Packaging Production Designer

Reports to:

Vice President, Creative Director

Type:
Contract-to-Hire; full-time (Hybrid)

Compensation:
Negotiable (based on experience)

We are seeking a mid-level, detail-oriented Packaging Production Designer with deep expertise in building accurate, print-ready mechanicals and the ability to design simple, commercially driven fragrance collections for mass retail. This role translates creative concepts into manufacturable layouts that meet dyelines, print specifications, and production requirements. You will partner closely with Creative, Product, Packaging Engineering, and Vendors to deliver error free files that streamline production, scale fragrance programs, and reduce costs.

• Build precise mechanical files from approved concepts; ensure alignment to dyelines, bleeds, safety, and print specs across cartons, labels, inserts, and secondary packaging.
• Prepare vendor-ready art: correct color builds (CMYK/spot), overprint/knockout, trapping, white/varnish/foil plates, and separations; package all assets with linked files and fonts.
• Design simple, commercially viable fragrance collections (graphics, line architecture, color, typography) optimized for mass retail.
• Translate brand and creative direction into scalable SKUs, size variants, and line extensions; maintain consistency across formats and substrates.
• Preflight and QC all files; manage revisions, feedback, and version control to minimize errors and rework.
• Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to resolve manufacturability issues; adjust layouts based on proofing, color targets, and press checks.
• Maintain asset libraries, naming conventions, dyeline repositories, spec sheets, and production checklists.
• Ensure compliance with retailer guidelines and regulatory/labeling requirements as applicable (e.g., FPLA, barcodes, claims placement).
• Support cost-reduction through smart material/finish choices, efficient layouts, gang runs, and plate/finish consolidation.
• Create presentation-ready mockups and simple sell-in decks as needed.

• 3–5+ years in packaging production design (CPG/beauty/fragrance or related).
• Expert in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for packaging production workflows. PowerPoint is a plus.
• Strong typography skills (hierarchy, legibility, kerning, grid systems) applied to packaging.
• Solid prepress and print production knowledge:
  Pantone/CMYK, spot colors, foil/emboss plates, varnishes, dyelines, and substrates.
• Proven ability to accept feedback, manage iterative edits, and deliver on deadlines with high accuracy.
• Meticulous attention to detail; track record of error-free, vendor-ready files.

• 3D rendering for bottles and packaging (glass and plastic bottles; caps in various materials such as metal, wood, and plastic). Tools could include Key Shot, Adobe Dimension, Blender, or Cinema 4D.
• Basic understanding of packaging engineering/CAD workflows and collaboration with vendors.

• Production mechanics: separations, overprint settings, trapping, white ink layers, dieline alignment.
• Color management: proofing, targets, and communication with printers.
• Finishes and materials: foils, emboss/deboss, spot UV, varnishes, labels, cartons.
• Organization: asset management, versioning, file hygiene, and spec documentation.
• Collaboration:
  
  clear communication with Creative, Product, Packaging Engineering, and external vendors.

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.

• Portfolio demonstrating packaging mechanicals and print-ready files.
• Design/Production Trial
• 3–5 examples of 3D renderings showing glass/plastic bottles and caps in different materials (if applicable).