James Burnside Portfolio 2024

HELLO

Nice to meet you. Let me tell you a little bit about myself...

Eight years ago I embarked on my professional journey after graduating from university with a 2:1 degree in industrial design. Over the span of eight rewarding years, I’ve honed my skills and expertise in the immersive realm of packaging manufacturing and production processes. My career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to crafting packaging solutions that seamlessly blend form and function, creating products that not only captivate consumers but also optimise manufacturing efficiency.

Outside of the professional sphere, I find inspiration in the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District, where leisurely walks rejuvenate my mind. My passion for rugby remains consistent, as I historically played for eleven years myself, but now I prefer to watch.

Socialising with friends is an integral part of my life, nurturing meaningful connections that provide both motivation and support through the good and bad times. When it’s time to unwind, I like to pass the time playing video games, getting lost in the fantasy narratives and strategic puzzles that they can offer.

Above all, my unwavering drive at work is fuelled by a deep-seated commitment to provide for my family while doing the things that make me genuinely happy. This dual motivation, the pursuit of professional excellence, and the joy found in my personal passions, is the driving force that keeps me energised every day.

MY JOURNEY SO FAR...

PRAXIS / SHARP CUTTERS

Packaging Designer

2015 (3 months placement)

NCR

Innovation Designer

2017 (3 months intern)

WEBSTERS

Restaurant Manager / Marketing Assistant

2011 - 2018

MULTI-PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Packaging Designer

2016 (3 months placement)

WHAT I CAN OFFER?

CONCEPTUAL THINKER

Throughout my career as a structural packaging designer, I have had the privilege of conceptualising and crafting numerous folding box board cartons that have successfully made it into the market. This being said, I have also been part of many briefs which didn’t. From these brief, I have had the opportunity to reflect on what I could have done better which I have found that it has helped shape me to better meet customer needs better in the future.

However, the cartons which have made it to market have not only met but exceeded the diverse and evolving needs of the intended customers. Whether it’s enhancing product visibility, ensuring structural integrity, or optimising shelf space, each carton has represents a carefully crafted fusion of aesthetics and functionality.

These accomplishments and rejections reflect not only my commitment to delivering exceptional packaging solutions, but also my dedication to staying in tune with the current market trends and consumer preferences.

DIVERSE SOFTWARE SKILLS

ADVANCED ARTIOS QUALIFIED

SYSTEM STREAMLINER

By harnessing technology and utilising my software skills I am able to eliminate mundane tasks, to free up valuable time and resources that can be redirected toward more value-added aspects of the business.

AUTOMATION

OBSERVE AN AREA TO IMPROVE CAN I IMPROVE IT?

I can craft efficient SOP’s to create clear guidelines and simplify complex processes to their fundamental elements. This is a testament to my ability to streamline operations, remove unnecessary complications and enhancing overall efficiency.

STANDARDISATION

SUCCESSES THROUGH STREAMLINING

I have managed to reduce quality complaints by a significant 75% year on year which demonstrates my commitment to excellence. By implementing direct processes and leveraging automation, I have not only improved operational efficiency but also ensured consistent quality in the department’s outputs.

Through ridged systems I have managed to expand a department from a one-person operation (myself) where systems weren’t clearly defined when starting, to a team of five highly qualified individuals by using systematic learning materials which catered to everyone’s learning styles.

By integrating risk assessments into the department’s systems it resulted in a proactive approach to the reduction in Lost Time Injuries (LTI’s). This achievement underlined the importance of a robust systems that prioritizes safety and minimizes potential hazards.

YELLOWBELT QUALIFIED

VISIBLE FELT LEADERSHIP TRAINED

VFL

MANUFACTURING OPTIMISER

I have a profound knowledge of manufacturing processes which I find is my strategic advantage within the packaging industry and sets me apart from other designers. With this expertise, I possess the ability to seamlessly transition a designs from a concept into a successful production reality.

My awareness of manufacturing enables me to optimise production efficiencies, streamline processes, and reduce wastage, which in turn bolsters profitability for the business without sacrificing quality to the customer.

With this in mind, I have been able to reduce tooling expenditure within my current role by over 10% year on year, minimise impact of several price increases with material cost inflation and negotiated contracts with key suppliers to keep production costs down. Furthermore, I have also played a key role in increasing manufacturing speeds throughout the factory to ensure that no second is wasted.

OVER 1000 DESIGNS TAKEN TO PRODUCTION!!!

TEAM SUPPORTER

I am a compassionate and dedicated individual who wears multiple hats when it comes to supporting the team. Emotional/physical well-being and crisis management is one of my key focuses, as I have found that a happy healthy team is a productive one and I love playing my role in this. As an emotional first aider, I possess a remarkable ability to provide crucial support and empathy to those who are navigating difficult emotions both inside and outside the workplace.

I also serve as a physical first aider, ready to respond to any emergencies and provide essential medical assistance when needed. Luckily in my current workplace I have only had to implement this skill twice, as through proper risk assessments I aim to alleviate the risks before incidents occur instead.

These skills are also furthered by my mentoring training which reflects my commitment to guiding and nurturing the growth of others, sharing my experiences to assist the team in achieving their goals and overcoming obstacles.

KPI TRACKING & ANALYSING

Through data-driven decision-making and meticulous tracking of essential metrics I find this is the best way for effective management of my time. By consistently monitoring everything from tooling expenditure to workload, I ensure that both myself and the department operates efficiently and effectively.

This is particularly crucial when it comes to reviewing process upgrades as it allows me to ensure that the changes that have been made have a positive impact on the workplace.

One of my greatest achievements through this is creating geometry macros to automate the creation of the top 6 styles of designs within the workplace. This allowed myself and the team to focus on more innovative design work and cut the creation time of these profiles by over 90%,