CPG Packaging Designer

Job Title:

CPG Packaging Designer

Location:

Sterling, VA (Hybrid – 3 days in office / 2 days remote)

Department:
Marketing

Reports To:

Senior Designer

We are looking for a talented and detail-oriented CPG Packaging Designer to join our creative team. In this mid-level role, you will own the end-to-end packaging design process from structural development and material selection through final print production for our retail and consumer-facing product lines. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external printing vendors to ensure every package meets the highest standards of quality, brand consistency, and functionality.

• Design compelling packaging artwork for retail and consumer product lines.
• Create 3D packaging mockups for internal reviews, presentations, and client approvals.
• Develop packaging structures, dielines, and material specifications, including comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOMs) and technical packaging specifications, ensuring high manufacturability and cost-efficiency across supply chain systems.
• Partner with cross-functional teams at packaging line trials and production start-ups, actively monitoring machinery capabilities to ensure proper execution of the design and structural requirements.
• Travel to printing vendors for first-run press checks and production oversight (approximately once per month).

• Identify, investigate, and lead cost-reduction initiatives on packaging materials and design improvements without compromising technical packaging requirements.
• Ensure all packaging complies with regulatory, legal, and brand guidelines.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate innovative, sustainable materials into the portfolio to reduce the company's environmental footprint

• Coordinate seamlessly with cross-functional teams and external vendors to drive packaging projects from brief to commercial launch.
• Build and manage comprehensive project timelines, effectively communicating milestones, capital expenditure estimates, and associated technical risks to functional leaders.
• Manage relationships and coordinate directly with printing vendors on structure, materials, finishes, and production requirements.
• Collaborate with the broader design team to support additional creative projects as needed, including digital assets, marketing collateral, and presentations

• 3–5 years of experience in CPG packaging design
• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop
• Solid understanding of packaging production processes, print specifications, and material types
• Experience creating 3D mockups using Blender or comparable 3D software
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Comfortable traveling to vendor facilities approximately once a month

• Experience with Canva for internal content and templated design needs
• Familiarity with AI-powered design tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Gemini Nano Banana, or similar)
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools including PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
• Experience in the food and beverage or CPG industry is a plus