Packaging Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging Design Manager

Company: Signode

Location: Brighton, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Product Design & Development

Date Posted: 2026-06-22T15:59:37.263

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end creative and technical development of packaging design projects for Signode's Engineered Solutions Products, ensuring innovative and effective product protection solutions.

• Lead and manage a team of designers, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving high design standards and business objectives.

• Drive strategic collaboration with Sales and Operations teams to ensure design feasibility, manufacturing integration, and alignment with customer needs and value propositions.

• Oversee the production of samples and prototypes, conducting rigorous testing and measurements to guarantee quality and functionality throughout the design lifecycle.

• Identify and champion opportunities for design innovation and continuous process improvement within the packaging solutions domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at the intersection of product development, sales enablement, and operational execution. The "Packaging Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities involving sales collaboration, customer site visits, and manufacturing liaison, indicates a strong link to Go-To-Market (GTM) operations and operational efficiency within the product lifecycle. The emphasis on "Engineered Solutions Products" suggests a focus on customized or high-value packaging solutions that require deep technical understanding and client engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of innovative packaging solutions that ensure product protection during shipping and transit across Signode's Engineered Solutions portfolio.

• Manage the entire design project lifecycle, from initial concept development and 2D/3D modeling to sample production, prototyping, and final implementation.

• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing and Operations teams to assess and ensure the manufacturability of proposed designs, optimizing for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Conduct thorough site visits to customer locations to understand their specific needs, conduct product damage assessments, and identify optimal packaging solutions.

• Train customers on the implementation and proper use of designed packaging solutions, ensuring successful adoption and value realization.

• Engage in key account headquarter visits to collaborate on selling strategies and understand broader client business objectives related to packaging.

• Perform customer site audits to evaluate current packaging practices and identify areas for improvement and new solution opportunities.

• Prepare and present comprehensive Executive Summaries of design projects and findings to internal stakeholders, including sales and leadership teams.

• Identify and propose opportunities for design innovation, cost reduction, and process improvements within the packaging design and development function.

• Review and prioritize design projects based on CRM data and sales team input, ensuring alignment with business priorities and revenue objectives.

• Train and support Third Party Representatives on product knowledge, sales techniques, and packaging solution strategies to enhance their performance.

• Manage the full employee lifecycle for direct reports, including recruitment, hiring, performance management, and professional development.

• Participate in industry trade shows, meetings, and professional groups to gain deep understanding of assigned market segments and emerging trends.

• Ensure all packaging designs comply with relevant technical requirements, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.

• Mentor and coach new hires and team members, sharing expertise and fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of technical design leadership, project management, sales support, and people management. The emphasis on customer site visits, audits, and training highlights a hands-on, client-facing component that is crucial for GTM success. The integration with CRM and sales strategy underscores the role's contribution to revenue generation and market penetration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial design, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in engineering or packaging design.

• Proven leadership or managerial experience is highly desired, demonstrating the ability to guide and develop a design team.

• Demonstrated capabilities in supporting sales efforts, including multiple customer site visits and diverse application scenarios. Required Skills:

• Industrial Design Expertise: Deep understanding of design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes relevant to industrial and transit packaging.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard CAD software such as Catia, AutoCAD, and/or SolidWorks for developing 2-D and 3-D models.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design projects concurrently, from concept to completion, ensuring deadlines and scope are met.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Experience leading design teams, including performance management, hiring, and fostering professional development.

• Manufacturing & Operations Acumen: Strong aptitude for understanding manufacturing capabilities and collaborating with operations teams on design feasibility.

• Customer Engagement: Proven ability to conduct site visits, audits, and training sessions, effectively linking value propositions to customer needs.

• Prototyping & Testing: Experience in driving the production of samples and prototypes, and conducting rigorous measurements and testing.

• MS Office Suite Proficiency: General proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for reporting, presentations, and communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Line Automation Understanding: Basic knowledge of line automation principles and how packaging integrates into automated systems.

• Social Media Engagement: Understanding of social media platforms and their application in customer engagement and prospect outreach.

• Technical Requirements & Regulations: Familiarity with technical requirements, industry standards, and regulatory compliance related to packaging.

