Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!
Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.
About Us
We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
The Role
We’re looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Trainee Packaging Designer to join our corrugated packaging design team reporting to the Packaging Design Supervisor. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for structural design, problem solving, and hands on creativity. You’ll work alongside experienced designers to develop innovative, cost‑effective, and sustainable packaging solutions for a wide range of customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the creation and development of corrugated packaging designs using ArtiosCAD.
- Produce accurate technical drawings, prototypes, and samples for customer approval.
- Create pallet plans and support the preparation of documentation for manufacturing.
- Support senior designers in interpreting customer briefs and translating them into functional packaging concepts.
- Participate in design reviews, testing, and performance evaluations of packaging solutions.
- Conduct box testing, for example BCT testing and material determination.
- Collaborate closely with production, sales, and customer service teams to ensure designs meet manufacturing capabilities and customer expectations.
- Develop knowledge of industry standards, corrugated board grades, and manufacturing processes.
Essential Skills:
- Strong computer literacy.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft office (Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Word).
- Previous experience using CAD based software. Ideally ArtiosCAD or similar packaging industry software.
- Excellent attention to detail and a proactive, problem‑solving mindset
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and customer requirements.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a willingness to learn from experienced team members.
Desirable Skills:
- Basic knowledge of ArtiosCAD.
- Experience operating sample cutting tables.
- Strong spatial awareness and an interest in structural/3D design.
- Good understanding of design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes (corrugated packaging knowledge is an advantage).
- Competence with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator/Photoshop).
- A relevant qualification in packaging design, product design, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
- Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.
