Design Department Supervisor (Packaging)

SUMMARY:
Our Client is looking for a Design Department Supervisor (Packaging) to join their team

POSITION INFO:
Location: Industria West Johannesburg 
 
About the Role

• An experienced, detail-oriented, and results-driven Design Department Supervisor is required to oversee the daily operations of a busy Design Department within a manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the design team, coordinating workflow, ensuring the accuracy of technical drawings and artwork, and supporting production by delivering high-quality designs that meet customer specifications and operational requirements.
• This role requires strong leadership skills, excellent technical knowledge, and advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Illustrator. The ideal candidate will be capable of managing multiple projects, improving departmental efficiency, and ensuring all designs are completed accurately and on schedule.

• Supervise the daily operations of the Design Department.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the design team.
• Allocate and manage daily design workloads to meet production deadlines.
• Produce, review, and approve technical drawings using AutoCAD.
• Create artwork, layouts, and customer proofs using Adobe Illustrator.
• Ensure all drawings, artwork, and specifications are accurate before release to production.
• Liaise with Sales, Production, and customers to ensure design requirements are fully understood and achieved.
• Interpret customer briefs and convert them into accurate manufacturing drawings and artwork.
• Coordinate drawing revisions and maintain effective document control.
• Maintain design records and ensure all documentation is up to date.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, productivity, and design processes.
• Assist with product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards and procedures.
• Monitor departmental performance and provide regular reports to management.
• Maintain high housekeeping and organisational standards within the Design Department.

• Minimum of 5 years' supervisory or management experience within a design, manufacturing, packaging, or production environment.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD (essential).
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (essential).
• Strong experience producing technical drawings and manufacturing artwork.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a design team.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing processes and production requirements.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and communication skills.
• Valid driver's licence.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and time management abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong customer focus and commitment to quality.
• Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Creative thinking with excellent technical ability.
• Preferred Experience
• Experience within a manufacturing, packaging, printing, or production environment.
• Experience creating production-ready artwork and technical drawings.
• Exposure to Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of document control and revision management.
• Experience working with ERP or production management systems.
• Understanding of manufacturing workflows and production planning.