• Sales Support & CRM: Experience working with CRM systems and supporting sales teams in identifying and prioritizing opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in design and CAD software, coupled with practical experience in manufacturing liaison and sales support. The preference for leadership experience and the inclusion of "Functional Success Drivers" like Conceptual Ability, Organizational Planning, and Leadership highlight the managerial and strategic aspects of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A portfolio demonstrating a range of packaging design projects, highlighting the problem, design solution, materials used, and the impact of the design.

• Technical Design Examples: Include examples of 2D and 3D models created using Catia, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks, showcasing proficiency in technical design software.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Present case studies detailing how design innovations or process optimizations led to tangible improvements, such as cost savings, enhanced product protection, or increased efficiency.

• Collaboration Evidence: Showcase examples of cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, operations, and sales teams, illustrating the ability to translate design concepts into manufacturable and commercially viable solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing and documenting packaging design workflows, including stages from concept development, material selection, prototyping, testing, to final production handoff.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Demonstrate understanding of how designs are implemented in manufacturing and how automation technologies are considered in the design process.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of how design effectiveness is measured post-implementation, including metrics related to product protection, cost, and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase design aesthetics but also the technical rigor, problem-solving capabilities, and process-oriented thinking. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the "why" behind their design choices, the challenges encountered, and the measurable outcomes achieved, particularly in relation to manufacturing feasibility and sales support.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Dental insurance plans.

• Vision insurance coverage.

• 401k retirement savings plan.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

• Life insurance policies.

• Wellness perks and programs.

• Benefits commence the month following the hire date. Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are equivalent to 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time exempt position.

• While the role is on-site, there may be an expectation of occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or customer needs, common in management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range of $115,000 - $140,000 USD is considered competitive for a Packaging Design Manager role with significant responsibilities, including team leadership and sales collaboration, in the Brighton, Michigan area. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced professionals in manufacturing and design management. The benefits package is standard for a full-time role at a company of Signode's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Packaging, Manufacturing, Materials Science. Signode operates within a competitive global market, focusing on providing comprehensive transit packaging solutions that protect goods during transit and optimize end-of-line operations. This industry demands innovation in materials, process efficiency, and automation.

Company Size: Over 9,000 employees worldwide, with over $2B in revenue and 80+ manufacturing facilities across 6 continents. This signifies a large, established, global organization with significant resources and a complex operational structure.

Founded: Signode has a long history of innovation in the industrial packaging sector, being a pioneer in the field. While the exact founding date isn't specified, its "long history" and "pioneer" status suggest decades of experience and established market presence. It is now the Transit Packaging Division of Crown Holdings, Inc.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The Packaging Design Manager will lead a team of designers responsible for creative and technical development. The size of this team is not specified but is expected to be of a manageable size for effective leadership.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires deep collaboration with Sales, Manufacturing, and Operations teams. This indicates a matrixed or highly integrated operational structure where design is not siloed but a critical component of the go-to-market and production processes.

• Reporting: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Engineering, Product Development, or potentially a GTM Operations lead, depending on the organizational structure.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires linking value propositions to customer needs and using CRM data to prioritize projects, indicating a data-informed approach to design and sales support.

• Process Optimization: A key responsibility is identifying opportunities for design innovation and process improvement, suggesting a focus on lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Customer-Centric Solutions: The emphasis on site visits, audits, and training highlights a customer-centric approach to developing and implementing packaging solutions.

Company Website: https://www.signode.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Signode's positioning as a global leader with a broad portfolio and a long history suggests a culture that values experience, innovation, and operational excellence. The integration with Crown Holdings, Inc. implies alignment with corporate standards and strategic objectives. The emphasis on collaboration with Sales and Operations points to a GTM strategy where product development is closely tied to market needs and manufacturing capabilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the product development and operations functions. It requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities. The scope extends beyond pure design to include sales enablement and operational integration.

Reporting Structure: The Packaging Design Manager will lead a team of designers and likely report into a higher-level management role within Engineering, Product Development, or potentially a broader GTM operations leadership structure. This position acts as a crucial bridge between technical design and commercial execution.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue by developing packaging solutions that enhance product appeal, ensure safe transit (reducing claims), and support sales efforts. By collaborating with sales and understanding customer needs, the Design Manager contributes to winning new business and retaining existing clients. Furthermore, by optimizing designs for manufacturability and efficiency, the role influences operational costs and production throughput.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles within Packaging Engineering, Product Development, or GTM Operations, managing larger teams and broader portfolios.

