Senior Graphic Designer packaging.

1. 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 /. mentor more junior members of the team (direct colleagues and the wider group)

1. 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 and photography and translations to external suppliers as required, always building & maintaining good working relationships
• Direct, co-ordinate 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 the product designers and engineering on the features, function, costs & manufacturing issues
• Record all relevant project details, maintaining current project files (to be archived there after)
• Attend all relevant project meetings, be responsible for / complete pack specification documents
• Analyse all quotes to confirm content and conclude all possible value engineering solutions
• Negotiate competitive costs for all outsourced artwork, mock-ups, pack construction, illustrations, translations and photography
• Support process on approval of proofs / layouts / final print runs
• Co-ordinate and analyse information between the global offices,
• Work with and build strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers and licensors
• Occasional international travel and off-site meetings
• Effectively plan timelines with regards to projects using the milestone and planning documents provided
• Monitor schedules / timelines through to production
• Provide pack mock-ups for previews / sample selections / listings etc as and when required
• Proactively drive new initiatives / procedures within the department
• Take and give constructive criticism of own work / objectively review own work and that of other’s by being aware of your strengths and weaknesses
• Share knowledge with other team members both within and outside of our department
• Guide and support any direct reports and other team members with day-to-day workload and in meetings where necessary, setting a good example at all times
• Be seen as a respected source of advice / guidance to other team members, contributing positively to team / company morale & spirit
• Always think of the wider picture / business perspective when analysing product development – what’s right for the business?

1. Qualifications & Experience - You will need to be a qualified graphic / packaging designer or equivalent qualification. Have a minimum of 5-7 years work experience in the toy / youth market with demonstrable awareness in the latest ‘trends’. Proficiency in logo generation and quick-fire style guide / concept development is crucial. Comprehensive & proficient experience in pack structure is essential, as well as a practiced and thorough understanding of graphic design layout, art direction and expertise in current graphic software. An excellent understanding of current production techniques is critical. For the project management side of the role, first-rate communication skills, written and oral, are essential.

4a. Essential Personal Attributes:

• A talented, self-motivated and dedicated graphic / packaging designer striving for new skills, knowledge, experience and personal development
• Excellent knowledge of graphic applications / software, print processes & photography
• Comprehensive understanding and awareness of working and company practices and procedures
• Maintain professional conduct at all times, with excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Strong understanding of aesthetics, colour, and communication skills required for the toy market
• Excellent creative problem-solving skills and initiative
• Ability to listen and understand other people’s views & objectives, able to accept constructive criticism
• Self-motivated positive team player with excellent organisational and project management skills
• Extensive experience and understanding of managing budgets and schedules
• Able to work effectively under pressure on your own or in a pro-active team handling stress, conflict and pressure in a positive way
• Enjoy multi-tasking and juggling a varied workload with a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude balancing the risks against advantages of different development methods and routes.
• Not afraid to speak up with recommendations and suggestions but be flexible, personable and have a good sense of humour!
• Seek and pick up responsibilities waiting to be filled
• Ability to review packing potential in brainstorms, development meetings and the marketplace
• Ability to understand the bigger picture and prioritise workloads with comprehensive planning for self and others
• Plan how to achieve the above maintaining a balance of business and personal goals
• Have awareness / empathy of how your role affects others within the company with an understanding of how people feel beyond what they portray / say
• Take personal responsibility to resolve problems even if they are not of your making, continually seek to exceed expectations and push the boundaries wherever possible