Job Title: Project Manager – Design, Quoting & Customer Projects

Job Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000 annually (based on years of experience and skillset)

Location: Cambridge, Ontario (in-person)

*This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

What We Do

There are typical Packaging companies and there is SmartShield. SmartShield does not just go that extra mile for our clients, we go further. We believe strongly that professional and intelligent Packaging for your product is not only important to keep it intact but to uphold your brand and the trust that your customers have in you. Having developed Packaging solutions for some of the region’s largest companies, we have a growing base of satisfied customers that are proving the value of our smart solutions – on every shipment, every day.

We live by our SMART values:

SPIRITED - We are an energetic and enthusiastic team ready to take on any challenge.

MINDFUL - We show care and compassion to everyone we interact with.

ADAPTABLE - We adapt to change quickly and make the best out of every situation.

RELIABLE - We act with uncompromising honesty and integrity in everything we do.

TEAM PLAYER - By working together, strong players can make anything possible.

Role Summary

Join a team where innovation, collaboration, and customer success come together.

In this role, you'll lead customer projects from concept to approval, working closely with customers and internal stakeholders to transform ideas into manufacturable solutions. As the primary point of contact throughout the design and quoting process, you'll guide customers through key decisions, coordinate technical and commercial requirements, and ensure projects progress efficiently and on schedule.

You'll succeed in this role if you enjoy building solid customer relationships, solving technical challenges, coordinating multiple moving parts, and taking ownership of projects from beginning to end. Every project is different, offering an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and make a direct impact on business growth and customer satisfaction.

Core Responsibilities

1. Project Intake & Requirements Review

- Receive the project requirements and strategy from Sales/Business Development.
- Review customer requirements, drawings, specifications, quantities, timelines, samples, and supporting documentation to confirm the project is ready to begin.
- Clarify missing information directly with the customer and confirm the application, expectations, technical requirements, and project objectives before proceeding.

2. Project Setup

- Set up the complete project in the CRM and create the appropriate Project Folder and supporting documentation.
- Capture customer requirements accurately and maintain current project information and status throughout the lifecycle.
- Determine whether the project proceeds to Design before Estimating or directly to Estimating.

3. Design Project Management

- Create and assign Design tasks with complete customer requirements and supporting information.
- Understand the technical intent and key aspects of the proposed design and monitor tasks and timelines through completion.




- Coordinate customer feedback, design revisions, and timely communication between the customer and Designer.
- Ensure Designers follow up promptly with vendors when input, pricing, samples, or technical information is required, and track vendor-dependent activities to prevent delays.

4. Technical Customer Communication

- Act as the primary customer contact throughout Design and Quoting.
- Understand relevant drawings, CAD information, packaging concepts, specifications, and technical terminology.
- Translate technical information into clear, customer-friendly language and communicate customer requirements accurately to Design.
- Arrange virtual meetings with Designers when additional technical expertise is required.

5. Customer Visits & Technical Reviews

- Use virtual meetings and available technical information wherever practical to minimize customer travel.
- Coordinate Designer attendance for customer visits, technical assessments, measurements, fittings, or design reviews; attend when Project Management involvement is necessary.
- Ensure the appropriate technical team member is involved and complete all required follow-up after the visit.

6. Sample Coordination

- Determine sample requirements and coordinate preparation, delivery, fitting, or evaluation sessions.
- Obtain and document customer feedback, coordinate revisions with Design, and follow up for timely approval.
- Document approved samples before the project proceeds.

7. Quoting & Estimating Coordination

- Determine when the project is ready for Estimating, then create and assign the quotation task with complete, approved project information.
- Coordinate clarification among Estimating, Design, and the customer, and monitor quotation progress and revisions through completion.
- Verify that quotations reflect the approved design, quantity, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Send and explain completed quotations, coordinate revisions when requirements change, follow up on outstanding quotations, and document customer approval.

8. Customer Experience & Project Follow-Up

- Provide timely updates on project status, requirements, designs, samples, quotations, approvals, and next steps.
- Follow up proactively on outstanding customer actions and keep the customer, Design, and Estimating aligned with OTIF expectations.
- Identify and escalate risks, delays, technical concerns, quotation issues, or customer concerns as required.
- Maintain a qualified and responsive customer experience throughout the project.

9. Marketing Process Support

- Apply the Marketing flag to qualifying projects and keep related requirements visible during execution.
- Coordinate with the appropriate stakeholders when project information, photographs, or other Marketing content is required.

10.



Project Completion & Customer Service Handoff

- Confirm required design, sample, and quotation approvals and supporting project documentation.
- Ensure all information required for order processing is complete and hand the approved project to Customer Service.
- Resolve any outstanding project clarification required to complete the handoff.

Primary Project Manager Accountability

The Project Manager owns the customer project journey through:

Sales/BD Handoff → Requirements Review → Project Setup → Design/Technical Coordination → Customer Review → Sample Approval → Estimating & Quoting → Quote Approval → Customer Service Handoff

Responsibility ends when the approved order, required sample and quotation approvals, and supporting project information have been successfully transferred to Customer Service.

Role Requirements

You’ll be successful as our Project Manager if you:

- Have 2 to 5 years of project management experience, preferably in the packaging industry or supporting design-focused teams.
- Are sales minded and excel at building strong customer relationships.
- Communicate effectively with customers, Designers, Sales, Estimating, and Customer Service.
- Understand drawings, design terminology, packaging concepts, and quotation processes, and translate technical information into clear customer communication.
- Manage multiple projects and quotation priorities with strong organization, vendor follow-up, accurate CRM documentation, and focus on agreed timelines and OTIF expectations.
- Facilitate virtual technical discussions and coordinate Designers for customer visits and fitting sessions when required.
- PMP certification from PMI is considered an asset.

What We Offer

- Competitive base salary
- Profit sharing
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits
- Team lunches and events
- Opportunity to be a part of a unique company with interesting customers
- Career development opportunities
- A supportive and friendly work environment
- Flexible start and finish times between 6am and 5pm

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter and C.V. through Indeed (preferred method), OR by email to [email protected] with the subject line “Application – Project Manager". Applications will be reviewed and accepted until the position is filled.

SmartShield Packaging is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and accessible. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all applicants for employment without discrimination. Please let us know if accommodation for the recruitment/interview process is required and we will work with you to make sure your needs are met.

Applications for this role are reviewed and assessed by our hiring team using a people-first approach. SmartShield Packaging does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions for this position.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Extended health care

Experience:

- Project management: 2 years (required)

Location:

- Cambridge, ON (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Project Manager – Design, Quoting & Customer Projects (Cambridge)
🏢 SmartShield Packaging
📍 Cambridge