Senior Packaging Designer - Trends

Jazwares, LLC; Culver City (CA); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Flexible schedule: Mon-Thu on-site, W&

Job summary

Jazwares is seeking a Senior Packaging Designer to collaborate across our trend-driven toy brands. You will drive concept-to-prototype execution, influence packaging strategy, and mentor junior designers within a dynamic packaging team.

You will work with packaging managers and cross-functional partners to deliver safe, cost-effective and visually striking packaging from concept through final production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field.
• 5+ years packaging design experience for consumer products (toys/kids preferred).
• Experience with style guides, licensed brands, die-lines, and physical mock-ups.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign; strong MS Office/G-Suite.
• Deep knowledge of printing, Pantone colors, paper stock and proofs.
• Strong aesthetics, typography, color theory and visual hierarchy.
• Proven mentoring and leadership abilities; excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support design manager through brainstorming, design, prototype development and production.
• Develop packaging design systems that balance function, aesthetics and brand integrity.
• Evaluate designs for fit, cost, manufacturability and materials.
• Stay alert to consumer trends and packaging innovations.
• Manage timelines and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Create sketches, drawings and artwork using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Collaborate to implement strategies across product lines.
• Provide project updates to national and international teams.
• Prepare final files for production, Pantone matching and proofs.

Skills

Packaging design

Adobe Creative Suite

3D modeling

Mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

InDesign

3D modeling software

Job description

As a Senior Packaging Designer, you will collaborate across our portfolio of trend-driven brands to create cost-effective, eye-catching, functional, and safe packaging. You will drive concept-to-prototype execution, contribute to packaging strategy, elevate visual branding, and support and mentor junior design talent within the team. You will serve as a key technical and creative pillar within the packaging department, working closely with packaging managers and cross-functional partners to bring innovative product packaging to life from concept through final production.

What You Will Do:

• Support the Packaging design manager throughout the design process (including brainstorming, design, prototype development, and production)
• Develop innovative packaging design systems that are functional while also maintaining the aesthetics and brand integrity to meet packaging objectives
• Evaluate packaging designs for fit, structure, function, suitable materials, quality, cost effectiveness, manufacturability, transportation, industry best practices, and high standards of the brand
• Evaluate consumer and market trends for packaging materials
• Responsible for managing time-line requirements and maintaining schedule to support production
• Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, and artwork, using Adobe Creative Suite
• Work collaboratively to develop and implement strategies across product lines
• Provide updates on current projects with both national and international teams
• Regularly attend meetings with cross-functional departments
• Collaborate with cross functional departments to produce functional, yet eye catching products
• Brainstorm packaging ideas using hand sketches, verbal cues, words, and design software
• Ensure packaging designs accurately represent the company’s brand
• Packaging die line template creation or modification
• Complete final mock-up designs using computer modeling software
• Prepare submissions for licensor approval
• Follow workflow and sign-off protocols to ensure final deliverables are error-free
• Prep final files for production and work with the production team on specifics such as Pantone matching, proofing, etc.
• Approve print proofs and samples (FEP’s) before going into production
• Organize and maintain project and digital archives
• Take ownership of managing the design & development process to make sure the deadlines/deliverable dates are met
• Take ownership on various packaging projects and work with outside vendors to help execute as needed
• Bring cohesion between available packaging materials and the aesthetics and functionality of the final product
• Perform other duties as assigned

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, art, industrial design, or other industry relevant field is a plus.
• 5+ years of packaging design experience in consumer products (CPG), with a strong preference for toys, kids' products, or trend-driven brands.
• Proven experience working with style guides, licensed brands, die-lines, structural concepts, and physical mock-ups.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and working knowledge of computer modeling/3D software for mock-up designs. Proficient in Microsoft Office & G-Suite.
• Deep understanding of printing processes and mechanical preparation (4-color process, spot/Pantone colors, paper stock, file formats, bleeds, resolution, and proofing/FEP approvals). Strong knowledge of packaging materials and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent graphic design skills with a strong sense of aesthetics, innovation, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and support junior creative talent and lead by example.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with strict attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proactive problem solver and critical thinker able to make well-informed design decisions independently or collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal, visual, verbal, and written communication skills across cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Stays actively informed on current marketplace trends, packaging innovations, and the competitive toy landscape.
• Highly self-motivated, adaptable to shifting priorities, and driven to achieve design excellence.

Nice To Have:

• Experience in a global company

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provide the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What We Offer

The salary range for this position is $86,400.00 $105,420.00 / Yr. The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states.

Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.

Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working at Jazwares

• Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.
• Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
• Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.

Recruitment Safety

Please be wary of unsolicited communications from individuals or websites you are not familiar with, or any communications requesting sensitive personal data or information. All official Jazwares employment information will come from our company email ending in @jazwares.com. Jazwares will never request any monetary payments at any point during its hiring process. If you have any questions about any unsolicited communications, you can reach out to [e-mail]. We look forward to you experiencing a safe and enjoyable application process at Jazwares!

Who We Are

Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows™, Pokémon™, Hello Kitty™, Star Wars™, Five Nights at Freddy’s™, Disney™, BumBumz™, and BLDR™. In addition to toys, offerings include costumes, games, and pillows. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit www.jazwares.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.