Adaptive Design Manager

TOPPAN Packaging Americas • Cincinnati, OH

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Adaptive Art Manager understands that great adaptive design is more than applying a master design to another SKU. This role is responsible for interpreting the intent behind the master design and ensuring that intent is maintained as the system expands across different products, formats, sizes, claims, regulatory requirements and markets. This person brings together strong design sensibility, technical packaging knowledge and an exceptional eye for detail. They will lead adaptive designers, establish the standards for how a design system is implemented, and work closely with Creative, Client Engagement, Artwork and Production teams to ensure every execution feels intentional, consistent and true to the brand.

Requirements

• Brings a strong design eye to adaptive work and understands how to maintain the creative intent and quality of a master design across an entire portfolio.
• Understands that packaging portfolios are interconnected systems. Able to anticipate how a decision made on one SKU or format may affect dozens of others.
• Recognizes the distinctive assets and design principles that create brand equity and protects them throughout adaptation.
• Understands the realities of CPG packaging, including regulatory requirements, structural differences, print considerations, production constraints and artwork processes.
• Comfortable making thoughtful design decisions when the master design does not provide an obvious answer. Knows when to solve within the system and when an issue requires creative or client escalation.
• Sets a high standard for accuracy, consistency and craft while ensuring adaptive work retains the sensibility of the original creative idea.
• Able to lead, develop and inspire designers while providing clear, constructive and actionable creative direction.
• 5+ years industry experience in packaging and direct customer engagement/consultation

Nice To Haves

• Design, Digital Design, Communication Design or similar field focused on creative communication and/or visual arts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the adaptation of approved master designs across multiple SKUs, product variants, pack formats and portfolio architectures.
• Interpret master design intent and establish clear principles for how the design system should flex across the portfolio.
• Protect brand equity throughout adaptation, ensuring key visual assets, hierarchy, typography, color, imagery and distinctive brand elements remain consistent.
• Make informed design decisions when individual SKUs or formats require solutions not explicitly addressed within the master design.
• Balance design integrity with regulatory, legal, structural, technical and production requirements.
• Identify potential design-system challenges early and recommend solutions that can work consistently across the broader portfolio.
• Provide creative direction, review and quality oversight for adaptive designers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure adaptive work maintains the craft and design sensibility of the original concept rather than becoming a mechanical execution exercise.
• Partner closely with the Creative Director and originating design team to understand the strategic and creative thinking behind the master design.
• Collaborate with Client Engagement, Artwork, Production and other Trident teams to ensure a smooth transition from creative design through final production.
• Review work against approved brand guidelines, design principles, packaging architecture and client-specific requirements.
• Participate in client conversations and confidently explain adaptive design decisions, system recommendations and portfolio considerations.
• Manage multiple projects and portfolios while maintaining quality, consistency and delivery expectations.
• Support the development, coaching and training of adaptive designers and help establish best practices for adaptive design across Grit & Pearl.
• Play an active role in Grit & Pearl and Trident quality control protocols.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree