Manager, Packaging Design - Trends

As the Manager of Packaging Design, you will lead packaging designers across our portfolio of trend-driven brands to create cost-effective, eye-catching, functional, and safe packaging. You will drive concept-to-prototype execution, art direct visual elements, mentor junior talent, and align packaging strategy with consumer trends.

What Will You Do: 

• Manage and guide the design and development process (including brainstorming, design, prototype development, and production) while ensuring deliverables are met within scheduled deadlines
• Develop innovative packaging design systems that are functional while also maintaining the aesthetics and brand integrity to meet packaging objectives
• Evaluates 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, and communicating with leaders and global counterparts on updates, progress, objectives, and any issues
• Work closely with senior mangers to quickly and efficiently resolve any issues
• Work collaboratively to develop and implement strategies across product lines
• Lead and attend cross functional team meetings
• Manage outsourced projects as required
• Collaborate with cross functional departments to produce functional, yet eye catching packages
• Responsible for ensuring packaging designs accurately represent the company’s brand
• 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
• Prepare 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
• Have ownership over 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
• Participate in all stages of the employee life cycle for packaging design team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisor Responsibilities

Manages People: Yes

 What We Are Looking For: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, art, industrial design or related field is a plus. 
• 3-5 years of packaging design experience in consumer products (CPG), with a focus on toys, kids' products, and trend-driven brands.
• 2+ year of leadership experience or management experience. 
• Experience working with style guides, die-lines, structural concepts, and physical mock-ups.
• Experience working with licensed brands.
• Background in trade show design and visual merchandising is a plus.

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Working knowledge of computer modeling software for mock-up designs.

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

• Knowledge of packaging materials and various manufacturing processes.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office & G-Suite.

• Excellent graphic design skills with a strong sense of aesthetics, innovation, and ability to art direct visual assets.

• Proven leadership abilities: coaching, mentoring, inspiring, and developing creative talent.

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

• Proactive problem solver and critical thinker able to make strategic, well-informed decisions under tight deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal, visual, verbal, and written communication skills across all organizational levels and external vendors.

• Stays actively informed on current marketplace trends, innovations, and the competitive toy landscape.

• Highly self-mot

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provide the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What we offer

The salary range for this position is $86,400.00 $105,420.00