Production Manager

Structural Design activities related to select new product development initiatives from developing initial design concepts, through CAD modeling of approved designs, and final design hand-off to manufacturing. Use CAD tools and prototyping equipment to make samples for customer use and fit-for-use internal testing. Duties also include research and strategic development of new products / opportunities as well as leading design-related projects focused on increasing revenue, reducing expenses and the cost of products, and improving the quality of products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Design and/or participate in Design related Process-Improvements and Cost-Reduction activities:
Research, identify and implement State of the Art design methodologies.
Assist in developing DOE related to newly required applications.
Frame research insights (product benchmarking, feature analysis, customer journey maps, etc.)
Manage multiple projects from concept to production release including:
Coordinate the scheduling and completion of multiple design projects.
Using Artios software, create detailed designs to meet project objectives.
Coordinate internal & external prototyping development efforts utilizing Kongsberg Cutting Table and other methods as required.
Create and communicate palletizing options utilizing TOPS software.
Create CAD manufacturing layouts; work with vendors to source, secure cost estimates, process purchase orders, and inspect deliverables to ensure quality.
Coordinate and facilitate tool and manufacturing capability studies with Engineering Team to assure that all new products meet established standards and specifications.
Lead efforts to ensure that all new products meet established process conditions, “Fit for Use” criteria, product safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and legality when applicable.
Responsible for establishing initial product performance specifications.
Develop and recommend New Product testing processes as needed, and verify that all new designs meet the project requirements.
Aid in assuring that all new products are developed with a “Design-to-Value” approach
Actively participate in New Product Ideation and Concept generation.
Have primary product design responsibility for key, select customers; participate as needed in customer visits and represent the organization.
Aid in onboarding and training of new team members; provide guidance relative to Structural Design and execution.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Highly skilled in CAD Modeling; advanced level in Artios.
Have natural ability and feel for aesthetic design.
Highly experienced in managing multiple projects, and be self-directed.
Great written and verbal communication skills.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Strong leadership & Organizational Agility skills; demonstrated ability to influence across levels and functions of the organization.
Have extensive knowledge of corrugated, paperboard, and Structural Design, Thermoforming & molded fiber design knowledge a plus.
Flexible, comfortable, and professional when interacting with customers, suppliers, and colleagues alike across all levels of an organization; be able to present to upper Management if needed.
Must be organized, focused, dependable, and able to maintain a positive attitude while working under stressful conditions.
Maintain departmental hardware/software as needed including recommending upgrades and replacements as needed.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Product Design or the equivalent.
Master’s degree a plus

Experience
8+ years’ experience in Product Design.
6+ years relevant product design experience in Paperboard & Corrugated Manufacturing.
3+ years’ Design experience in Paper Packaging.
3+ years’ experience working with Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).
Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
Proficiency in Solidworks a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is frequently required to stand and lean over the cutting tables. The employee must

occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus