At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and production of innovative packaging for wellness products.
- Company: Join TRIP, the world's #1 calming beverage brand focused on mental wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic office environment with great career growth and team events.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing team making a real impact in wellness.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in packaging design with strong print production knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About TRIP
TRIP’s mission is to create calm in the everyday chaos for our community, offering next‑generation wellness products to power their lifestyle and nurture mental wellbeing. Co‑founders, husband and wife team Olivia and Daniel discovered plant‑based wellness after a transformative personal experience and decided to launch TRIP in 2019 to bring the most delicious, highest quality functional drinks and supplements to millions of people globally. Now the world’s #1 Calming Beverage Brand, TRIP’s award‑winning drinks and wellness products are crafted with botanicals and adaptogens to help people relax, unwind and find balance. Since launch, TRIP has rapidly expanded from the UK to across Europe and North America, generating over $100 million in sales. TRIP products are now available in leading supermarkets, natural retailers and online. Our vision is to become the global leader in calming drinks and supplements. Synonymous with calm in the same way Red Bull is with energy. We move fast, think big and are committed to becoming the defining brand for a generation who drinks less but prioritises mental wellbeing more than ever.
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced and technically brilliant Packaging Lead to join our growing in‑house Creative Team at TRIP. With an expanding portfolio of products across drinks and supplements and ambitions for many more, packaging design is one of our main focus areas. We’d like to bring in someone to own, define and evolve TRIP’s long‑term packaging vision – from overseeing regular artwork updates to being a key contributor to NPD concepting as well as liaising with suppliers to ensure everything you design not only looks great but holds up in production and on shelf. Whilst a creative eye is essential, this role is also responsible for the technical side of delivery – including pre‑press checks, print data accuracy, adaptation for different materials and printing technologies, and close communication with printers to ensure flawless final output. Beyond execution, the role also includes workflow improvement, process efficiency, quality control, team coordination, and collaboration with product and marketing teams on both new product launches and redesigns of existing products.
About You
You’ll be a meticulous and technically brilliant artworker with an exceptional eye for detail and craft. You’ll have a deep understanding of print production, packaging, and digital artwork, ensuring everything that leaves the studio is beautifully executed to spec. You’ll thrive in a fast‑paced environment, working closely with designers, marketeers, product managers and our operations and technical teams. Calm under pressure, collaborative, and eagle‑eyed – you’ll help to guard quality, consistency and accuracy in our packaging world. You’ll be process‑driven and precise, ready to build and own systems to manage multiple active projects effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Packaging Artwork & Production
- Create, adapt, and finalise print‑ready packaging artwork across a range of formats (cans, boxes, SRP, pouches, bottles)
- Support the process for locking down colours and building master templates/artworks appropriate to print process
- Accurately roll out designs across full ranges of flavours, sizes, and territories, ensuring absolute consistency and precision
- Apply and manage copy, barcodes, legal text, nutrition panels, and regulatory information accurately
- Prepare artwork for release to meet printer and supplier specifications with particular emphasis on colour management
- Correctly set up artwork layers for special finishes, such as spot varnishes, foils, or white bases for cans and clear packaging
- Maintain accurate dieline templates for all pack formats, updated when structural or supplier changes occur
- Brand & Creative Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with packaging managers, product developers, quality, regulatory, and suppliers throughout the product development process
- Interpret feedback and make precise revisions efficiently, maintaining clear communication on status and timelines
- Collaborate with Brand, Ops and Product teams to create visual mock‑ups for NPD concepts that are in‑keeping with our established packaging look & feel
- Work closely with designers to interpret creative concepts and ensure they translate effectively into production‑ready artwork files packaging formats
- Act as a guardian of brand guidelines, ensuring all artwork aligns with brand standards
- Quality Control & Approval
- Carry out rigorous artwork checks to ensure accuracy, consistency, and technical compliance before submission (pre‑flight checks)
- Manage internal and external artwork approval processes, amends, and version control
- Liaise with printers and suppliers to resolve technical queries and troubleshoot production issues
- Adapt master artworks for all markets, incorporating translated copy, local regulatory text, and market‑specific requirements
- Ensure all adaptations remain consistent with brand guidelines while meeting local regulatory requirements
- Verify that all legal, regulatory, and labelling requirements are correctly implemented — including barcodes, safety marks, and multi‑language text
- Maintain version control and ensure artwork is archived and documented properly throughout its lifecycle
