Graphic Design Manager - Corrugated Packaging

International Paper Company; Aurora (IL); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Job summary

International Paper Company in Aurora, IL is seeking a Graphic Design Manager for Corrugated Packaging. You will lead a diverse design team, guide 3D modeling and AR content, and oversee budgets and vendor partnerships to deliver packaging solutions for national accounts.

You will shape creative direction, ensure brand consistency, and drive efficiency across design workflows and prepress processes while collaborating with sales, marketing and IP graphics to win opportunities.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Graphics, Product Engineering, Packaging or a related program.
• 10+ years’ experience in a graphics role, with 5+ years in corrugated packaging.
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership – direct people leadership preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of designers, 3D modelers and digital content specialists.
• Set performance expectations, conduct one-to-ones, and build succession within design.
• Own the department budget and vendor/agency relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Vendor management

Stakeholder communication

Brand management

Color management

Education

BA/BS in Graphics, Product Engineering, Packaging or related

Tools

3D modeling software

Augmented Reality (AR) software

Adobe Creative Cloud

Microsoft PowerPoint

CAD packaging software

Job description

Graphic Design Manager - Corrugated Packaging

Aurora, IL, United States

Job Description

Graphic Design Manager – Corrugated Packaging

Pay Rate:

$118,400 - $197,300

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range. Variable pay may provide additional opportunities for financial awards. This job is eligible to participate in IP’s annual and long-term incentive plans.

Category/Shift:

Physical Location:

4140 Campus Dr.

The Job You Will Perform:

Lead the Team

Lead, coach and develop a team of graphic designers, 3D modelers and digital content specialists supporting national account and business-level packaging design.

Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular one-to-ones and performance/development conversations, and build succession depth within the design function.

Attract, select and onboard design talent; build a pipeline of internal and external candidates for critical design and prepress roles.

Manage workload allocation, project intake and prioritization across competing customer and business requests.

Own the department budget, capital requests for design and print technology, and vendor/agency relationships.

Lead the Work

Set the creative direction and quality standards for corrugated packaging design, printed sales material, and digital content across the customer portfolio.

Partner with national account sales teams, marketing, innovation and IP graphics to translate customer needs into winning design solutions and to influence design-led selling opportunities.

Establish and continuously improve workflow, file management, approval and prepress processes to reduce cycle time and rework.

Govern brand management standards for both IP and customer brands; serve as the escalation point on brand, color and print reproduction issues.

Oversee prepress, color proofing and color matching capability supporting large-format digital printing, including photo spectrometer standards and color governance across production facilities.

Direct 3D product modeling, animation and Augmented Reality experience development in support of customer presentations and innovation efforts.

Oversee video, audio and photography production in the media center setting.

Evaluate and introduce emerging design, print and digital technologies; build the business case and lead adoption.

Represent the design function in customer-facing meetings, business reviews and innovation sessions.

Define and track metrics for design throughput, quality, cost and customer satisfaction; report results to business leadership.

The Skills You Will Bring:

BA/BS in Graphics, Product Engineering, Packaging or a related program.

10+ years’ experience in a graphics role, with 5 or more preferably in corrugated.

3+ years of demonstrated leadership experience – direct people leadership strongly preferred; project or team leadership considered.

Working knowledge of 3D modeling software, Augmented Reality (AR) software, Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, InDesign) and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Understanding of CAD packaging software and corrugated packaging print processes.

Demonstrated experience managing budgets, vendors and design project portfolios.

Proven ability to influence and present to senior business and customer stakeholders.

*Portfolio and examples of team/project leadership may be requested.

Business Insight – Applies knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals.

Customer Focus – Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions.

Cultivates Innovation – Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

Decision Quality – Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

Results

Directs Work – Provides direction, delegates, and removes obstacles to get work done.

Plans and Aligns – Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

Optimizes Work Processes – Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

Drives Results – Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.

People

Develops Talent – Develops people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals.

Builds Effective Teams – Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.

Attracts Top Talent – Attracts and selects the best talent to meet current and future business needs.

Communicates Effectively – Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Collaborates – Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

Drives Engagement – Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.

Self

Instills Trust – Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

Manages Ambiguity – Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear.

Situational Adaptability – Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

Courage – Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

About Us

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

The Career You Will Build:

Leadership training, promotional opportunities

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com. International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].