Under direct supervision, the Associate Designer collaborates with customers and sales representatives to create designs for new products, redesign packaging for existing products, and develop new uses for existing packages for the purpose of securing new business and expanding present business. The Associate Designer is integral to the total service team accessible to our customers. PCA offers customers the expertise of our Associate Designers to develop the optimal design solutions for their business. Associate Designers utilize PCA design software and techniques to create packaging and Point of Purchase (POP) displays to help customers get noticed and get results in the marketplace. PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:Apply basic and some advanced skills in the creation of designs for packaging and/or point of service displays for assigned projects in accordance with PCA design and safety standards. Answer routine questions regarding layouts, estimating, die making, order specifications, customer packaging procedures, and material handling techniques. Design and submit samples to prospective customers for the purpose of securing new business. Provide technical assistance to the sales representatives and/or customer service representatives regarding layout, detailed artwork, and printing dies. Approve printing press and die cut set-ups for initial order of new designs. Assist in the development of graphics, builds prototypes, and makes samples for review with designer. Perform routine package and component testing and advises manager of findings. Maintain archived client project and graphic files including logos, product photography, packaging design files, etc. Work with design dies and check cutting dies upon arrival for accuracy. BASIC REQUIREMENTS:Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, structural design, art, engineering, or packaging required. Strong working knowledge computer systems including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software. PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: Previous experience with packaging and point of purchase display creation and design. Working knowledge of production methods, printing methods, materials, styles, and standard design forms and retail usage of packaging and point of purchase displays. Experience in corrugated industry with a technical understanding of corrugated packaging design, cutting dies, converting machinery and printing. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle numerous details, deadlines, and requests. Able to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple tasks concurrently. Strong listening, evaluating, and problem solving skills. Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with multiple audiences on procedures, policies, practices, and requests for information. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experience and corporate levels both within and outside of the company. Financial and business operations analysis skills with the ability to identify opportunities for improvements. Intermediate negotiation and persuasion skills with the ability to create new business opportunities. Ability to quickly grasp the customer’s current situation and needs based on the current market environment and cross business objectives. Based on customer understanding, able to visualize and develop compelling design possibilities. Ability to engage in rapid experimentation of multiple design ideas and ability to learn from failed design concepts. Ability to be accessible, available and responsive to the customer and understand the customer’s point of view. Ability to advocate for customer needs to others and create mutual agreement on project scope. Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between co-workers.