Lead Graphic Designer, Packaging

Nestlé S.A.; Bridgewater, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Nestlé Health Science is seeking a Lead Graphic Designer, Packaging to join our in-house Creative Studio in Bridgewater, NJ. You will lead packaging design initiatives across a portfolio of brands, translating brand strategy into compelling systems and production-ready artwork.

You will collaborate with Brand Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Packaging Development, and suppliers to ensure packaging is distinctive, compliant, and scalable, while mentoring junior designers and maintaining design

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field.
• At least 5 years packaging design experience in a fast-paced CPG, agency, or studio environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading packaging design projects from concept through production-ready execution.
• Professional-level understanding of visual category norms for nutrition, health, and food packaging.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional partners and external production resources to deliver packaging that meets brand, business, regulatory, and production requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative development and execution of packaging design projects across multiple brands and product categories, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines, consumer insights, and business objectives.
• Conceptualize and develop innovative packaging solutions for new product launches, renovations, line extensions, and promotional initiatives.
• Create visually compelling packaging that effectively communicates product benefits, enhances shelf presence, and supports consumer decision-making.
• Translate brand strategy and marketing objectives into impactful packaging design systems, visual assets, and scalable design solutions.
• Evolve and refine packaging design systems over time to maintain relevance, differentiation, and consistency across the portfolio.
• Ensure all creative work is delivered to a high standard while balancing brand, commercial, technical, regulatory, and production requirements.
• Prepare, adapt, and review production-ready packaging artwork across a variety of formats and substrates.
• Ensure packaging designs comply with brand standards, regulatory requirements, labeling needs, and print production specifications.
• Partner with packaging engineers, printers, pre-press partners, and production suppliers to ensure accurate execution from concept through final production.
• Support packaging updates, product renovations, claims changes, and other artwork revisions as required.
• Maintain organized design files, templates, and packaging asset libraries to support consistency, efficiency, and long-term brand stewardship.
• Serve as a key creative partner to Brand Marketing, Product Development, Packaging Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Labeling, and Commercial teams.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define project objectives, understand consumer needs, and respond to category and business dynamics.
• Incorporate consumer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis into packaging concepts and design recommendations.
• Brief and art-direct supporting visual assets, including photography, illustration, renders, and graphics, ensuring alignment with brand identity.
• Guide external agencies, printers, pre-press partners, and suppliers to support high-quality, consistent project delivery.
• Provide creative guidance to internal partners and help promote design quality, consistency, and best practices across packaging workstreams.
• Stay current with packaging design trends, materials, printing technologies, digital tools, and sustainability best practices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance packaging effectiveness, improve consumer engagement, streamline ways of working, and strengthen brand differentiation.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations that support innovation, efficiency, and creative excellence across the packaging portfolio.
• Evaluate packaging solutions against established project objectives, brand requirements, and marketplace expectations.
• Support additional design initiatives and business priorities as required.

Skills

Packaging design

Brand guidelines

Cross-functional collaboration

Print production

Project management

Art direction

Adobe Creative Suite

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Firefly

Job description

At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, we embrace the intrinsic connections of these three pillars, harnessing their collective strength to empower healthier lives. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life®, Nature's Bounty®, Vital Proteins®, Orgain®, Nuun®, BOOST®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, Peptamen®, Compleat Organic Blends®, and more. We also have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.

At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anywhere, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way. We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As Lead Graphic Designer, Packaging, you will serve as a senior individual contributor and packaging design expert within our in-house Creative Studio. You will lead packaging design initiatives across a portfolio of brands, providing creative direction and hands‑on design execution from early concept through production‑ready artwork.

In this role, you will establish and evolve packaging design systems, translate brand and business strategies into compelling consumer experiences, and guide cross‑functional teams and external partners toward high‑quality execution. You will partner closely with Brand Marketing, Packaging Development, Regulatory Affairs, Labeling, and production partners to ensure packaging is distinctive, consumer‑centered, technically feasible, compliant, and consistent with brand standards.

