Senior Graphic Designer packaging.

Main Purpose of Job: To project manage the packaging design process from conception through to production. Delivering designs (both graphics and pack structure) which fully satisfy the brief, are within budget and are on time, by working closely with the Marketing, Product, Engineering and PI teams. Liaise with global colleagues and remote vendors to resolve design and manufacturing issues. Track and control the pack design to maintain product cost, focus and schedule, via relevant planning documents, as a senior team player. Fully support, supervise, and mentor more junior members of the team (direct colleagues and the wider group).

Key Tasks/Main duties:

• Proactively brainstorm and research initial concepts / designs including competitor packs.
• Understand and interpret briefs from the global product design and marketing teams.
• Provide written briefs for artwork, illustrations, photography, and translations to external suppliers, building & maintaining good working relationships.
• Direct, coordinate, and attend photo shoots (often working with child models), as agreed with Marketing.
• Keep current with competitor / fashionable packs / trends.
• Liaise with PI team on safety and legal pack requirements.
• Consult with product designers and engineering on features, function, costs & manufacturing issues.
• Record all relevant project details, maintaining current project files.
• Attend all relevant project meetings, responsible for / complete pack specification documents.
• Analyse all quotes to confirm content and conclude all possible value engineering solutions.
• Negotiate costs for outsourced artwork, mock-ups, pack construction, illustrations, translations, and photography.
• Support approval process of proofs, layouts, and final print runs.
• Coordinate and analyze information between global offices.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and licensors.
• Occasional international travel and off-site meetings.
• Plan timelines using provided milestone and planning documents.
• Monitor schedules through to production.
• Provide pack mock-ups for previews, sample selections, listings, etc.
• Drive new initiatives and procedures within the department.
• Review own work and others' objectively, being aware of strengths and weaknesses.
• Share knowledge within and outside the department.
• Guide and support team members with workload and meetings, setting a good example.
• Be a respected source of advice and guidance, contributing positively to team morale.
• Consider the wider business perspective in product development decisions.

Requirements Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualified graphic/packaging designer or equivalent, with 5-7 years experience in the toy/youth market.
• Skilled in logo creation, style guides, pack structure, graphic layout, art direction, and current graphic software.
• Good understanding of production techniques and project management skills, including communication.

Essential Personal Attributes:

• Self-motivated, dedicated, and eager for personal development.
• Excellent knowledge of graphic applications, print processes, and photography.
• Understanding of company practices and procedures.
• Professional conduct, excellent communication skills.
• Strong aesthetic, color, and communication skills for the toy market.
• Creative problem-solving and initiative.
• Good listener, receptive to feedback.
• Team player with organizational and project management skills.
• Experience managing budgets and schedules.
• Ability to work under pressure independently and in teams.
• Multi-tasking ability with a proactive attitude.
• Confident in making recommendations, flexible, personable, and humorous.
• Willing to take on responsibilities and review packing potential.
• Ability to see the bigger picture and prioritize tasks.
• Plan effectively balancing business and personal goals.
• Empathy and awareness of how roles impact others.
• Responsibility for problem-solving and exceeding expectations.