Packaging Designer Job at Naterra International, Inc. in Coppell

Content Summary: Packaging Designer at Coppell, for Naterra International, Inc.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

As a Packaging Designer at Naterra, you'll assess creative briefs, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and craft packaging designs that align with our portfolio of brands. This position juggles multiple projects and processes while working cross-functionally on multiple timelines to produce packaging concepts and production-ready artworks for Tree Hut, Baby Magic and various other brands in the Naterra portfolio. Help us bring our brands to life with packaging that stops shoppers in their tracks and brings our brand's vibrant personality to shelves everywhere!

The ideal candidate is comfortable with the routine of a production environment and high-level problem-solving and can adjust to last-minute changes. This person will be skilled to problem solve obstacles or challenges to keep design work on track, including limited development time, construction, and production cost. This position will report to the Packaging and Production Manager. Primary focus is on packaging design, brand architecture, and brand identity that engage our target audiences and meet business objectives. You will collaborate with leaders across Creative, Brand, Product Development, and outside vendors ensuring all packaging artworks and various assets are produced efficiently, on time, and within budget.

The Packaging Designer will primarily focus on 2D customer-facing packaging and artworks including:

• North America CPG packaging
• Global CPG packaging
• Seasonal packaging
• Retail packaging
• Packaging innovation

This is not a remote or hybrid role. Please note that the person in this role will be required to work in-office at our Coppell or Alliance location 5-days per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Optimize and apply systematic thinking across 100+ SKUs across multiple brands
• Make adjustments to design files when needed, such as updating text, fixing bleeds ensuring files meet production requirements.
• Execute Mechanical checks on outgoing packaging projects
• Extend and translate established creative concepts into production-ready print-assets.
• Work includes CPG labels, boxes and kits, visual merchandising displays
• Ensure brand consistency across all assets
• Work efficiently on multiple projects with consistency and exemplary attention to detail.
• Manage and maintain production timelines and ensure on-time delivery of all products
• Work with Packaging Manager and Creative team to conceptualize, develop, and implement design strategies across print and digital communications.
• Create and execute packaging and display mechanicals ready for press (RFP).
• Partner with cross departmental partners to drive efficiency in the design and production file release process.
• Mockup product displays for retailers in advance of production to provide a visual representation of the final product.
• Establish efficient time management practices to consistently deliver high-quality work in an extremely fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Partner with Packaging Developers and Packaging Vendors to ensure the integrity of the design is maintained during the packaging development and production process.
• Perform product photo retouching and create renderings as needed for packaging, displays, and products.
• Lead the creation of detailed product and pallet renderings, ensuring accuracy for retailer presentations and production references.
• Utilize advanced rendering tools to create photo-realistic visualizations that meet brand and retailer standards.
• Work closely with printer on fit testing, ensuring packaging dimensions and materials align with product needs.
• Partner with vendors to address technical challenges and implement solutions to maintain design integrity.
• Proactively manage tight deadlines and prioritize projects effectively in a high-pressure environment.
• Partner with the marketing team to ensure product messaging is effectively integrated into packaging designs.
• Develop clear workflows for packaging design, testing, and production approval processes.
• Maintain organized documentation for all projects, including renderings, fit test results, and production specifications.
• Stay on top of the latest design trends, packaging materials, tools, and technologies to remain competitive and innovative.

Portfolio submission is required to be considered for the role. Please attach a portfolio link during the application process.

EXPERIENCED REQUIRED

• Bachelors in related field packaging or communication design
• 1-2 years of experience in production print processes
• Experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods industry
• Strong sense of design, typography and color
• Experience with licensed branding and interoperating brand style guides
• Expert level Adobe Creative Suite skills required
• Strong creativity, conceptualization, execution, organization and design skills
• Strong knowledge of photography & photo re-touching
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop and Acrobat)
• Familiarity with digital routing systems
• Ability to successfully multitask and prioritize among running projects.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary plus bonus structure
• Annual bonus program of up to 35% based on company metrics
• Career pathing and development
• Medical / Dental / Vision / Life
• Matching 401k up to 4%
• Travel opportunities