Manager, Packaging Design - Boys (Plush & Plastics)

Jazwares Careers•Bristol, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Packaging Design is responsible for managing packaging designers across multiple designated brands, with a primary focus on boys' brands across both plush and plastic toy lines. You will collaborate with team members to design cost-effective, attractive, functional, and safe packaging for our consumer products. You will be responsible for the conceptualization, design, and execution of prototypes for attention-grabbing packaging materials—using design elements such as shape, color, graphics, and typography to create packaging that resonates with our target markets. In your role, you will influence all consumer-facing design initiatives in our packaging department for assigned brands.

Requirements

3–5 years of package design experience in consumer products, with a primary focus on toy packaging
2+ years of leadership/supervisory experience
Experience working with style guides and packaging mock-ups
Experience in trade show design and presentation
Excellent graphic design skills with the ability to art direct
An eye for innovation and creativity
Ability to make strategic, well-informed design decisions and consistently meet deadlines
Strong conceptual and visual problem-solving skills
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop productive and professional relationships
Effective visual, verbal, and written communication skills
Working knowledge of printing processes (4-color process, spot colors, mechanical preparation, paper stock, and file formats)
Exceptional project management and organizational skills
Clear understanding of print specifications and prepress expectations (bleeds, die lines, retouching, formats, resolution, etc.)
Active interest in current market trends, package design innovations, and the competitive marketplace within the toy industry
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite
Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign)
Ability to work cross-functionally and collaboratively across multiple departments
Ability to work independently or as part of a collaborative team
Self-motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented
Knowledge of packaging materials and multiple manufacturing/production processes
Experience working with licensed brands and licensor approval processes
Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities while keeping projects moving forward and hitting key deadlines
Leadership skills, including the ability to coach, train, mentor, inspire, and develop team members
Ability to interact professionally with diverse individuals across all organizational levels

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Art, Industrial Design, or a related field

Responsibilities

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
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
Manage 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 managers 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
Ensure 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

Benefits

Basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children
Employee basic life and AD&D insurance
401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals
Short and long-term disability
Tuition reimbursement
Flexible work schedule
Optional WFH on Fridays
Up to 20 workdays fully remote each year
Time Off for vacation and sick leave
Opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects