Senior Graphic & Packaging Designer

Gulbahar Tobacco International Fze; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulbahar Tobacco International Fze is seeking a Senior Packaging Designer to lead packaging and POS material design for our tobacco and FMCG brands. The role hinges on delivering high-impact packaging solutions under marketing-driven creative direction, with global brand portfolio support.

The ideal candidate has over seven years of packaging and print design experience, a strong portfolio, expertise in Mac OSX and Adobe Creative Suite, and a deep understanding of print methods and brand

Qualifications

• BA degree in Visual Design from a recognized university.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in packaging and print design, including at least 5 years in premium FMCG categories.
• Strong portfolio of real-life packaging work (not just concept visuals).
• Mastery of Mac OSX and full proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Practical knowledge of print substrates, embossing, foil stamping, spot varnish, and packaging production specs.
• Fluent in English with outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Awareness of Western aesthetic and premium design codes.
• Self-starter, reliable, efficient, and highly structured in time and task management.
• Arabic or Russian or Pashto language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Create packaging designs and graphic adaptations for tobacco and FMCG product lines (line extensions, variants, new products).
• Design POSM materials for in-store promotions and trade marketing purposes.
• Prepare high-res digital final artworks fully compliant with pre-press and print production standards.
• Execute design tasks within brand guidelines and regulatory constraints.
• Collaborate with marketing, product development, and legal teams to ensure brand and compliance alignment.
• Work under marketing-led art direction, aligning with commercial priorities, deadlines, and brand strategy.
• Stay informed of Western FMCG design trends, colour psychology, pack formats, and material innovations.

Skills

Packaging design

Print design

Portfolio

Time management

Education

BA in Visual Design

Tools

Mac OSX

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Department: Marketing

Location: Dubai, UAE

Reports To: Global Marketing Director

Contract Type: Full-time

Role Purpose

GTI, a global tobacco manufacturer, is seeking a Senior Packaging Designer with proven expertise in packaging and POS materials for tobacco and FMCG brands. This in-house role is focused on delivering high-impact packaging solutions and POSMs to support our international brand portfolio. The ideal candidate is highly experienced, trend-conscious, technically strong, and fully capable of operating under marketing-driven creative direction.

Key Responsibilities

• To create packaging designs and graphic adaptations for existing and new tobacco product lines (line extensions, variant adaptations), and new product creation under existing brand names.


• To design POSM materials for in-store promotions and trade marketing purposes (headers, wobblers, shelf strips, etc.).


• To prepare high-res digital final artworks fully compliant with pre-press and print production standards.


• To execute design tasks within brand guidelines and regulatory constraints.


• To collaborate with marketing, product development, and legal teams to ensure projects meet brand and compliance expectations.


• To work under strong marketing-led art direction, understanding commercial priorities, deadlines, and visual brand strategy.


• To stay informed of Western FMCG design trends, colour psychology, pack formats, and material innovations.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum BA degree in Visual Design from recognized university.


• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in packaging and print design, including at least 5 years premium FMCG categories.


• Strong portfolio of real-life packaging (not just concept visuals).


• Mastery of Mac OSX and full proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).


• Practical knowledge of print substrates, embossing, foil stamping, spot varnish, and packaging production specs.


• Fluent in English and outstanding written and verbal communication skills.


• Must demonstrate strong awareness of Western aesthetic and premium design codes.


• Self-starter, reliable, efficient, and highly structured in time and task management.


• Arabic or Russian or Pashto language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.

Cultural and Creative Fit

• We are seeking individuals who are visually and professionally aligned with international creative standards, especially those with experience in Western or premium global brand design.


• Candidates whose background is primarily in digital media, social media, or app/UI design will not be considered unless at least 60% of their portfolio reflects packaging design work.