At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and prepare high-quality packaging artwork files for print production.
- Company: Join SGX, a leader in innovative packaging with over 150 years of experience.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, skill development, and the chance to work on exciting projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, high-performing team.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in packaging artwork while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in packaging artwork, advanced Adobe skills, and strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
With more than 150 years of industry-leading experience, the businesses of SGS & Co and SGK are uniting to form SGX—a powerful force in innovative packaging production. Building on the legacy of trusted service since 1947 and 1953, SGX will deliver the full suite of packaging graphics, plate and cylinder production, and metal deco services to brand owners, retailers, and printers—all with a focus on reducing complexity, delivering flawless in-market execution, and leveraging global reach to drive consistency and impact at scale.
SGX are looking for a talented and experienced Senior Production Artist to join our growing packaging artwork team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on precision, enjoys solving technical challenges, and takes pride in delivering high-quality artwork that reaches consumers around the world. If you're passionate about packaging artwork, enjoy working as part of a high-performing team, and take ownership of delivering outstanding results, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
As a Senior Production Artist you will be responsible for building and preparing artwork files following brand, market and regulatory requirements to the highest industry standards. Working within a fast-paced, collaborative environment, you'll combine your technical expertise with your exceptional attention to detail to ensure every file is technically correct, optimized for print production across a wide range of print processes and delivered on time. You will work closely with internal teams and stakeholders to meet or exceed agreed service levels, maintain high quality standards, and contribute towards continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and amend high-quality packaging artwork files using industry-standard software
- Prepare artwork for print using established reprographic and prepress techniques
- Apply technical knowledge across multiple print processes, including flexo, gravure, offset and digital methods
- Ensure all artwork is produced accurately and complies with brand guidelines, printer specifications and regulatory requirements
- Conduct thorough quality checks to maintain exceptional standards and minimise errors
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and agreed SLAs
- Work collaboratively within the artwork and project management teams
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and workflow performance
- Contribute towards team and business KPI targets through consistent delivery and high levels of productivity
- Act as a technical resource and mentor for junior team members and project managers where appropriate
What You'll Bring
- Minimum 3 years' experience within the packaging artwork industry, ideally in a senior or advanced production artwork role
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe software, particularly Adobe Illustrator
- Strong working knowledge of Esko and Hybrid software, including relevant packaging artwork and prepress workflows
- Excellent understanding of reprographics and print production requirements
- Experience preparing files for a variety of print processes and packaging substrates
- Strong knowledge of packaging artwork standards, print specifications, colour management and quality control procedures
Personal Attributes
- Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to getting things right first time
- Proactive mindset with the ability to identify solutions and drive tasks forward independently
- Strong work ethic and a positive, can-do attitude
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining accuracy
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- A team player who contributes positively to team culture and shared success
- Passion for quality, continuous improvement, and delivering outstanding client outcomes
What Success Looks Like
- Delivering accurate, print-ready artwork files consistently and on time
- Maintaining high levels of quality while working at pace
- Meeting or exceeding agreed SLAs and business KPIs
- Demonstrating ownership, accountability, and technical excellence
- Contributing to a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing team environment
- Helping drive operational efficiencies and best practices across the artwork process
Why Join Us?
You'll be joining a team of passionate packaging professionals who take pride in producing world-class artwork. We foster a collaborative environment where technical expertise, creativity, and continuous improvement are valued. This is an opportunity to work on exciting projects, develop your skills, and make a meaningful impact within a business that values quality, innovation, and teamwork.
Senior Production Artist employer: SGS & Co
SGS & Co in Gateshead is an excellent employer for aspiring designers, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to training and mentorship opportunities that will help you develop your skills in packaging design. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are valued and you can make a meaningful impact in the packaging industry.