Position Title: Packaging Designer & Production Planner
Reports To: General Manager
Position Summary
Premier Packaging Products is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Packaging Designer & Production Planner to support the design, quoting, and production functions of our manufacturing operation. This position plays a critical role in developing custom packaging solutions, preparing accurate estimates and proposals, and coordinating production activities to ensure customer requirements are met efficiently and on time.
Approximately 50-60% of the position is focused on product design, sample development, and estimating activities, while 40-50% is dedicated to production planning, inventory coordination, and manufacturing support.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProduct Design & Development (25-35%)
- Design custom packaging solutions including fiberboard partitions, honeycomb products, corrugated components, and other protective packaging products.
- Create detailed CAD drawings, layouts, and manufacturing specifications using computer-aided design software.
- Operate CAD cutting equipment to produce prototypes and customer samples.
- Collaborate with customers, sales representatives, and production personnel to develop practical and cost-effective packaging solutions.
- Review customer specifications and requirements to ensure designs meet performance, manufacturability, and quality expectations.
- Maintain organized records of drawings, specifications, and revision histories.
Estimating & Quoting (25-30%)
- Review customer inquiries and requests for quotation.
- Develop material, labor, and manufacturing cost estimates for custom and standard products.
- Prepare professional quotations and proposals for customers and sales representatives.
- Follow up with sales personnel regarding quote status and project requirements.
- Maintain estimating databases and costing information to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Assist in evaluating production methods and material alternatives to improve competitiveness and profitability.
Production Planning & Manufacturing Support (40-50%)
- Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules in coordination with the Floor Supervisor, Office Manager, and General Manager.
- Prioritize manufacturing orders based on customer requirements, production capacity, and material availability.
- Prepare production paperwork including:
- Bills of Materials (BOMs)
- Manufacturing drawings
- Production schematics
- Work instructions
- Equipment setup diagrams
- Serve as a communication link between sales, customer service, purchasing, inventory, and manufacturing departments.
- Monitor raw material inventory levels and communicate purchasing requirements to management.
- Assist with inventory planning to ensure materials are available to support production schedules.
- Track production progress and proactively identify scheduling conflicts or capacity constraints.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving workflow.
Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher in Packaging Technology, Industrial Technology, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, Graphic Design, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing, packaging, estimating, production planning, or a related technical role preferred.
- Experience with CAD software and technical drawing creation required.
- Experience operating CAD cutting equipment or similar manufacturing equipment preferred.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
Desired Attributes
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Ability to balance technical design work with operational responsibilities.
- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments.
- Commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers and supporting company growth.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the production facility as needed.
- Ability to safely operate sample-making and CAD cutting equipment after training.
Benefits
Premier Packaging Products offers competitive compensation, paid time off, health benefits, retirement savings opportunities, and the opportunity to work in a growing company focused on delivering innovative packaging solutions and exceptional customer service.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
