Associate Graphics Manager

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Smithfield, VA is seeking an Associate Graphics Manager to oversee packaging design for select brands, leading projects from concept to print production and collaborating with marketing, design, and external partners.

This role focuses on project management rather than purely design, requiring a four-year degree in Graphic Design or a related field, 3+ years of experience, and proficiency in print production and Adobe Illustrator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing or a related field with 3+ years of project management experience for print/packaging.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating artwork from initiation to print production.
• Strong knowledge of print production management and packaging design workflow.

Responsibilities

• Daily Workflow & Project Coordination: Manages daily art workflow for packaging and related projects, collaborating with design consultancies, vendors, and marketing to meet deadlines.
• Content Management & Communication: Organizes and collects all content for packaging (e.g., dielines, photos, nutritionals, UPCs) and communicates with design consultancies.
• Design Approval & Collaboration: Coordinates packaging design reviews and approvals with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, R&D, and Operations.
• Timeline & Budget Management: Establishes and tracks project timelines, manages production budgets, and attends weekly project meetings.
• Quality Assurance & Printing: Manages design development for corrugated displays and boxes. Provides technical guidance to ensure print quality and color accuracy, attending press runs as needed.

Skills

Graphic Design

Project Management

Print Production

Adobe Illustrator

Cross-functional Collaboration

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Marketing or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

MS Office

Apple OS

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that’s sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

The Value You’ll Bring

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

Are you a creative and driven marketing professional who thrives in fast-paced environments? Join Smithfield Foods, one of the top 25 consumer packaged goods companies! We’re seeking an Associate Graphics Manager to help expand our brands, like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous. As part of our team, you’ll leverage data to boost brand profitability and collaborate with sales, business operations, and design teams to deliver outstanding products.

The Associate Graphics Manager will oversee packaging design for select brands, working closely with marketing teams and external partners to bring designs from concept to print production. This role offers the opportunity to lead projects, drive creativity, and make a real impact across the company.

Note* (Please read carefully!)

• This is not a Graphic Designer role. This position is primarily focused on project management, coordinating artwork, packaging, and cross‑functional projects from initiation through completion. Please review all job requirements carefully before applying.

What You’ll Do

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Daily Workflow & Project Coordination: Manages daily art workflow for packaging and related projects, collaborating with design consultancies, vendors, and marketing to meet deadlines. Proactively addresses obstacles and prepares contingency plans.
• Content Management & Communication: Organizes and collects all content for packaging (e.g., dielines, photos, nutritionals, UPCs) and communicates with design consultancies.
• Design Approval & Collaboration: Coordinates packaging design reviews and approvals with cross‑functional teams, including Marketing, R&D, and Operations.
• Timeline & Budget Management: Establishes and tracks project timelines, manages production budgets, and attends weekly project meetings.
• Quality Assurance & Printing: Manages design development for corrugated displays and boxes. Provides technical guidance to ensure print quality and color accuracy, attending press runs as needed.

What We’re Seeking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Graphic Design, Marketing or related field and 3+ years of relevant experience in project management for print/marketing/package design, print production or agency/design firm client service; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff or through managing a process or project.
• Strong knowledge of print production management.
• Moderate proficiency and knowledge of Adobe Illustrator.
• Strong proficiency in Apple OS and MS Office.
• Ability to make minor revisions to production files in Adobe Illustrator, a plus.
• Strong attention to detail in both written and verbal communication.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• Ability to communicate effectively and develop positive relationships when part of a dynamic and cross‑functional team.
• Well organized and able to handle multiple projects & priorities.
• Willingness to learn new things and with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

IndSPR-Corp

The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $82,500 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package.

Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.