• Strategic Development: Opportunity to influence the company's overall product strategy and innovation roadmap for engineered solutions.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into roles within Sales Operations, Manufacturing Operations, or Product Management, leveraging a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific packaging technologies, materials science, or automation within the packaging industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Packaging Design Manager at a company like Signode can be diverse. It offers a solid foundation for further leadership in manufacturing operations, product management, or specialized engineering fields. The role provides exposure to commercial aspects of the business, which is valuable for broader career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where collaboration, team interaction, and access to on-site resources are prioritized. It is likely a professional office setting within a manufacturing or corporate campus.

Office Location(s): The primary location is 12424 Emerson Drive, Brighton, Michigan 48116, USA. This location is within Livingston County and is likely situated near manufacturing facilities or a corporate hub for Signode's operations in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close interaction with designers, sales representatives, and operations personnel, suggesting a workspace that supports team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional discussions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to relevant design software (Catia, AutoCAD, SolidWorks), prototyping equipment, testing facilities, and standard office technology will be available.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct collaboration with design teams, sales teams, and manufacturing floor personnel, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, typical for full-time, on-site positions. While core hours will likely be established, flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines, customer needs, and team management responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for a management role involving direct team leadership, physical product interaction (prototyping, manufacturing liaison), and customer site visits. The Brighton, Michigan location places the role within a region with a strong industrial and manufacturing presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your leadership style and relevant design/manufacturing experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your technical expertise in packaging design, CAD skills, project management experience, and leadership philosophy.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential direct reports (designers) and key stakeholders from Sales and Operations. This assesses your ability to collaborate, mentor, and integrate design into broader business functions.

• Portfolio Review Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your design portfolio, showcasing specific projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work on business objectives (e.g., cost savings, revenue generation, product protection). Be ready to discuss your experience with Catia, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and customer site engagements.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit with Signode's culture and goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that demonstrate a range of skills: technical design, problem-solving, collaboration with sales/operations, and quantifiable results.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate: the client's challenge, your role and approach, the design solution (including CAD examples), the manufacturing considerations, the outcome (metrics like cost savings, efficiency gains, reduced damage claims), and lessons learned.

• Highlight Operations & Sales Integration: Emphasize projects where your design work directly supported sales efforts, improved manufacturing efficiency, or addressed specific customer operational needs.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your 2D/3D models and explain your CAD software usage (Catia, AutoCAD, SolidWorks).

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs. This could include ROI, cost savings, efficiency improvements, or reduction in product damage.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical packaging challenge and asked to outline your approach, potential solutions, and how you would involve sales and operations.

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would identify and implement process improvements within a design team, drawing on your experience with workflow optimization and automation.

• Leadership Case Study: Prepare to discuss a time you managed a difficult team member, resolved a conflict, or successfully led a team through a challenging project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just design skills but also the candidate's ability to integrate design into the broader commercial and operational strategy of Signode. A strong portfolio demonstration that highlights collaboration with sales and operations, along with quantifiable results, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Catia, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks are explicitly mentioned as required skills, indicating their central role in the design process. Proficiency in developing 2D and 3D models using these tools is essential.

• Prototyping & Testing: While not specific tools, the role involves driving production of samples and prototypes and conducting rigorous measurements and testing, implying access to and familiarity with relevant equipment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM systems is implied through the responsibility to review opportunities and prioritize projects based on sales team input. This is crucial for understanding sales pipelines and customer engagement.

• MS Office Suite: General proficiency is required, likely for creating presentations, reports, and managing project documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• Design Automation: Basic understanding of line automation is mentioned, suggesting that knowledge of how packaging integrates with automated manufacturing and logistics systems is beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: While not specified, standard project management software may be used for workflow tracking and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on CAD software for design and engineering, with a strong emphasis on the ability to integrate design with sales processes (CRM) and manufacturing operations (automation, manufacturability). Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these specific tools and their application in a commercial context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive for creative solutions and continuous improvement in packaging design and processes.

