Graphic Designer Middle Weight Packaging

Main Purpose of Job:

• Working closely with your line manager, and the Marketing, Product, Engineering and PI Teams to design, artwork, consult and project manage all graphics and packaging elements from conception through to production.
• Liaise with global colleagues and remote vendors to resolve design and manufacturing issues.
• Control pack design to maintain product cost, focus and schedule.

Key Tasks/Main duties:

• Brainstorm and research initial concepts / designs including competitor packs.
• Understand and interpret briefs from the global product design and marketing departments.
• Provide written briefs for artwork, illustrations, photography and translations to external suppliers as required, being sensitive to building good working relationships.
• Coordinate and attend photo shoots – then direct as agreed with Marketing.
• Keep current with competitor / fashionable packs / trends.
• Liaise with PI team on safety and legal pack requirements.
• Consult with the product designers and engineering on the features, functions, costs & manufacturing issues.
• Record all relevant project details, maintaining current project files (to be archived thereafter).
• Attend all relevant project meetings, be responsible for / complete pack specification document HK office.
• Analyse all quotes to confirm content and conclude all possible value engineering solutions.
• Negotiate competitive costs for all outsourced artwork, mock-ups, pack construction, illustrations, translations and photography.
• Support process on approval of proofs / layouts / final print runs.
• Coordinate and analyse information between the global offices.
• Work with and build strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers and licensors.
• Occasional international travel and off-site meetings.
• Effectively plan your own time with regards to projects using the milestone and planning documents provided.
• Monitor schedules / timelines through to production for review with your manager.
• Provide pack mock-ups for previews / sample selections / listings etc as and when required.

Qualifications & Experience:

• You will need to be a qualified graphic / packaging designer or equivalent qualification.
• Have a minimum of 3 years work experience in the toy / youth market with demonstrable awareness of the latest ‘trends’.
• Proficiency in logo generation and quick-fire style guide / concept development is crucial.
• Experience of pack structure is essential, as well as a thorough understanding of creative graphic design layout, art direction and expertise in current graphic software.
• A good understanding of current production techniques is required.
• For the project management side of the role, excellent communication skills, written and oral, are key.

Essential Personal Attributes:

• A talented, self-motivated, creative and dedicated graphic / packaging designer striving for new skills, knowledge, experience and personal development.
• Sound knowledge of graphic applications / software & print processes.
• Good awareness of working and company practices and procedures.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times, with good communication skills, written and verbal.
• Strong understanding of aesthetics, colour, and communication skills required for the toy market.
• Excellent creative problem-solving skills and initiative.
• Ability to listen and understand other people’s views & objectives, able to accept constructive criticism.
• Self-motivated & organised with good project management skills.
• Confident with budgets and schedules.
• Able to work under pressure on your own or in a team in a positive way.
• Able to work where necessary on your own and contribute within a pro-active team environment.
• Enjoy multi-tasking and juggling a varied workload with a pro-active attitude.
• Develop awareness of how your role affects others within the company.
• Not afraid to speak up but be flexible, personable and have a good sense of humour!