Graphic Design & Commercialization Specialist

The Packaging Design & Commercialization Specialist is responsible for leading the design, development, execution, and commercialization of branded and private label packaging across the company's product portfolio. This role serves as the primary owner of packaging artwork design, and commercialization activities, ensuring design meets brand standards, packaging is accurate, regulatory compliant, production-ready, and delivered on schedule to support customer commitments and new product launches. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Procurement, R&D, Regulatory, Production, and external print suppliers, this position manages projects from initial concept through commercial production while maintaining brand standards, packaging specifications, and version control. This position must sit onsite at Headquarters in Pineville, NC. Primary Responsibilities Lead the design and execution of branded and private label packaging for new products, line extensions, and packaging refreshes. Develop production-ready artwork and print files for commercial manufacturing using established packaging specifications and brand standards. Manage all packaging revisions, artwork updates, and version control to ensure accuracy across all SKUs. Coordinate printer proofs, color management and press approvals to ensure packaging quality and consistency. Own the packaging commercialization process from artwork development through production readiness, ensuring packaging is delivered on time to support commercialization milestones. Partner with Sales, R&D, Regulatory, Procurement, and Production to successfully commercialize new products and implement packaging changes. Coordinate packaging timelines to support new product launches, customer initiatives, cost‑saving projects, and continuous improvement efforts. Ensure packaging complies with regulatory, labeling, retailer, and customer requirements, including ingredient statements, nutrition facts, allergen declarations, claims, and barcode accuracy. Collaborate with packaging suppliers and printers to troubleshoot production challenges and identify opportunities for improved quality, efficiency, and cost savings. Maintain digital artwork files, packaging specifications, approval records, and documentation in accordance with company procedures. Recommend improvements to packaging processes, workflow, print quality, and project management systems. Serve as the primary packaging design and commercialization resource for internal stakeholders and external partners. Coordination w/ sales & printer partners to ensure timely delivery of mockups. Create marketing materials/rendering for the Sales Team. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 3+ years of packaging design and artwork production experience, preferably within the food or consumer packaged goods industry. Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Strong understanding of commercial print production, flexographic printing, color management, and packaging manufacturing processes. Experience creating production-ready artwork and managing packaging specifications. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities. Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills. Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement. Carolina Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Carolina Foods, Inc.