Designer; Minneapolis, Mn

Job Description

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is hiring a Designer to create and develop packaging designs and point-of-purchase displays for new and existing products. The role supports customers and sales representatives, using PCA design software to produce high‑impact solutions aligned with customer goals and manufacturing capabilities.

• Apply advanced design skills in the creation of designs for packaging and/or point of service displays for new and existing products in accordance with PCA design and safety standards.
• Evaluate customer needs and translate them into drawings, designs, and prototypes within manufacturing capabilities.
• Develop, design, and recommend materials and production methods that meet customer requirements and efficiently use plant facilities.
• Create or secure samples of designs for customer inspection, production orders, and division operations.
• Perform packaging and component testing, evaluate results, and advise sales, manufacturing, and customers of findings.
• Evaluate existing customer or prospective customer packaging for possible improvement in style, function, appearance, cost, and/or ease of packaging.
• Conduct design reviews with customers.
• Generate product cost data, including estimation of run speeds, packaging costs, material usages, and scrap factors.
• Coordinate activities related to developing graphics, prototypes and samples, including vendor negotiations, designing dies, material availability, direction, troubleshooting, reviewing samples, testing, and redirection based on feedback and results.
• Provide technical assistance to Sales Representatives and Customer Service Representatives regarding layouts, estimating, die making, order specifications, customer packaging procedures, material handling techniques, detailed artwork, printing dies, and approve printing press and die cut set‑ups for initial order of new designs.
• Provide training, guidance and support to junior designers.

• Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, structural design, art, engineering, or packaging.
• Strong working knowledge of production methods, printing methods, materials, styles, and standard design forms and retail usage of packaging and point-of-purchase displays.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ previous experience with packaging and point-of-purchase display creation and design.
• Strong working knowledge of computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software.

• Experience in corrugated industry with a technical understanding of corrugated packaging design, cutting dies, converting machinery and printing.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle numerous details, deadlines, and requests.
• Able to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Solid financial and business operations analysis skills with the ability to identify opportunities for improvements.
• Ability to quickly grasp the customer’s current situation and needs based on the current market environment and cross business objectives, and to develop compelling design possibilities.
• Strong listening, evaluating and problem solving skills; ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with multiple audiences on procedures, policies, practices, and requests for information.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experience and corporate levels.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills; ability to create new business opportunities.
• Ability to engage in rapid experimentation of multiple design ideas and to learn from failed design concepts.
• Ability to be accessible, available, and responsive to the customer and understand their point of view. Ability to advocate for customer needs to others and create mutual agreement on project scope.
• Previous work experience as a team member, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between co-workers.

• Starting salary range: $70,000 to $105,600.
• Bonus:
  Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall company performance.
• Paid vacation:
  Three (3) weeks per calendar year; pro‑rata vacation during the initial year based on start date.
• Paid holidays.
• Benefits:
  Eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverages within the first 30 days; automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• 401(k) plan: pre‑tax and Roth contribution options with employer match.
• Disclaimer:
  The compensation information represents PCA’s good faith estimate and may be modified at any time subject to applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer.