Senior Design Specialist

Senior Design Specialist – Flexible Packaging

Who We Are

At Ernest, we believe business is personal. Since 1946, we’ve built our company on human connection, listening first, solving real problems, and growing together. Our people first culture empowers E‑Teamers to challenge convention, deepen expertise, and create meaningful impact for our customers, partners, and communities. When one person moves ahead, we all move forward.

The Opportunity

The Senior Design Specialist (SDS) is our subject matter expert and value‑creator for a specific product line and in this case, flexible packaging materials including flexible and primary packaging, stretch, shrink, and tape. This role exists to elevate product knowledge across the organization and translate deep technical expertise into innovative, value‑added solutions for customers.

As a trusted internal and external resource, the Senior Design Specialist partners closely with sales teams nationwide, works directly with customers, collaborates with supplier partners, and travels to Ernest locations to bring product knowledge to life. Through observation, curiosity, and collaboration, the SDS enlightens both customers and sales partners by helping uncover known and unknown needs while strengthening long‑term relationships.

This role is critical to Ernest’s commitment to customer loyalty, retention, and growth, and plays a key part in driving GTM performance and market leadership within the flexible packaging space.

Key Expectations & Goals

• Carry out and champion Ernest’s mission statement in all interactions.
• Uphold and model Ernest’s core values internally and externally.
• Advocate for and integrate innovative, value‑added packaging solutions for customers.
• Educate and inspire the sales force on the importance of Ernest’s mission and customer‑first mindset.
• Assume personal accountability for the success of Ernest’s customer responsiveness program.
• Manage, support, and nurture the development, growth, and success of the assigned product group.
• Strive to exceed company goals related to GTM production, GTM percentage, and sales performance of the product group.
• Support, develop, and strengthen close working relationships with valued supplier partners.

Customer Relations & Commitments

• Build and strengthen trusted relationships and goodwill between Ernest and its customers.
• Develop strong working relationships with key decision‑makers at customer locations.
• Maintain customer loyalty and engagement across assigned accounts, including those supported by the broader sales force.
• Evaluate market conditions and customer operations to identify opportunities for value‑added solutions across product groups.
• Research and identify opportunities to increase market share by product line.
• Share insights, findings, and recommendations with leadership.

Management Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the growth, positioning, and marketing of the flexible packaging product line.
• Partner with the Merchandise Manager to oversee sourcing and supplier alignment for the product line.
• Represent Ernest professionally and authentically to prospective and existing customers.
• Prepare and present annual GTM growth forecasts for the product line; projections are reviewed and incorporated into company planning.
• Guide, motivate, and support the sales force in uncovering customer needs, both stated and unstated as they relate to the particular product line.
• Keep Ernest at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies within the flexible packaging market.
• Support the development and conversion of large quotations into successful orders.
• Design and implement sales promotions, campaigns, and contests tied to specific product lines; drive participation and follow up with the Vice President of E-Mation.
• Provide timely, actionable feedback to leadership and cross‑functional partners, including submission of customer contact reports and participation in meetings.
• Continuously evaluate and improve marketing approaches related to product offerings.
• Immerse in new technologies and innovations across the broader market, not just current suppliers and translate that knowledge into practical, value‑added customer solutions.
• Conduct cost/benefit analyses for all recommended solutions to ensure customer and company value.

Product Focus: Flexible Packaging

This role specializes in:

• Flexible and primary packaging materials
• Stretch and shrink-packaging solutions
• Tapes and related packaging systems

Qualifications & Experience

• The ideal candidate will have 2-10 years of experience in flexible packaging, flexible/primary packaging materials, stretch, shrink, or tape.
• Recent graduates with a packaging degree are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong technical curiosity and the ability to translate product knowledge into real‑world customer solutions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; comfort working in client‑facing environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with sales teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders across the country.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and Ernest locations as needed.
• Passion for learning, teaching, and elevating others through shared expertise.

Why Ernest

At Ernest, expertise matters but people matter more. This role is ideal for someone who loves packaging, thrives on connection, and wants to make a measurable impact by helping customers and teammates succeed. You’ll be trusted, challenged, supported, and empowered to grow while helping shape the future of packaging solutions at Ernest.

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