Creative Design Manager

The main purpose of this position is to manage the team that creates customized CAD and design styles which are innovative and quantifiable solutions to launch into the marketplace in support of all marketing, sales and customer requests. This position requires strong communication to oversee the activity of the department. Also, communication skills are key for collaborating with customer contacts, internal sales, external sales, internal specialists and commercial teams. DS Smith processes and tools must be used to verify material selection and validate the solution.

As the team utilizes the DS Smith PackRight Tools and the DS Smith design processes, the manager will oversee the development of designs which are innovative and new to the marketplace. 

The manager will lead the efforts of the team in creating CAD specifications and prototypes for customer review and approval processes, validating theory around added value ideas, and presenting the completed data as a presentation. Being connected to the needs of the circular supply cycle and finding creative solutions to solve these needs is essential for success in this role, as is managing projects as the team identifies value added opportunities and presents them to account reps for development. The manager will have the responsibility for the achievement of the department’s KPIs.

Key Accountabilities:

• Meet or exceed KPI of On Time Projects
• Meet or exceed KPI of Value-Added Projects
• Meet or exceed KPU of 100% Efficiency
• Optimizing designs for corrugator trim prior to customer review and approvals will help with plant efficiencies and savings
• Design processes and tools used to develop, validate and quantify solutions which add value to our customers and increase margins for DS Smith
• Designing for Circular Economy Principles and the DS Smith Value Proposition are supported

Job Dimensions:

• Oversee the creation, validation and quantifying of solutions for customer and/or market deployment into market
• Direct the efforts to verify board selection and material optimization and maintain team’s focus on PACE tools and practices
• Develop and manage standard operating procedures (SOP) for the creative Design Department
• 6 Direct Reports
• Indirect relationships include Sales Directors, General Managers, local plant customer service, plant leadership, fellow design department and PackRight Center colleagues 
• Project Management for NA Design Group
• Ambassador of all design functions, including Structural, Graphics and PackRight Tools & Processes
• Assisting with and general knowledge of testing protocols and equipment – being able to operate and understanding the equipment is a bonus

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Experience in Packaging Design
• Technical School Certification

Job Specific Technical Requirements  

• Understanding of the corrugated board making and converting processes
• Understanding of supply cycles, box mechanics, performance specification, and predictive tools
• Able to read and understand technical specification documents for converting equipment throughout the plants in network
• Able to understand test results and protocols – being able to conduct and report testing protocols is a bonus
• Able to create pallet patterns to assist with pallet load analysis
• Being able to create digital concepts through rendering software is added bonus
• Ability to effectively manage a team 

Experience, Skills and Behaviors

Design oriented, business minded – ability to drive customer requests to value added solutions to optimize production output with trim and waste minimized for optimum efficiency and profitability. Is well organized and is able to manage multiple projects/initiatives and collaborate internally and externally to achieve success. Strong technical thinker who can visualize through manufacturing processes to determine best solution. 

Outstanding communications both written and oral, with the ability to react with precision. Demonstrates leadership and utilizes technology to engage with the team. Encourages and empowers team members to determine best practices and has the ability and experience to guide team with their career development/goals. 

Required

Bachelors or better.