Senior Designer

Opportunity Profile

Location: Greater Chicago Area

Position Title: Senior Structural Packaging Designer

The Opportunity:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Structural Packaging Designer to play a critical role in the continued growth and evolution of our design department. This is an opportunity for a seasoned corrugated packaging professional to step into a highly visible position where their knowledge, creativity, and technical expertise will directly influence customer success, manufacturing efficiency, and the future development of the company's design capabilities.

The successful candidate will join an organization that has built its reputation on responsiveness, technical problem-solving, and exceptional customer service. Unlike larger integrated packaging companies where designers often become highly specialized and removed from the finished product, this role offers direct involvement throughout the entire packaging lifecycle. From concept development and customer interaction to prototyping, production support, and manufacturing collaboration, the designer will have a meaningful impact on both customer outcomes and company performance.

This position also presents a unique opportunity to mentor and collaborate with an emerging designer who has developed within the organization and is eager to continue expanding her knowledge under the guidance of an experienced packaging professional. The successful candidate will not only contribute technical expertise but will help strengthen and elevate the design function for years to come.

Working closely with sales, customer service, manufacturing leadership, and company ownership, the Senior Structural Packaging Designer will help develop innovative packaging solutions for major food manufacturers and other well-known brands. The role offers substantial autonomy, direct access to decision-makers, and the opportunity to see ideas move quickly from concept to production. For someone who enjoys making a visible impact and being closely connected to both customers and the manufacturing process, this position offers an exceptional platform for professional fulfillment and long-term success.

The Company:
Our organization is a privately held, family-owned corrugated packaging manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for quality, responsiveness, technical expertise, and customer-focused innovation. Operating from a modern facility in the Greater Chicago Area, the company serves a diverse customer base that includes major food manufacturers and consumer products companies throughout the region.

The organization employs approximately 70 manufacturing employees across two shifts, supported by a collaborative office staff that works closely together to deliver exceptional service and packaging solutions. The company specializes in custom corrugated packaging, including brown box packaging, die-cut products, displays, and specialty glued solutions.

What separates the company from many competitors is its ability to move quickly, solve problems efficiently, and provide a level of responsiveness often unavailable from larger packaging organizations. The company continues to invest in new equipment, manufacturing capabilities, and talent while maintaining the flexibility and accessibility that have fueled its growth and success.

Employees benefit from a culture that combines the stability of an established business with the agility of an independent organization. Decisions are made quickly, collaboration is encouraged, and individuals have the opportunity to contribute directly to customer success and company performance.

The Boss:
The successful candidate will work closely with second-generation company leadership that has spent more than a decade helping drive the business forward. His responsibilities span sales leadership, team development, customer relationships, and strategic growth initiatives, giving him a broad perspective on both customer needs and organizational objectives.

Leadership is highly accessible, collaborative, and supportive. Employees are trusted to take ownership of their responsibilities and are encouraged to contribute ideas that improve customer outcomes, operational performance, and overall business success. The organization values expertise, initiative, and teamwork rather than micromanagement.

This role will also provide significant interaction with company ownership and senior leadership, creating opportunities to influence decisions, support future growth…