Design Manager

Cloud 9 are working with a market-leading corrugated packaging manufacturer to appoint an experienced Design Manager for a key manufacturing operation in the South West.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious design leader to take ownership of a well-established design function, leading a team of designers whilst driving innovative, commercially viable packaging solutions from concept through to production.

The role sits at the heart of the business, working closely with Sales, Operations, Production, Supply Chain and customers to develop packaging solutions that not only meet customer expectations but can also be successfully manufactured, scaled and delivered profitably.

This is a highly visible position with genuine influence across the business, offering the opportunity to shape product innovation, support commercial growth and contribute to the ongoing development of manufacturing capabilities.

The Opportunity

As Design Manager, you will lead the design function and oversee the development of innovative corrugated packaging solutions for a diverse customer base.

You will be responsible for managing and developing the design team, supporting customer projects, driving new product development initiatives and ensuring ideas are translated into commercially successful products.

A key aspect of the role will be your ability to engage, challenge and influence operational stakeholders to ensure new concepts are progressed, evaluated and successfully implemented. This requires someone who is both technically credible and determined enough to drive projects through to completion.

Working closely with customers, commercial teams and manufacturing operations, you will play a pivotal role in delivering packaging solutions that combine creativity, technical excellence and operational practicality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and mentor a team of packaging designers.
• Manage the design and development process from initial customer brief through to commercial production.
• Work closely with customers and commercial teams to develop innovative corrugated packaging solutions.
• Translate customer requirements into practical, manufacturable designs that align with operational capabilities.
• Lead packaging innovation and new product development projects across the site.
• Coordinate trials, testing and first production runs to ensure successful implementation.
• Collaborate with Operations and Production teams to optimise designs for efficiency, quality and performance.
• Challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for material optimisation, waste reduction and margin improvement.
• Build strong relationships with tooling, graphics and supplier partners.
• Ensure all designs comply with quality, performance and manufacturing standards.
• Maintain technical data, specifications and design documentation.
• Support the wider commercial strategy through innovation, technical expertise and customer engagement.

About You

This role will suit an experienced Design Manager or senior design professional ready to take ownership of a broader leadership position.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading and developing a team of designers within a corrugated packaging environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of corrugated packaging design, manufacturing processes and conversion capabilities.
• A track record of delivering innovative packaging solutions from concept through to successful commercial production.
• The credibility and confidence to engage with senior operational stakeholders and influence decision-making across the business.
• A determined, resilient and proactive approach, with the ability to challenge constructively and drive projects through obstacles to successful completion.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance customer expectations, operational capability and business performance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A passion for innovation, continuous improvement and delivering value for customers.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Lead and shape the design function within a respected market-leading manufacturer.
• Influence innovation, customer solutions and future product development strategy.
• Work closely with customers on progressive, sustainable packaging solutions.
• Enjoy genuine visibility and influence across commercial, operational and technical teams.
• Play a key role in shaping the future direction of the business's design and development capabilities.
• Join an organisation with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.

Location

This is a fully site-based position located in the Southwest region.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion regarding this exclusive opportunity, please contact Yvonne Redhead at Cloud 9.