Packaging Graphic Designer
Howick - South Africa
Job Summary
The successful candidate will have strong packaging design and print production experience excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines within a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Design and develop packaging artwork for new and existing product lines from concept through to final print-ready files
- Ensure all packaging designs align with brand identity guidelines positioning and visual standards
- Create 3D mock-ups and realistic packaging renders to visualise concepts prior to production
- Prepare artwork for various printing methods including lithographic flexographic digital and screen printing
- Ensure artwork meets the technical specifications required for each printing process
- Liaise with printers packaging suppliers and other external partners to ensure specifications are met
- Work with dielines bleed colour profiles substrates CMYK Pantone colours and print specifications
- Ensure packaging artwork complies with relevant food and FMCG labelling requirements including:
- Ingredient lists
- Nutritional information
- Allergen declarations
- Barcodes
- Other mandatory product information
- Manage multiple packaging projects simultaneously ensuring deadlines are met for product launches packaging updates and rebranding initiatives
- Collaborate with the Marketing Operations Manager and wider marketing team on campaigns promotional packaging and brand initiatives
- Support the Production Procurement Sales and Retail teams with relevant design requirements
- Source and manage stock imagery illustrations fonts and other design assets
- Maintain accurate and organised design files templates artwork libraries and version control
- Ensure final artwork is correctly prepared and supplied to packaging and print suppliers
- Oversee the artwork process from initial concept through to the delivery of final print-ready graphics
- Provide design support for point-of-sale materials promotional items marketing collateral and other ad hoc requirements
- Stay up to date with packaging design trends materials production techniques and print technology particularly within the FMCG and confectionery sectors
- Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design Visual Communication Packaging Design or a related field
- Examples include BA/BTech in Graphic Design or National Diploma in Graphic Design
- Minimum 5 years graphic design experience
- At least 3 years specific packaging design experience
- Experience within FMCG food/beverage confectionery or retail environments is highly advantageous
- Strong portfolio demonstrating relevant packaging design experience including:
- Label design
- Box and carton layouts
- Print-ready artwork
- Brand application across multiple SKUs
- Packaging concepts and visualisations
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite particularly:
- Adobe Illustrator essential
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office particularly Excel
- Strong understanding of print production and pre-press processes
- Good knowledge of:
- CMYK and Pantone colours
- Bleed and crop marks
- Dielines
- Print finishes
- Foiling
- Embossing
- Varnishing
- Colour profiles
- Substrates
- Understanding of packaging materials and formats including:
- Flexible packaging
- Cartons
- Labels
- Pouches
- Familiarity with working directly with printers and packaging suppliers
- Basic understanding of structural/dieline templates or the ability to accurately work from templates supplied by packaging engineers
- Strong understanding of artwork preparation for different printing methods including litho flexo digital and screen printing
- Strong awareness of FMCG and food labelling regulations and compliance requirements
- Working knowledge of 3D design software for realistic packaging mock-ups and product visualisations is advantageou
Key Working Relationships
Internal:
- Marketing Team
- Production Team
- Procurement Team
- Sales Team
- Retail Stores
- Relevant internal stakeholders
- Printers
- Packaging suppliers
- Other design and production suppliers
Key Competencies
- Strong creative and conceptual design ability
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong understanding of branding and visual communication
- Excellent understanding of packaging and print production
- Ability to work accurately within technical specifications
- Strong organisational and file-management skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively with internal teams printers and packaging suppliers
- Problem-solving mindset with a practical understanding of production requirements
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider marketing team
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
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