You will support new product launches, renovations, line extensions, and ongoing packaging updates while helping improve design quality, consistency, and ways of working across the portfolio. The ideal candidate combines strong conceptual thinking and exceptional design craft with deep knowledge of packaging production, print processes, and the consumer‑packaged goods environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the creative development and execution of packaging design projects across multiple brands and product categories, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines, consumer insights, and business objectives.
• Conceptualize and develop innovative packaging solutions for new product launches, renovations, line extensions, and promotional initiatives.
• Create visually compelling packaging that effectively communicates product benefits, enhances shelf presence, and supports consumer decision‑making.
• Translate brand strategy and marketing objectives into impactful packaging design systems, visual assets, and scalable design solutions.
• Evolve and refine packaging design systems over time to maintain relevance, differentiation, and consistency across the portfolio.
• Ensure all creative work is delivered to a high standard while balancing brand, commercial, technical, regulatory, and production requirements.
• Prepare, adapt, and review production‑ready packaging artwork across a variety of formats and substrates.
• Ensure packaging designs comply with brand standards, regulatory requirements, labeling needs, and print production specifications.
• Partner with packaging engineers, printers, pre‑press partners, and production suppliers to ensure accurate execution from concept through final production.
• Support packaging updates, product renovations, claims changes, and other artwork revisions as required.
• Maintain organized design files, templates, and packaging asset libraries to support consistency, efficiency, and long‑term brand stewardship.
• Serve as a key creative partner to Brand Marketing, Product Development, Packaging Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Labeling, and Commercial teams.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define project objectives, understand consumer needs, and respond to category and business dynamics.
• Incorporate consumer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis into packaging concepts and design recommendations.
• Brief and art‑direct supporting visual assets, including photography, illustration, renders, and graphics, ensuring alignment with brand identity.
• Guide external agencies, printers, pre‑press partners, and suppliers to support high‑quality, consistent project delivery.
• Provide creative guidance to internal partners and help promote design quality, consistency, and best practices across packaging workstreams.
• Stay current with packaging design trends, materials, printing technologies, digital tools, and sustainability best practices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance packaging effectiveness, improve consumer engagement, streamline ways of working, and strengthen brand differentiation.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations that support innovation, efficiency, and creative excellence across the packaging portfolio.
• Evaluate packaging solutions against established project objectives, brand requirements, and marketplace expectations.
• Support additional design initiatives and business priorities as required.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field is strongly preferred.
• At least 5 years of professional packaging design experience in a fast‑paced CPG, agency, or studio environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading packaging design projects from concept through production‑ready execution.
• Professional‑level understanding of visual category norms for nutrition, health, and food packaging.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional partners and external production resources to deliver packaging that meets brand, business, regulatory, and production requirements.

SKILLS:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite; knowledge of Adobe AI tools, including Firefly, preferred.
• Strong knowledge of file production for printed packaging, including mechanical artwork preparation and print‑ready file requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency across packaging components and artwork files.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence cross‑functional decision‑making.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to lead design work independently while collaborating effectively with internal stakeholders, external agencies, and production partners.
• Ability to guide internal and external production partners in achieving high‑quality creative execution.
• Ability to brainstorm,ideate, and translate strategic direction into polished packaging design deliverables.
• Ability to develop and execute creative assets that accurately reflect brand standards while meeting business and marketing objectives.
• Ability to create designs that consider an omnichannel landscape in which packaging graphics may be leveraged across other consumer touchpoints.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, design excellence, and long‑term brand consistency across the packaging portfolio.

This position will be either a remote or hybrid role based on the selected candidate’s geographic location. Strong preference will be given to applicants who live within a commutable distance of Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Salary:$102,627.49 to$137,948.25 per year

Bonus Eligibility:Yes

Thepay rangeprovided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more athttps://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, we embrace the intrinsic connections of these three pillars, harnessing their collective strength to empower healthier lives. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life®, Nature's Bounty®, Vital Proteins®, Orgain®, Nuun®, BOOST®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, Peptamen®, Compleat Organic Blends®, and more. We also have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.

At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anywhere, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way. We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As Lead Graphic Designer, Packaging, you will serve as a senior individual contributor and packaging design expert within our in‑house Creative Studio. You will lead packaging design initiatives across a portfolio of brands, providing creative direction and hands‑on design execution from early concept through production‑ready artwork.

