized holidays.

• Childbearing and Parental Leave policies to support employees during significant life events.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position with a standard work week of 40 hours. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or support urgent sales initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Schertz, Texas, considering the company's size and the scope of responsibilities. Pratt Industries' stated benefits package is comprehensive and competitive for the manufacturing sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pratt Industries operates within the Paper & Packaging manufacturing sector, a critical component of the broader supply chain, serving diverse industries with corrugated packaging solutions. The company emphasizes its commitment to environmental sustainability and recycling, positioning itself as a leader in "green collar" employment.

Company Size: Pratt Industries is a large organization, ranking as the 5th largest paper and packaging company in America with over 10,000 employees. This scale suggests well-established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for cross-functional interaction.

Founded: Founded with a strong focus on recycling and environmental stewardship, Pratt Industries has grown into a significant player in the paper and packaging market. This history likely instills a culture of innovation, efficiency, and a long-term perspective on business operations.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely consists of graphic designers, structural designers, and sample makers, reporting directly to the Design Manager.

• The Design Manager reports to the Sales Manager, indicating a direct alignment of design efforts with sales objectives and GTM strategies.

• Close collaboration is expected with Sales Representatives, Production departments, and potentially Material Sourcing teams to ensure design feasibility and client satisfaction. Methodology:

• The company's operations likely emphasize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality control, driven by its "sophisticated manufacturing facilities."

• A data-driven approach is implied through the focus on performance measurements, cost analysis, and budget adherence.

• The commitment to recycling and sustainability suggests an operational methodology that integrates environmental responsibility into business practices.

Company Website: https://myjobs.adp.com/prattexternalcareersite/cx/job-listing

📝 Enhancement Note: The reporting structure to the Sales Manager is a key insight, framing the Design Manager role as a critical enabler of GTM strategy rather than a purely internal creative function. The company's size and industry focus on sustainability are important cultural and operational context points.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position within the operational and GTM support structure. It requires a blend of creative leadership, technical expertise, and team management, with direct responsibility for a critical function that impacts sales performance and customer acquisition.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Sales Manager. This direct line of reporting signifies that the primary objective of the design function is to support and drive sales initiatives, product development from a customer-facing perspective, and new business development.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is significant, as their team's output directly influences the sales team's ability to secure new business and retain existing clients. Effective design and sample creation can be a key differentiator in the competitive corrugated packaging market, directly contributing to revenue generation and market share growth. The role also influences operational efficiency through recommendations on material usage, production feasibility, and process improvements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher management roles within Sales, Operations, or Product Development, potentially managing larger teams or broader functional areas.

• Strategic Design Leadership: Opportunity to shape the company's design strategy, influence product innovation, and lead initiatives related to sustainability in packaging design.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop deeper understanding of manufacturing processes, sales strategies, and business operations through close collaboration, leading to a more holistic business acumen.

• Industry Specialization: Become a subject matter expert in corrugated packaging design and manufacturing, potentially leading to specialized roles or industry recognition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The reporting structure to Sales Manager is critical for understanding the role's strategic placement. Growth opportunities should emphasize how this role bridges creative/technical skills with business development and operational strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at Pratt Industries' facility in Schertz, Texas. This environment is likely a combination of office space for design work, team meetings, and administrative tasks, alongside access to manufacturing floors for understanding production processes and collaborating with production staff.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 6389 FM 3009 Suite 100, Schertz, Texas 78154. This location is within a business park or industrial area, typical for manufacturing operations, offering accessibility for local talent.

Workspace Context:

• The design studio/office space will likely be equipped with necessary design software, hardware, and potentially sample-making equipment or access to such facilities.

• Collaboration with sales teams will occur both on-site and potentially through remote communication tools, while interaction with production staff will be hands-on, requiring visits to the manufacturing floor.

• The environment demands a balance between creative thinking in the design space and practical, problem-solving approaches on the production floor or during client interactions.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and sales team needs. This may involve occasional extended hours or weekend work, particularly during critical sales periods or when launching new product designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for manufacturing roles. The description of the workspace should highlight the blend of creative office space and the need for direct engagement with manufacturing and sales environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Sales Manager to evaluate your leadership style, understanding of GTM support, and alignment with team objectives. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing design teams and supporting sales initiatives.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a practical exercise or case study related to design problem-solving, production feasibility analysis, or budget management. You may be asked to present a design concept or critique an existing one.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, possibly including Sales Representatives or Production Supervisors, to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit within the broader organization.

• Final Interview: A concluding conversation with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to solve business problems through design, focusing on those that supported sales promotions, new product launches, or addressed production challenges.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics showing how your designs contributed to sales growth, cost savings, improved customer satisfaction, or operational efficiencies.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from understanding client needs and production constraints to developing concepts, creating samples, and presenting them.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with sales teams, production, and other departments to achieve project goals. Emphasize your ability to translate technical requirements into actionable design solutions.

• Tailor to Pratt Industries: Research Pratt Industries' product lines, market position, and sustainability initiatives. Highlight projects that align with their focus on corrugated packaging and environmental responsibility.

Challenge Preparation:

• GTM Strategy: Be ready to discuss how design can directly support sales objectives and customer acquisition.

• Production Feasibility: Prepare to analyze hypothetical design scenarios and discuss potential production challenges and solutions.

• Team Management: Anticipate questions about leading design teams, managing workloads, and resolving conflicts.

• Cost Awareness: Be prepared to discuss how design decisions impact manufacturing costs and how you would approach cost-effective design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes the role's GTM and operational impact. Portfolio advice should guide candidates to showcase problem-solving and business results, not just creative output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard graphic design and structural design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign; CAD software for structural design like SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, or similar packaging design platforms).

• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Tools for creating realistic 3D renderings and mock-ups of packaging solutions.

• Project Management Software: Tools for managing design projects, timelines, and team workloads (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or internal systems).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data related to design performance, sales support effectiveness, and potentially production costs. Familiarity with spreadsheet software (Excel) for data manipulation and basic analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or interpreting reports that track design project status, sales support metrics, and team productivity.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding how design collateral and samples are requested, tracked, and utilized within a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, though direct use may be limited, understanding the integration is key).

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with concepts of workflow automation in design or manufacturing processes to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific design software mentioned is based on industry standards for packaging design. The emphasis is on tools that support both the creative output and the operational management of the design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to develop new and innovative packaging designs and solutions that meet evolving customer needs and market trends.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A commitment to optimizing design processes, managing workloads effectively, and delivering high-quality outputs within defined timelines and budgets.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive team environment where ideas are shared, feedback is constructive, and collective goals are achieved.

• Quality & Excellence: Upholding high standards in all design work, from artwork accuracy to structural integrity and production feasibility.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: Embracing the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and incorporating sustainable practices into design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Sales-Centric: A proactive and responsive approach to supporting the sales team, understanding their needs, and delivering effective design collateral that aids in closing deals.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with production, engineering, and material sourcing teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet quality and regulatory requirements.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing data from sales performance, customer feedback, and production feedback to inform design strategies and continuous improvement efforts.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent communication channels with direct reports, superiors, and cross-functional partners to ensure alignment and resolve issues promptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values should reflect both the creative nature of design and the operational realities of a manufacturing environment, with a strong emphasis on supporting GTM objectives and sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Reality: Ensuring innovative designs are also cost-effective, manufacturable, and meet stringent quality and safety standards within a large-scale production environment.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple design requests from various sales teams and clients simultaneously, each with different deadlines and levels of urgency.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Continuously researching and integrating new materials, printing technologies, and design innovations in a rapidly evolving packaging market.

• Leading a Diverse Team: Effectively managing and motivating a team of designers with varying skill sets and experience levels, fostering a cohesive and high-performing unit.

• Driving Sustainability in Design: Championing and implementing environmentally friendly design choices and materials in a cost-conscious manufacturing setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Technology Training: Access to courses and workshops on new design software, 3D modeling, and emerging packaging technologies.

• Operations & Manufacturing Immersion: Opportunities to gain deeper insights into the corrugated manufacturing process, material science, and supply chain logistics.

• Sales & GTM Strategy Workshops: Training or exposure to sales methodologies, customer relationship management, and GTM strategies to better align design efforts with business objectives.

• Leadership & Management Development: Programs focused on enhancing skills in team leadership, performance management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Encouragement and support to attend packaging industry trade shows, conferences, and pursue relevant professional certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges should be framed in a way that also presents opportunities for skill development and problem-solving, aligning with the growth opportunities section.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a creative design vision with significant production constraints or cost limitations. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, feasibility analysis, and compromise.)

• "How would you approach developing a design strategy to support a new sales initiative for a key product line? What information would you need from the sales team?" (Focus on GTM alignment, collaboration, and strategic thinking.)

• "Walk us through your process for analyzing customer needs and translating them into a feasible structural and graphical design for corrugated packaging." (Focus on systematic approach, customer focus, and technical understanding.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Pratt Industries is committed to sustainability. How would you integrate this value into your team's design process and recommendations?" (Focus on company values, environmental consciousness, and innovation.)

• "This role reports to the Sales Manager. How do you see the relationship between a Design Manager and a Sales Manager, and how would you ensure effective collaboration?" (Focus on reporting structure, GTM integration, and stakeholder management.)

• "Describe your experience managing a team. How do you motivate designers, handle underperformance, and foster a collaborative environment?" (Focus on leadership, employee relations, and team dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your portfolio review by highlighting 1-2 projects that demonstrate significant business impact (e.g., won a new account, solved a major client problem, significantly reduced costs).

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the process you followed (including collaboration with sales/production), the solution, and the quantifiable results.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of projects that demonstrate your skills in both structural design and graphic artwork, as well as your ability to work with different client types and product needs.

• Highlight Feasibility Analysis: Explicitly discuss how you assessed and ensured production feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to quality standards.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, technical specifications, and how your work directly supported sales efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Questions should probe the candidate's ability to blend creative expertise with operational and GTM responsibilities, focusing on problem-solving, leadership, and business impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Pratt Industries careers portal via the provided ADP link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience in structural design, artwork creation, production feasibility analysis, and direct support of sales promotions within the manufacturing or packaging industry. Prioritize case studies with quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience in design management, your leadership responsibilities, and any experience with corrugated packaging or manufacturing environments. Use keywords from the job description such as "structural design," "artwork creation," "production feasibility," "sales support," and "team leadership."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the job description and company information. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and managing design projects under pressure. Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on business impact.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of Pratt Industries' products, market position, commitment to sustainability, and recent news. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission and values, particularly their focus on recycling and environmental stewardship.

⚠️ 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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