Sr Manager, Prototyping Client Engagement

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands.

We’re hiring a Senior Manager, Prototyping Client Engagement for a full-time hybrid position with one of our leading clients based in Chicago, IL.

Are you a seasoned leader with a passion for client services and a background in CPG, packaging, innovation, or prototyping? This is an exciting opportunity to drive strategic growth, lead cross-functional teams, and elevate the client experience within a fast-paced creative production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Lead and manage a unified Client Services and Sales department.

• Set shared goals and establish aligned workflows between teams.

• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Mentor and coach team members through regular 1:1s and performance feedback.

Team Support & Enablement

• Serve as a strategic advisor to Client Services Managers (CSMs).

• Support escalation efforts and coach on client communications.

• Remove operational roadblocks and strengthen internal processes.

• Guide Sales team members on account planning, client strategy, and forecasting.

Sales Alignment & Growth

• Ensure smooth transitions from Sales to Client Services.

• Identify growth opportunities within existing accounts.

• Partner with New Business Development on early-stage client conversations.

• Support annual client business reviews and sales forecasting initiatives.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Bridge communication between Client Services, Production, Sales, Design, and New Business Development.

• Align timelines, project priorities, and scheduling with production leadership.

• Facilitate cohesive workflows between prototyping and design teams.

Institutional Knowledge

• Maintain deep knowledge of prototyping services and production workflows.

• Stay current on industry trends and the competitive landscape.

• Champion an aligned, end-to-end client experience.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Proven success leading client engagement and sales teams in creative or production environments.

• Strong leadership, team-building, and conflict resolution skills.

• Excellent communicator and cross-functional collaborator.

• Strategic yet hands-on problem-solver who thrives in dynamic settings.

• Proficient in CRM platforms, Microsoft Office, Adobe, and internal collaboration tools.

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and execution-focused.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in client services, sales operations, or leadership—preferably in packaging, innovation, or prototyping.

• Experience working with production and creative teams is a strong plus.

If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take your career to the next level, apply today! Our team at Onward Search will be in touch to guide you through the interview process and advocate on your behalf.

Employer Details:

• Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
• Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full time temporary assignments.
• Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.
• Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing and technology. Our clients are continuously turning to us to fill their open positions. Therefore, there is no application deadline for this position, as we are seeking candidates for this type of role across all our clients on an ongoing basis.