Manager, Packaging Design - Trends

Jazwares Careers • Culver City, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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-motivated.

Nice To Haves

• Background in trade show design and visual merchandising is a plus.

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
• 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

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
• 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