- Attend press passes to approve packaging colours in production
- Workflow & Studio Support
- Be an absolute master at maintaining 100% accurate, organised, logical and clear filing structures and artwork archives
- Manage multiple artwork projects simultaneously, prioritising deadlines and dependencies
- Implement and follow internal workflows and approval processes, ensuring all checkpoints are completed and documented
- Track artwork status across all active projects using a centralised system, maintaining a clear audit trail for all changes
- Contribute to improving artwork processes, efficiency, and technical standards over time
What we’re looking for
- 10+ years in a packaging artwork or production design role
- Strong knowledge of print and preparing artwork for production (pre‑press and print production)
- Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator and Photoshop), including clean file structuring and proper use of layers/swatches for print setup
- Ability to juggle multiple projects at once without sacrificing detail
- Comfortable working with brand guidelines and structured templates
- Experience with multi‑market localisation and adapted artworks
- Proven ability to manage version control across a large SKU range
- Familiarity with compliance copy, safety warnings, and regulatory labelling
- Meticulous attention to detail with a process‑driven mindset
- Proven team leadership or management experience, including work organization, coordination, feedback, and output quality control
- A collaborative mindset and good communication skills
Technical & Production Expectations
- Print processes: CMYK, Pantone (spot colours), digital vs litho printing
- Preparing artwork for print: bleed, overprint, trapping, spot colours/varnishes, export settings
- Working with dielines, cutter guides, die‑cut and laser‑cut formats
- Understanding packaging formats and applications such as flexible packaging (pouches, sachets) and labels (adhesive, shrink sleeves)
- Cans, cartons, and wraps
- Awareness of production methods: digitally printed vs large‑scale production, sleeving vs direct print
- Understanding of materials and specifications, including basic structure differences (e.g., laminates vs mono‑materials)
- An understanding of the repro/pre‑press process (how files are processed by printers)
Nice to have
- Experience in food, drinks, or supplements
- Familiarity with packaging or labelling regulations
- Experience working across a large product range
- Experience with POS artwork
- Understanding of cost, scalability, or sustainability considerations
THE PACKAGE
- Lovely, bright and spacious office 1 minute from Notting Hill Gate station, surrounded by TRIP pastel‑coloured houses!
- Salary: DOE
- 4 days per week in the office with the option to work from home on a Friday
- Private Healthcare with Vitality including Virgin Gym 50% off
- Holiday: 24 days + birthday off!
- 1 Wellness Day
- Pension plan
- Potential to take part in the company share scheme
- TRIP product discount & Friends+Family codes
- Mindfulness support with Calm App membership
- Breakfast and snacks provided
- Sleep support with monthly Dream Drops CBD Oil allowance
- Working from Anywhere policy: 2 weeks per year in a maximum of 2 blocks
- Sabbatical: After 2 years of service, you may apply for a sabbatical of up to 6 weeks, subject to policy
- Dog Friendly office
- Regular team socials & events
Packaging Lead employer: 剔偉
TRIP is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth, offering a vibrant work culture in a bright, spacious office just a minute from Notting Hill Gate. With a commitment to mental wellness, TRIP provides generous benefits including private healthcare, flexible working options, and opportunities for personal development, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in a creative and supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best packaging designs and projects. When you apply through our website, make sure to include a link to your portfolio so we can see your creative flair in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching TRIP and our products. Understand our mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with what we do. This will help you stand out and show us you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows us that you're enthusiastic about the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat with our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in packaging design and production. We want to see how your technical brilliance and creative flair can contribute to our mission at TRIP!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect how your skills align with the specific responsibilities of the Packaging Lead role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at TRIP!
How to prepare for a job interview at 剔偉
✨Know Your Packaging Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of packaging design and production. Familiarise yourself with different materials, printing processes, and the specific requirements for various formats like cans and pouches. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Creative Process
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially any packaging designs you've created. Be ready to explain your creative process, from concept to execution, and how you ensure quality and consistency throughout.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle feedback, ensuring that you can adapt designs while maintaining brand integrity.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about pre-press checks, colour management, and version control. Brush up on your technical knowledge regarding Adobe Creative Suite and print production processes. Demonstrating your expertise in these areas will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the technical demands of the role.
