Packaging Production Designer - Contractor

Packaging Production Designer - Contractor Location: Atlanta, GA, United States Date Posted: Jun 23, 2026 Job ID: JV-2283 Central Garden & Pet is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Packaging Production Designer – Contractor to support the execution, production, and maintenance of packaging assets across multiple brands and product categories. This role is responsible for preparing accurate, print-ready packaging files, ensuring brand consistency, managing revisions, and collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, brand, sourcing, regulatory, and external print vendors. The ideal candidate has strong production design expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and deep knowledge of packaging workflows, prepress standards, and file management. Key Responsibilities Create, update, and maintain packaging production files for a wide range of products and formats, including cartons, labels, shrink sleeves, corrugate, displays, inserts, and manuals. Prepare accurate print-ready mechanicals and production artwork in compliance with vendor and printer specifications. Ensure packaging files meet brand standards, regulatory requirements, and production timelines. Manage version control, routing, revisions, and asset organization across multiple concurrent projects. Collaborate with Brand, Marketing, Regulatory, Product Development, and Sourcing teams to execute packaging updates and launches. Work closely with external agencies, printers, and suppliers to troubleshoot artwork and production issues. Review proofs and color separations to ensure accuracy prior to production. Support packaging optimization and process improvement initiatives. Maintain packaging archives, templates, dielines, and production documentation. Assist with image retouching, typography adjustments, and layout refinements as needed. Ensure all deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule. Qualifications Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Strong understanding of print production, prepress processes, color management, and packaging specifications. Experience working with packaging dielines and print vendors. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication and collaboration skills. File preparation and prepress knowledge. Strong typography and layout skills. Attention to detail and quality control. Project management and prioritization. Cross-functional collaboration. Problem-solving and troubleshooting. Time management and organizational excellence. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. Minimum Experience & Education 3–5+ years of packaging production or production design experience. Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Production Design, Packaging Design, or related field, or equivalent professional experience. Experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, pet, lawn & garden, or consumer products industries. Familiarity with regulatory packaging requirements and barcode management. Knowledge of packaging materials and printing methods including flexographic, offset, digital, and gravure printing. Experience using project management or DAM systems. Include link to portfolio when submitting the application. Work Environment Fast-paced collaborative environment supporting multiple brands and product lines. A combination of independent production work and cross-functional team collaboration. Occasional interaction with printers, packaging suppliers, and external partners. Currently work hybrid schedule in Atlanta office. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Central Garden & Pet Company