We are seeking a Senior Manager of Packaging Design to lead our team of packaging designers primarily focused on the Squishmallows brand, one of the hottest plush brands in the market. In this role, you will collaborate to create cost-effective, attractive, and safe packaging solutions that resonate with our target audience. You will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing prototypes, utilizing design elements such as shape, color, graphics, and typography. Additionally, you will influence consumer-facing design initiatives, support senior leadership, and mentor junior staff to foster creativity and excellence. Join us in making a significant impact on our packaging design for Squishmallows!
What you will do:
- Manage and guide the design and development process, including brainstorming, design, prototype development, and production, ensuring deliverables are met within scheduled deadlines.
- Develop innovative packaging design systems that are functional while maintaining aesthetics and brand integrity to meet packaging objectives.
- Evaluate packaging designs for fit, structure, function, suitable materials, quality, cost-effectiveness, manufacturability, transportation, and industry best practices.
- Oversee team research on consumer and market trends for packaging materials and incorporate findings into design strategies.
- Manage timelines and maintain schedules to support production, effectively communicating updates, progress, objectives, and any issues with senior leaders and global counterparts.
- Work closely with senior leaders to resolve issues quickly and efficiently, leading communication with cross-functional teams.
- Present final designs to internal stakeholders and collaborate with department leaders to discuss packaging specifications and confirm budgets.
- Support the Packaging Design Director in developing packaging strategies, design systems, and team growth while guiding the overall art direction of designs.
- Provide mentorship to the Packaging Design Manager and junior staff, nurturing their professional growth and skills development.
- Lead efforts in packaging innovation by exploring new materials and cost-saving ideas to enhance packaging solutions.
- Ensure cohesion between available packaging materials and the aesthetics and functionality of the final product.
- Oversee team implementation of strategies across product lines and lead cross-functional team meetings with national and international teams.
- Manage projects with outside vendors as needed and ensure that packaging designs accurately represent the company’s brand.
- Complete final mock-up designs using appropriate computer modeling software and prepare submissions for licensor approval.
- Follow workflow and sign-off protocols to ensure final deliverables are error-free and prep final files for production, working with the production team on specifics such as Pantone matching and proofing.
- Approve print proofs and samples (FEPs) before going into production and ensure timely readiness of mock-up packaging for sales and trade-show events.
- Track and implement budgets, assist with budget planning, and enforce departmental processes to enhance team productivity.
- Participate in all stages of the employee life cycle for the packaging design team and perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisor Responsabilities:
- Manages People: Yes
- This position provides work direction to others; and assigns and evaluates work.
What we are looking for:
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, art, industrial design, or related field. Combination of education and experience is applicable.
- 5-8 years of package design experience in consumer packaged products, especially in the toy or entertainment industry.
- 4-6 years of team leadership experience in a creative environment.
- Prior experience working with style guides and mock-ups.
- Proficiency with Illustrator and Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite
- Clear understanding of consumer packaging design and print expectations, including, bleeds, die lines, retouching, formats, resolution, etc.
- Excellent graphic design skills and ability to art direct.
- Solid understanding of design, layout, and type usage.
- Great attention to detail.
- Ability to work with tight deadlines.
- Strong communication skills.
- Trade show design experience is a plus.
Working Conditions
- Environment: Office
- Extreme Exposures: None
- Schedule: Regular office; may require occasional calls with Asia counterparts outside of regular hours
- Physical Requirements:
- Light; Lifting up to 25 lbs
- Must be able to sit at desk for extended periods of time
- Travel Required: Yes – Limited
What we offer:
At Jazwares, we believe in providing our employees with comprehensive and competitive benefits that support their well-being and overall satisfaction.
Base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, location. Eligibility for annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, salary range may not apply to other states.
Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.
Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation, and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.
Working at Jazwares:
At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere, and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.
Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.
Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.
Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today and let's shape the future of play together!
JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Required
- Clear understanding of consumer packaging design and print expectations, including, bleeds, die lines, retouching, formats, resolution, etc.
- Proficiency with Illustrator and Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite
- 4 - 6 years: team leadership experience in a creative environment.
- 5 - 8 years: package design experience in consumer packaged products, especially in the toy or entertainment industry.
