Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: PCA

Location: El Paso, TX, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-16

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees and manages plant design services, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to design standards.

• Provides critical technical direction and guidance to design teams, fostering skill development and project success.

• Serves as a key liaison between customers, sales, and production to drive new business and expand existing client relationships.

• Evaluates and recommends improvements to overall plant performance and profitability through strategic design initiatives.

• Manages the complete lifecycle of design projects, from initial concept and customer interaction to final production feasibility and cost optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities explicitly place this role within an operational and plant management context, focusing on efficiency, profitability, and cross-functional collaboration. This indicates a strong Revenue Operations or GTM Operations alignment where design directly impacts sales and production outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive operational oversight and project management for all plant design services, including new and existing product designs.

• Ensure all design creations adhere to Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) established design standards and best practices.

• Supervise, train, and mentor design staff, fostering a high-performing and collaborative design department.

• Facilitate regular communication with plant departments (e.g., sales, production) regarding project status, resource allocation, and design feasibility.

• Evaluate packaging and display needs for current and prospective customers, identifying opportunities for enhancement in style, function, appearance, cost, and efficient product design.

• Collaborate closely with sales and production teams to select optimal packaging and display solutions for manufacturing.

• Leverage the expertise of the design force to develop superior product designs that meet customer requirements.

• Determine the most cost-effective and efficient production formats for designs, balancing customer needs with operational capabilities.

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

• Serve as a technical resource and strategic partner for the sales team in developing new business opportunities through innovative design solutions.

• Manage specific programs, such as the hazardous material packaging program, as required by industry regulations and customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "evaluating opportunities to improve overall plant performance and profitability," "cost-effective and efficient production formats," and "securing new business and expanding present business" strongly suggests this role is deeply integrated with GTM strategy and revenue generation, not just a pure design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• Proven experience within the corrugated industry, demonstrating a technical understanding of corrugated packaging design, cutting dies, converting machinery, and printing processes.

Required Skills:

• Operational Oversight: Proven ability to manage and direct design services, ensuring efficient operations and project delivery.

• Technical Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of corrugated packaging design principles, materials, production methods, and retail usage of packaging and POP displays.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) software for design creation and manipulation.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, from conception to completion, within deadlines.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Skill in liaising effectively with sales, production, and customer teams to achieve project goals.

• Cost & Efficiency Analysis: Ability to evaluate designs for cost-effectiveness and efficient production, contributing to plant profitability.

• Customer Relationship Management: Aptitude for building and maintaining strong business relationships with clients.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Financial and business operations analysis skills to identify improvement opportunities.

• Negotiation and persuasion skills to create new business opportunities.

• Experience with hazardous material packaging programs.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Skills, Knowledge & Abilities" section provides further detail, highlighting "Financial and business operations analysis skills" and "negotiation and persuasion skills," reinforcing the operational and business development aspects of this design-focused role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of packaging and point-of-purchase (POP) display designs, demonstrating creativity, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Include case studies that detail the problem statement, design process, materials used, production challenges, and final outcomes, emphasizing quantifiable improvements.

• Demonstrate proficiency with Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) software through examples of technical drawings, 3D renderings, and die-lines.

• Highlight projects where collaboration with sales and production teams was crucial for successful implementation and customer satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of managing design projects from inception to completion, including timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication.

• Illustrate your approach to evaluating customer needs and translating them into viable design solutions.

• Detail your methodology for ensuring designs meet both customer requirements and efficient production standards.

• Showcase experience in mentoring and guiding design teams to achieve project objectives and maintain quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on project management, customer interaction, and optimizing for production and cost, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's process for translating client needs into manufacturable designs and their role in driving business outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000 per year (Estimated)

Benefits:

• Annual Bonus: Performance-based bonus tied to individual contribution and overall company performance.

• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year, prorated during the initial year of hire.

• Paid Holidays: Comprehensive paid holiday schedule.

• Health Coverage: Eligibility to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage within the first 30 days of employment.

• Life & Disability Insurance: Automatic enrollment in life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and disability coverages upon hire.