In this role, you will establish and evolve packaging design systems, translate brand and business strategies into compelling consumer experiences, and guide cross‑functional teams and external partners toward high‑quality execution. You will partner closely with Brand Marketing, Packaging Development, Regulatory Affairs, Labeling, and production partners to ensure packaging is distinctive, consumer‑centered, technically feasible, compliant, and consistent with brand standards.

You will support new product launches, renovations, line extensions, and ongoing packaging updates while helping improve design quality, consistency, and ways of working across the portfolio. The ideal candidate combines strong conceptual thinking and exceptional design craft with deep knowledge of packaging production, print processes, and the consumer‑packaged goods environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the creative development and execution of packaging design projects across multiple brands and product categories, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines, consumer insights, and business objectives.
• Conceptualize and develop innovative packaging solutions for new product launches, renovations, line extensions, and promotional initiatives.
• Create visually compelling packaging that effectively communicates product benefits, enhances shelf presence, and supports consumer decision‑making.
• Translate brand strategy and marketing objectives into impactful packaging design systems, visual assets, and scalable design solutions.
• Evolve and refine packaging design systems over time to maintain relevance, differentiation, and consistency across the portfolio.
• Ensure all creative work is delivered to a high standard while balancing brand, commercial, technical, regulatory, and production requirements.
• Prepare, adapt, and review production‑ready packaging artwork across a variety of formats and substrates.
• Ensure packaging designs comply with brand standards, regulatory requirements, labeling needs, and print production specifications.
• Partner with packaging engineers, printers, pre‑press partners, and production suppliers to ensure accurate execution from concept through final production.
• Support packaging updates, product renovations, claims changes, and other artwork revisions as required.
• Maintain organized design files, templates, and packaging asset libraries to support consistency, efficiency, and long‑term brand stewardship.
• Serve as a key creative partner to Brand Marketing, Product Development, Packaging Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Labeling, and Commercial teams.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define project objectives, understand consumer needs, and respond to category and business dynamics.
• Incorporate consumer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis into packaging concepts and design recommendations.
• Brief and art‑direct supporting visual assets, including photography, illustration, renders, and graphics, ensuring alignment with brand identity.
• Guide external agencies, printers, pre‑press partners, and suppliers to support high‑quality, consistent project delivery.
• Provide creative guidance to internal partners and help promote design quality, consistency, and best practices across packaging workstreams.
• Stay current with packaging design trends, materials, printing technologies, digital tools, and sustainability best practices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance packaging effectiveness, improve consumer engagement, streamline ways of working, and strengthen brand differentiation.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations that support innovation, efficiency, and creative excellence across the packaging portfolio.
• Evaluate packaging solutions against established project objectives, brand requirements, and marketplace expectations.
• Support additional design initiatives and business priorities as required.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field is strongly preferred.
• At least 5 years of professional packaging design experience in a fast‑paced CPG, agency, or studio environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading packaging design projects from concept through production‑ready execution.
• Professional‑level understanding of visual category norms for nutrition, health, and food packaging.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional partners and external production resources to deliver packaging that meets brand, business, regulatory, and production requirements.

SKILLS:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite; knowledge of Adobe AI tools, including Firefly, preferred.
• Strong knowledge of file production for printed packaging, including mechanical artwork preparation and print‑ready file requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency across packaging components and artwork files.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence cross‑functional decision‑making.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to lead design work independently while collaborating effectively with internal stakeholders, external agencies, and production partners.
• Ability to guide internal and external production partners in achieving high‑quality creative execution.
• Ability to brainstorm,ideate, and translate strategic direction into polished packaging design deliverables.
• Ability to develop and execute creative assets that accurately reflect brand standards while meeting business and marketing objectives.
• Ability to create designs that consider an omnichannel landscape in which packaging graphics may be leveraged across other consumer touchpoints.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, design excellence, and long‑term brand consistency across the packaging portfolio.

This position will be either a remote or hybrid role based on the selected candidate’s geographic location. Strong preference will be given to applicants who live within a commutable distance of Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Salary:$102,627.49 to$137,948.25 per year

Bonus Eligibility:Yes

Thepay rangeprovided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more athttps://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.