Design Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Design Manager – Multi-Site Leadership

We're looking for an experienced Design Manager who thrives on leading teams, delivering innovative product and tooling designs, and driving continuous improvement. If you enjoy balancing technical expertise with people leadership, influencing cross-functional teams, and making a measurable impact across multiple sites, this is a great opportunity to grow your career.

Salary range is competitive and based on experience, with eligibility for annual bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Full-time, onsite role
Regular travel to regional facilities with occasional domestic and international travel

• A high-impact leadership role across multiple facilities
• Opportunity to shape design strategy, processes, and team development
• Collaborative environment with strong cross-functional partnerships
• Growth-focused culture with opportunities to influence innovation and continuous improvement
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities

• Lead design teams across multiple locations to deliver accurate, on-time product and tooling designs
• Manage the master design schedule and coordinate resources to meet customer timelines
• Oversee product development and tooling design within the NPD process
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments and support project quoting
• Lead external tooling procurement and manage vendor performance
• Partner with sales and marketing to identify new business opportunities and develop packaging solutions
• Establish and monitor metrics for quality, cost, and delivery; drive continuous improvement
• Manage department budget, capital expenditures, and operating costs
• Develop and coach a high-performing team through hiring, training, feedback, and performance management
• Ensure compliance with safety, ISO, SQF, and GMP standards
• Collaborate across teams to provide technical expertise and optimize performance
• Maintain and protect company intellectual property
• Lead strategic projects and maintain clear communication with leadership

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Management
• 5+ years of design experience
• 5+ years of leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of CAD/CAM and tooling design
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment (tooling preferred)
• Project management, budgeting, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Oracle preferred)
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Multi-site leadership experience
• Background in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma
• Tool and die fabrication knowledge
• Experience with change management in a growing organization

If you feel that this job is what you're looking for, applying is a piece of cake – just follow the instructions on this page. Good luck!

Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).

Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.

Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.