Senior Packaging Designer - Trends

As a Senior Packaging Designer, you will collaborate across our portfolio of trend-driven brands to create cost-effective, eye-catching, functional, and safe packaging. You will drive concept-to-prototype execution, contribute to packaging strategy, elevate visual branding, and support and mentor junior design talent within the team. You will serve as a key technical and creative pillar within the packaging department, working closely with packaging managers and cross-functional partners to bring innovative product packaging to life from concept through final production.

What You Will Do:                   

• Support the Packaging design manager throughout the design process (including brainstorming, design, prototype development, and production)
• Develop innovative packaging design systems that are functional while also maintaining the aesthetics and brand integrity to meet packaging objectives
• Evaluate packaging designs for fit, structure, function, suitable materials, quality, cost effectiveness, manufacturability, transportation, industry best practices, and high standards of the brand
• Evaluate consumer and market trends for packaging materials
• Responsible for managing time-line requirements and maintaining schedule to support production
• Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, and artwork, using Adobe Creative Suite
• Work collaboratively to develop and implement strategies across product lines
• Provide updates on current projects with both national and international teams
• Regularly attend meetings with cross-functional departments
• Collaborate with cross functional departments to produce functional, yet eye catching products
• Brainstorm packaging ideas using hand sketches, verbal cues, words, and design software
• Ensure packaging designs accurately represent the company’s brand
• Packaging die line template creation or modification
• Complete final mock-up designs using computer modeling software
• Prepare submissions for licensor approval
• Follow workflow and sign-off protocols to ensure final deliverables are error-free
• Prep final files for production and work with the production team on specifics such as Pantone matching, proofing, etc.
• Approve print proofs and samples (FEP’s) before going into production
• Organize and maintain project and digital archives
• Take ownership of managing the design & development process to make sure the deadlines/deliverable dates are met
• Take ownership on various packaging projects and work with outside vendors to help execute as needed
• Bring cohesion between available packaging materials and the aesthetics and functionality of the final product
• Perform other duties as assigned

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, art, industrial design, or other industry relevant field is a plus. 

• 5+ years of packaging design experience in consumer products (CPG), with a strong preference for toys, kids' products, or trend-driven brands.

• Proven experience working with style guides, licensed brands, die-lines, structural concepts, and physical mock-ups.

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and working knowledge of computer modeling/3D software for mock-up designs. Proficient in Microsoft Office & G-Suite.

• Deep understanding of printing processes and mechanical preparation (4-color process, spot/Pantone colors, paper stock, file formats, bleeds, resolution, and proofing/FEP approvals). Strong knowledge of packaging materials and manufacturing processes.

• Excellent graphic design skills with a strong sense of aesthetics, innovation, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and support junior creative talent and lead by example.

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with strict attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

• Proactive problem solver and critical thinker able to make well-informed design decisions independently or collaboratively.

• Strong interpersonal, visual, verbal, and written communication skills across cross-functional teams and external vendors.

• Stays actively informed on current marketplace trends