Sheard Packaging is the largest independent corrugated box plant in the UK, with sales exceeding £80m annually. As the only corrugated manufacturer in the UK accredited as a B Corp business, Sheard Packaging is committed to investing in cutting‑edge technology, employing top talent, and delivering premium customer service while caring for the environment. The company prides itself on its forward‑thinking approach and industry leadership in the corrugated packaging sector.
Department
Design
Reports To
Head of Commercial & Technical
Job Purpose
To lead, develop and strategically advance Sheard’s Structural Design function.
The Design Manager owns the design strategy, capability development, innovation pipeline, and alignment between Sales, Technical, Operations and Commercial.
Operating primarily within the fast‑paced FMCG and retail goods sectors, the role ensures our design output meets the demands of these markets while showcasing Sheard’s creativity, technical capability and customer focus. A key objective is to drive operational efficiency, improve design accuracy, reduce waste, elevate the customer experience, and maximise the commercial impact of design.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop a long‑term vision for the design function, ensuring capability aligns with business growth plans and customer expectations.
* Lead the innovation agenda across structural design, sample development, sustainability and new packaging concepts.
* Set performance targets for the design department, including efficiencies, service levels, accuracy and customer satisfaction.
* Champion design‑led customer experience improvements, ensuring Sheard delivers solutions that delight customers.
* Represent the design function during customer visits to ensure a professional, consistent and impressive experience.
* Analyse processes, workflow and throughput to identify improvements and operational efficiencies.
* Implement systems, standards and continuous improvement plans to reduce design errors, speed up sampling and enhance manufacturability.
* Work closely with Operations to ensure design outputs match machine capability and tooling constraints, while satisfying the customer’s request.
* Act as the main contact for tooling suppliers, ensuring quality, standards and best practices are adhered to.
* Manage, mentor and develop the Design Team Leader and wider design team, creating a culture of accountability, creativity and high performance.
* Support recruitment, onboarding and training.
* Lead team personal development reviews, ensuring training plans for the team are in place.
* Ensure design processes, documentation and procedures are followed consistently.
* Create and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
* Track key performance indicators (sample lead time, design accuracy, error rates, workload balance).
* Highlight opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste and refine workflow.
Skills & Experience Required
* Significant experience in structural corrugated packaging design within a manufacturing environment or design centre.
* Minimum of 2 years leadership experience managing design teams or technical functions.
* Expert knowledge of CAD (Kasemake/AG CAD, ArtiposCAD or equivalent), corrugated materials, board performance, and manufacturing processes.
* Ability to engage confidently with customers at all levels.
* Demonstrable track record of improving processes, efficiency and team capability.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to present confidently and clearly.
* Ability to recognise the commercial implications of design decisions.
* Experience in managing improvement, innovation or value creation projects is advantageous.
Personal Behaviours
* Approachable, supportive leader who helps others succeed.
* Strategic thinker with strong analytical and organisational skills.
* Professional, customer‑focused and innovative.
* A creative approach to problem solving.
* Proactive, structured and highly collaborative.
* Passionate about innovation.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries
* Packaging and Containers Manufacturing
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