Packaging Design Lead, CPG

We are seeking an experienced Packaging Design Manager to lead and elevate packaging graphics across a broad portfolio of consumer products. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for guiding the full packaging design process, from early concept development through final production, while ensuring every deliverable is visually compelling, brand aligned, and ready for retail.

In this role, you will oversee packaging design strategy and execution, manage an internal creative team as well as freelance resources, and work cross-functionally with product development and external manufacturing partners. The ideal candidate combines strong creative vision, hands-on production expertise, and proven leadership in a fast-moving, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the creative development and production of packaging artwork across multiple product lines, from concept through final proofing and release.
• Maintain, strengthen, and evolve packaging design standards to ensure consistency across brands and product categories.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop in-house graphic designers while coordinating with freelance creative support to deliver high-quality work efficiently.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to create packaging that is on-brand, commercially effective, and optimized for shelf presentation.
• Provide clear creative direction, actionable feedback, and project prioritization to keep work moving on schedule and aligned with business goals.
• Balance workloads, allocate resources, and adjust timelines as needed to support deadlines, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Collaborate with international vendors and manufacturing partners to ensure smooth execution across global production timelines.
• Oversee pre-press preparation, production files, and final artwork readiness for both domestic and overseas manufacturing.
• Work closely with sourcing and production partners to uphold quality standards, color accuracy, and material integrity.
• Establish and maintain organized file management systems, workflows, and design best practices across all packaging projects.
• Serve as a key creative leader, contributing to broader team initiatives and continuous process improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of packaging design experience in a senior or lead capacity, including print production and packaging layout development.
• 3+ years of experience managing and developing on-site creative team members.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Strong understanding of packaging production, file preparation, hierarchy, and visual communication for retail environments.
• Experience creating or directing 3D packaging renders is a plus.
• Basic photography and image editing skills, including retouching and lifestyle composition, are beneficial.
• Familiarity with AI-generated imagery and 3D/rendering tools is a plus.
• Comfort working with global suppliers and managing international production processes and schedules.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interpret feedback, build trust, and communicate direction clearly.
• Strategic thinker with a process-improvement mindset and a passion for delivering high-quality creative work.
• Excellent organizational, project management, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Self-directed, collaborative, and committed to excellence in both leadership and execution.