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs through tailored packaging solutions and excellent service.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with Sales, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity & Quality: Upholding high standards in design, manufacturing, and customer interactions, ensuring product protection and brand consistency.

• Efficiency: A focus on optimizing processes, materials, and designs to achieve cost-effectiveness and operational excellence.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close partnership with diverse departments, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to navigate different priorities and perspectives.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: An environment where design processes are regularly reviewed and improved through constructive feedback from all stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing expertise, best practices, and lessons learned, particularly in design, manufacturing, and sales strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Signode's emphasis on being a "premier end-of-line packaging company" suggests a culture that values expertise, reliability, and a solutions-oriented approach. The integration of design into GTM and operations implies a collaborative spirit where all functions work cohesively to serve the customer and drive business success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Manufacturability: The primary challenge is to develop innovative designs that are also cost-effective and feasible to produce at scale by Signode's manufacturing facilities.

• Integrating Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the expectations and requirements of Sales, Customers, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to deliver a design that satisfies all parties.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Keeping pace with evolving material science, automation technologies, sustainability requirements, and customer demands in the dynamic packaging industry.

• Leading a Creative Team: Managing designers with diverse creative styles and technical proficiencies, fostering a productive and innovative team environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Engineering Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific CAD software, materials, or packaging simulation technologies.

• Industry Knowledge Expansion: Participation in trade shows, industry conferences, and professional development programs to gain insights into market trends, regulations, and emerging technologies.

• Leadership & Management Training: Access to company-sponsored programs focused on enhancing leadership, performance management, and strategic decision-making skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn about different facets of the business, such as sales strategy, manufacturing processes, and supply chain logistics, through collaboration and project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for growth by tackling complex design challenges that have direct commercial and operational impact. The company's global presence and broad product portfolio offer a rich environment for continuous learning and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a highly innovative design concept with strict manufacturing constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses problem-solving, manufacturing liaison, and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you ensure that packaging designs effectively support the sales team's efforts and address key customer value propositions?" (Evaluates understanding of GTM collaboration and customer-centric design.)

• "Walk me through your process for prioritizing design projects when faced with multiple urgent requests from Sales and Operations." (Tests organizational planning, CRM integration, and decision-making under pressure.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Signode and the industrial packaging market, what do you see as the biggest design innovation opportunities for our Engineered Solutions products?" (Assesses industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and alignment with Signode's business.)

• "How would you foster a collaborative and high-performing design team within Signode's operational structure?" (Examines leadership style, team management philosophy, and cultural fit.)

• "How do you measure the success of a packaging design project beyond aesthetics, considering factors like cost, efficiency, and product protection?" (Probes experience with metrics, ROI, and operational impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Lead with Impact: Begin your presentation with your most compelling project that best showcases your end-to-end capabilities and quantifiable results.

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your innovative solution, the collaborative process (especially with Sales/Ops), the challenges overcome, and the positive business outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals of your 2D/3D models, prototypes, and final packaging in use. Be ready to explain your design rationale and technical choices.

• Connect to Signode: Whenever possible, draw parallels between your past experiences and Signode's products, markets, or stated values. Show you've done your research.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Have detailed knowledge of the software used, materials considered, and manufacturing processes involved in your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design competence but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a strong understanding of how design impacts sales and operations. Candidates should be ready to articulate their value proposition in terms of driving revenue and operational efficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature projects that demonstrate your experience with industrial packaging, CAD proficiency (Catia, AutoCAD, SolidWorks), and successful collaboration with sales and manufacturing teams. Highlight quantifiable achievements in product protection, cost savings, or efficiency improvements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize the 5+ years of industrial design experience, leadership responsibilities, and specific technical skills mentioned in the job description. Use keywords such as "Industrial Design," "Packaging Design," "Catia," "AutoCAD," "SolidWorks," "Project Management," "Team Leadership," "Sales Support," and "Manufacturing Liaison."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and leadership approach. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling and quantifiable results.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Signode's products, market position, recent news, and company values. Understand their "Engineered Solutions" offerings and how packaging design contributes to their overall business objectives and GTM strategy.

⚠️ 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.