Manager, Packaging Design - Boys (Plush & Plastics)

Jazwares, LLC • Bristol Township, PA

7d • 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

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

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
• Time Off for vacation and sick leave
• Opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects

What This Job Offers

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