• 401k Plan: Automatic enrollment in the 401k plan upon hire, with options for pre-tax and Roth contributions, and employer matching contributions.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typical for an on-site management role. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and customer demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary is a starting point ($70,000). Based on the 8 years of experience requirement, the management experience preference, and the location in El Paso, TX, a more competitive range considering market rates for similar roles in manufacturing/operations management would likely be between $70,000 and $95,000. This range reflects the blend of technical design, project management, and operational leadership. Research conducted on similar "Design Manager" or "Packaging Design Manager" roles in Texas with 5-10 years of experience supports this estimated range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Packaging and Paper Manufacturing (Corrugated Packaging and White Paper)

Company Size: Fortune 500 (approximately 15,000+ employees across over 100 locations).

Founded: Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) was founded in 1959.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the plant management team, indicating a flat or matrixed reporting structure within the specific plant.

• The Design Manager will directly supervise a team of designers and other design staff.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role requires evaluating opportunities for improved plant performance and profitability, suggesting a data-informed approach to design and operations.

• Customer-Centric Design: A core focus is on understanding and meeting customer packaging and display needs, driving new business and expanding existing relationships.

• Process Optimization: Emphasis on finding the "best format to run product while balancing cost and efficiency" points to a commitment to continuous process improvement.

• Collaboration and Communication: Fostering strong business relationships and serving as a resource for sales highlights a collaborative and communicative operational style.

Company Website: pcanet.org

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Fortune 500 company, PCA likely has established operational processes and a structured approach to business. The "People • Customers • Trust" motto suggests a culture that values relationships, reliability, and integrity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position, bridging technical design expertise with operational leadership and business development. It sits within the plant management structure, contributing to overall site performance.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports to a Plant Manager or a Director of Operations within a specific PCA facility. They, in turn, manage a team of designers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on revenue by securing new business through compelling designs, expanding existing business by meeting evolving customer needs, and improving profitability by optimizing design for cost-effective production. It influences both top-line growth and bottom-line efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher-level plant management roles (e.g., Plant Manager, Operations Director) or specialized roles within PCA's broader design or operational strategy departments.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in manufacturing operations, sales strategy, and customer account management, broadening career options within GTM and operations.

• Technical Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in advanced packaging design, materials science, or sustainable packaging solutions within the company.

• Mentorship and Team Development: Developing strong leadership skills through managing and mentoring a design team, a valuable asset for future leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred requirements" mention two years of management experience, indicating that this role is not just about design but also about leading a team and managing departmental operations, which is a critical step for career progression in operations management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring active participation within a manufacturing plant environment.

Office Location(s): El Paso, Texas. This location is within a significant industrial and logistical hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely involve a blend of office-based design work using CAD software and regular interaction on the plant floor to understand production realities and collaborate with operational teams.

• Access to design software, potentially prototyping equipment, and direct communication channels with sales, production, and customer representatives will be key.

Work Schedule:

• Typically a standard 40-hour work week. However, the nature of project management, customer interactions, and potential production demands may necessitate occasional extended hours or weekend availability to meet critical deadlines or resolve urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a balance between office-based technical work and on-site plant floor engagement, necessitating strong time management and the ability to adapt to different work settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely the Plant Manager or Operations Director) to delve deeper into operational experience, leadership style, and technical design capabilities.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from sales and production teams to assess collaboration skills and understanding of GTM/operations integration.

• Technical/Design Assessment: Potentially a technical assessment or a review of portfolio examples to evaluate design skills, CAD proficiency, and problem-solving abilities related to packaging challenges.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or HR for final evaluation and offer discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the design solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., cost savings, increased sales, improved efficiency, customer satisfaction).

• Highlight Process: Detail your design process, from initial client brief and concept generation to technical execution, collaboration with production, and final implementation.

• Demonstrate CAD Skills: Include examples of CAD work, such as technical drawings, 3D renderings, and die-lines, to showcase your technical proficiency.

• Emphasize Management: If you have management experience, include examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, and managed departmental performance.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data whenever possible to quantify the success of your designs and your contributions to business objectives (e.g., "Reduced material costs by 15%," "Increased new business secured by 20%").

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to customer packaging needs, production constraints, or cost-reduction initiatives.

• Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving, emphasizing your ability to balance design aesthetics, functionality, cost, and manufacturability.

• Prepare to discuss how you would manage a design team, prioritize projects, and collaborate with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on operational impact and business development, interviewers will likely probe how design decisions contribute to the plant's overall success, profitability, and customer relationships.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) Software: Essential for creating technical drawings, 3D models, and die-lines for packaging and POP displays. Specific software names were not provided, but common industry tools include:

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop): For visual design and graphic elements.
  • SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD: For structural design and 3D modeling.
  • Esko ArtiosCAD: A specialized CAD software for packaging design.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and cost tracking, and Outlook for communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems may be helpful for understanding customer interactions and sales pipelines, though not a primary requirement for the design function itself.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CAD software is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with specific CAD packages and how they leverage them for efficient and effective design solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People, Customers, Trust: PCA's core values emphasize strong relationships with employees and customers, and a foundation of integrity.

• Operational Excellence: The role's focus on efficiency, cost optimization, and profitability aligns with a culture that strives for high performance in manufacturing.

• Innovation & Problem Solving: The expectation to evaluate needs, develop compelling design possibilities, and learn from failed concepts points to a culture that encourages creative solutions and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration: The need to liaise with multiple departments and foster business relationships underscores the importance of teamwork and open communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where the Design Manager works closely with Sales (to understand customer needs and win business), Production (to ensure manufacturability and efficiency), and potentially other plant management roles.

• Customer-Focused Approach: The ability to understand the customer's point of view and advocate for their needs while balancing business objectives is crucial.

• Process-Oriented Communication: Clear and effective communication regarding project status, design feasibility, and timelines is essential for smooth operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of how design functions within a larger manufacturing and sales ecosystem, highlighting their ability to contribute to team success beyond their immediate design responsibilities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing competing demands: Juggling customer requests, sales team needs, production constraints, and cost targets simultaneously.

• Managing a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment: Ensuring timely delivery of designs without compromising quality or innovation.

• Translating complex customer needs into feasible designs: Understanding diverse client requirements and translating them into practical, cost-effective packaging solutions.

• Driving continuous improvement: Identifying and implementing enhancements to design processes, materials, or production methods to boost plant performance and profitability.

• Leading and developing a design team: Effectively supervising, mentoring, and coaching designers to achieve high performance and career growth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Material Knowledge: Deepen expertise in specialized packaging materials, sustainable design practices, and emerging design technologies.

• Operations Management Skills: Develop a more comprehensive understanding of plant operations, supply chain, and financial management through active participation in the plant management team.

• Leadership and People Management: Gain extensive experience in team leadership, performance management, and talent development.

• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of evolving trends in packaging, retail display, and manufacturing technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to blend creative design with hard-hitting operational and business objectives, providing a challenging yet rewarding path for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a customer's ambitious design request with production limitations and cost constraints. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and finding innovative solutions.)

• "How would you approach improving the efficiency of our design department, considering both workflow and team productivity?" (Highlight process optimization, team management, and data-driven decision-making.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about PCA and our position in the packaging industry?" (Research PCA's market presence, products, and recent news.)

• "How do you align with our core values of People, Customers, and Trust?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values in your work.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the challenge, your solution, the process, and the quantifiable results.

• Showcase Management: If applicable, include examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, and contributed to departmental goals.

• Highlight CAD Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your CAD software expertise and show examples of your technical drawings or 3D models.

• Focus on Business Value: For each design example, explain how it contributed to business objectives like increased sales, reduced costs, or improved customer satisfaction.

• Be Ready for Design Challenges: Practice articulating your problem-solving approach for hypothetical design scenarios relevant to corrugated packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss not just design aesthetics but also the operational and financial implications of your design decisions, demonstrating your understanding of the business context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal or PCA careers site.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in packaging design, corrugated industry knowledge, project management, and any supervisory or management experience. Specifically, emphasize projects that demonstrate cost savings, efficiency improvements, and successful customer collaborations.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 8+ years of relevant experience, your bachelor's degree, and your proficiency with CAD software and other required tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "operational oversight," "technical direction," "corrugated industry," "project management," and "cost efficiency."

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving abilities, and how you drive business results through design. Be ready to present specific examples from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PCA's products, markets, and company culture. Understand their commitment to customers and operational excellence.

⚠️ 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.

---