At Outform Group, our guiding philosophy is Dare To Innovate.
Outform Group specializes in creating tangible consumer engagements that elevate, connect and humanize brand experiences. We unite leading experts in research, strategy, design, innovation and manufacturing, who work together to create unforgettable brand experiences.
Lean, interdisciplinary teams work in close collaboration with clients, helping them to solve their user’s biggest problems. Our user-centric, data-driven approach focuses on creating a seamless experience across different environments.
The Senior Structural Designer is a strategic and hands-on design leader responsible for the development of innovative, retail-focused temporary display solutions that drive shopper engagement and support client brand objectives. This role combines advanced structural design expertise with project leadership, client-facing communication, and mentoring responsibilities.
The Senior Structural Designer leads the structural development of complex corrugated, paperboard, hybrid, and multi-material display programs from concept through production. This individual serves as a trusted technical expert, partnering closely with Creative, Account Management, Production, Sourcing, and Manufacturing teams to deliver award-winning, cost-effective retail solutions that meet retailer requirements and manufacturing constraints.
- Manage multiple design programs simultaneously from concept development through production release.
- Act as the primary structural design lead on key client accounts and strategic initiatives.
- Drive project timelines, design reviews, prototype evaluations, and production approvals.
- Proactively identify risks, manufacturing challenges, and cost-saving opportunities throughout the development process.
- Lead the structural design and engineering of temporary retail displays, including floor displays, pallets, power wings, sidekicks, endcaps, PDQs, and club store solutions.
- Translate creative concepts and customer objectives into manufacturable structural solutions.
- Develop innovative display structures that balance functionality, shopper experience, sustainability, and cost objectives.
- Evaluate and recommend materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes to optimize performance and value.
KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)
- Present structural concepts and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
- Collaborate with Industrial Designers to merge visual design intent with structural feasibility.
- Partner with Estimating, Production, Sourcing, and Operations teams to ensure smooth execution from concept through manufacturing.
- Provide technical support during client presentations, prototype reviews, and production launches.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
- Create detailed structural concepts, engineering drawings, production specifications, and assembly instructions using ArtiosCAD and related design software.
- Conduct load analysis, pack-out studies, assembly evaluations, and transportation considerations.
- Ensure designs meet retailer specifications, product requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
- Support testing protocols, including transit, load, and retail compliance testing.
- Hands-on sample-making ability, including confident use of the sample table, hand tools and shop equipment. Plotter operation is a plus.
- Capacity to multitask without losing focus in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Development, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent industry experience.
- 7+ years of experience designing POP displays, retail fixtures, packaging, or corrugated structures.
- Advanced proficiency in ArtiosCAD or similar CAD program and structural packaging/display design.
- Deep understanding of corrugated materials, paperboard structures, printing processes, and retail display manufacturing.
- Proven experience developing displays for major retail channels, including mass, grocery, drug, convenience, and club stores.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including die-cutting, litho-laminating, flexographic printing, and assembly operations.
- Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects independently from concept through launch.
- Sample-making ability. Plotter operation is a plus.
Preferred
- Experience working directly with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, Walgreens, CVS, Home Depot, or Lowe's.
- Knowledge of SolidWorks, Impact, Adobe Creative Suite, and Esko workflow tools.
- Experience leading client-facing design presentations and design workshops.
- Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and alternative display materials.
LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Retail Display Development
- Design Leadership
- Client Relationship Management
- Manufacturing & Production Expertise
- Cost Optimization
- Creative Problem Solving: Contribute to design standards, structural innovation initiatives, and process improvements.
- Material Innovation: Stay current with emerging materials, sustainability initiatives
- Mentoring & Team Development: Assist in reviewing team designs and provide constructive feedback to ensure quality and consistency.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Project Management
- Strategic Thinking
- Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel and reach while building samples and working on the production floor.
- Frequently lifts and moves materials and sample components weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Requires manual dexterity and use of hand and shop tools, and close visual acuity for design and detail work.
- Works in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust and moving machinery. Required PPE must be worn.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
- Working conditions are in a normal office environment.
- Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses.
- Requires long periods of time working at a computer.
#LI-Onsite