At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative 3D packaging concepts and collaborate on exciting projects.
- Company: Join Zertus, a dynamic company with a passion for creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, health cash plan, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make your mark in packaging design and wow consumers with your creativity.
- Qualifications: Proficient in CAD software and have experience in 3D packaging design.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Structural Packaging Designer - Fixed Term, Maternity Cover. Location: Sherburn in Elmet with travel to UK&I sites (Hybrid working opportunities available). Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term (Maternity Cover). Start Date: February/March 2026. End Date: February/March 2027. Salary: Competitive + Benefits. Closing Date: Friday 13th February 2026.
Are you a hands-on creative who loves turning ideas into tangible, shelf-ready packaging that wows consumers and retailers alike? Do you get a buzz from pushing the boundaries of structure, form, and function in packaging design? We are looking for a Structural Packaging Designer to join us on a fixed-term maternity cover contract, supporting packaging development across our UK&I brands including Kinnerton, Lir, and Humdinger.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop innovative 3D packaging concepts using CAD software
- Support packaging briefs from concept through to production
- Collaborate with suppliers and site technologists to ensure feasibility and alignment with trends
- Assist with packaging samples for sales, PR, and internal stakeholders
- Maintain a packaging ideas bank and adapt concepts across projects and seasons
- Attend trade shows and consumer shops to stay informed on market trends
- Proficient in CAD software (Artios, Esko, Impact, etc.)
- Experience designing 3D packaging in carton board or similar substrates
- Manufacturing experience within food or similar categories, with an understanding of how packaging is made and works with machinery/hand packing
- Strong creative and technical understanding of packaging construction
- Familiarity with print conversion and packaging production processes
- Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail
- A portfolio of recent structural packaging work will be required as part of the application.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Home working allowance
- Hybrid working opportunities available
- Health Cash Plan (dental, optical, therapy, counselling)
- 25 days holiday & bank holidays & holiday purchase scheme
- Pension 4% & Life Assurance (4x salary)
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car schemes
- Training & development opportunities
- Monthly recognition awards & wellbeing events
About Zertus
Zertus UK & Ireland comprises three companies - Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates. Our expertise spans the manufacturing of a diverse range of snacks and chocolates, with multiple facilities and offices strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland. We are committed to innovation and craft products that captivate and delight our customers. Our teams have created a growing portfolio of brands including NOMO, Sun Valley Nuts, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, plus collaborations with Bailey's, Guinness and Budweiser.
As the UK & Irish division of Zertus GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg and boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees across Europe, we are part of a dynamic and expansive global network. When you join Zertus, you will be based at one of our Humdinger, Kinnerton, Bromborough or Lir Chocolates UK/Ireland locations, unless your role is hybrid/home-based. Our manufacturing locations include Heckington, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Fakenham, Bromborough, Navan (Ireland). We have a hot-desking office space in Hull (East Yorkshire) and also in Camden, London.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and portfolio online and complete the application questions. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Teams interview, followed by a task-based assessment and an in-person meeting at one of our UK&I sites with our Senior Creative Studio Manager. Zertus is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage. The provision of this information is covered by data protection laws and will be used to inform decisions about making those changes.
3D Creative Designer (Packaging) in Sherburn in Elmet employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Zertus UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including hybrid working opportunities, health cash plans, and generous holiday allowances. With a strong commitment to employee growth through training and development initiatives, as well as recognition awards, we empower our team members to thrive creatively and professionally while contributing to innovative packaging solutions for our renowned brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 3D Creative Designer (Packaging) in Sherburn in Elmet
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Zertus UK & Ireland.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Zertus UK & Ireland, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
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We think you need these skills to ace 3D Creative Designer (Packaging) in Sherburn in Elmet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Zertus UK & Ireland does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Zertus UK & Ireland.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Zertus UK & Ireland. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Zertus UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Zertus UK & Ireland. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.