Senior Structural Designer

Smurfit Westrock; Guelph; On-site; CAD 73,875 - 123,125; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging solutions company is seeking a Senior Designer – Packaging in Guelph, Ontario. This role involves leading the design of products and packaging from concept to completion, collaborating closely with customers and manufacturing teams. Ideal candidates will have 8 to 10 years of packaging design experience, proficiency with CAD software, and strong creative and problem-solving skills. A comprehensive salary range is provided, reflecting the expected pay based on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• 8 to 10 years of packaging and/or product design experience.
• Familiarity with retailer specifications, print production, and manufacturing process.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of products and packaging from concept to completion.
• Gather project data and create designs using CAD software.
• Collaborate with manufacturing stakeholders to ensure product manufacturability.

Skills

Packaging design

Creative thinking

Problem-solving skills

CAD software proficiency

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Tools

Die cutters

Evol flexo folder gluers

Artios

Job description

Opportunity summary

As a Senior Designer – Packaging, you will act as a creative strategist leading the design of products and packaging from concept to completion. As a Senior Designer - Packaging, you will gather project data from Smurfit Westrock sales, project managers and customers, create designs in the Computer Assisted Design (CAD) program, solicit and incorporate customer feedback, and create prototypes for customer approval.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock

• Receive new design requests directly from customers, sales partners, customer service reps, or business unit resource manager and gather key specification data
• Translate requirements and specification data to conceptualize and create packaging that meets customer’s needs and expectations
• Produce product design documentation such as concept sketches, technical drawings, and illustrations that define and communicate design intent
• Leverage expertise and knowledge of corrugated facility and machinery, board combinations, retailers’ wants and needs, and customer’s capabilities to inform product design
• Collaborate with manufacturing stakeholders to review and discuss new product designs, answer design questions, ensure that products are manufacturable, and incorporate revisions to the design based on feedback from the manufacturing team
• Support customer discussions and presentations by supplying all design documentation, leading product design overviews, and answering all customer questions related to the product design
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring critical milestones are met and all hours and related resources expended in the support of the work done to complete assignments are tracked and documented
• Consistently act as a key design point of contact with customers and account managers through open and ongoing communications
• Partner with and guide graphic artist to ensure graphic elements are incorporated in the product design in a manner that is production ready
• Delegate, as appropriate, design tasks and deliverables to design team
• Coach and mentor peers and other members of the design team to build capability and learn best practices

What you need to succeed

• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Must have 8 to 10 years of packaging and/or product design experience
• Familiarity with retailer specifications, print production, and manufacturing process
• Expertise with equipment and tools within a corrugated container plant (e.g. die cutters, Evol flexo folder gluers)
• Proven track record of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Creative thinking and ability to convey abstract ideas/concepts verbally or with quick sketches
• Demonstrated experience with design software including enterprise Computer Assisted Design (e.g. Artios) and 3D software
• Demonstrated ability to drive multiple projects in a fast-paced deadline driven environment

The salary range for this position is $73,875 - $123,125. The range listed is the expected pay for roles in Ontario, Canada. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by March 31, 2026.

WestRock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce. As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, WestRock will, upon request from the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact WestRock, Human Resources about your needs and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.