The Manager of Packaging Design is responsible for managing packaging designers across multiple designated brands, with a primary focus on boys' brands across both plush and plastic toy lines. You will collaborate with team members to design cost-effective, attractive, functional, and safe packaging for our consumer products. You will be responsible for the conceptualization, design, and execution of prototypes for attention-grabbing packaging materials-using design elements such as shape, color, graphics, and typography to create packaging that resonates with our target markets. In your role, you will influence all consumer-facing design initiatives in our packaging department for assigned brands.

What You Will Do:

• Manage and guide the design and development process (including brainstorming, design, prototype development, and production) while ensuring deliverables are met within scheduled deadlines
• Develop innovative packaging design systems that are functional while also maintaining the aesthetics and brand integrity to meet packaging objectives
• Evaluate packaging designs for fit, structure, function, suitable materials, quality, cost effectiveness, manufacturability, transportation, industry best practices, and high standards of the brand
• Evaluate consumer and market trends for packaging materials
• Manage time-line requirements and maintaining schedule to support production, and communicating with leaders and global counterparts on updates, progress, objectives, and any issues
• Work closely with senior mangers to quickly and efficiently resolve any issues
• Work collaboratively to develop and implement strategies across product lines
• Lead and attend cross functional team meetings
• Manage outsourced projects as required
• Collaborate with cross functional departments to produce functional, yet eye catching packages
• Ensure packaging designs accurately represent the company's brand
• Complete final mock-up designs using computer modeling software
• Prepare submissions for licensor approval
• Follow workflow and sign-off protocols to ensure final deliverables are error-free
• Prepare final files for production and work with the production team on specifics such as Pantone matching, proofing, etc.
• Approve print proofs and samples (FEP's) before going into production
• Have ownership over various packaging projects and work with outside vendors to help execute as needed
• Bring cohesion between available packaging materials and the aesthetics and functionality of the final product
• Participate in all stages of the employee life cycle for packaging design team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisor Responsibilities

Manages People: Yes

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art, Industrial Design, or a related field is a plus
• 3-5 years of package design experience in consumer products, with a primary focus on toy packaging
• 2+ years of leadership/supervisory experience
• Experience working with style guides and packaging mock-ups
• Experience in trade show design and presentation
• Excellent graphic design skills with the ability to art direct
• An eye for innovation and creativity
• Ability to make strategic, well-informed design decisions and consistently meet deadlines
• Strong conceptual and visual problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop productive and professional relationships
• Effective visual, verbal, and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of printing processes (4-color process, spot colors, mechanical preparation, paper stock, and file formats)
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills
• Clear understanding of print specifications and prepress expectations (bleeds, die lines, retouching, formats, resolution, etc.)
• Active interest in current market trends, package design innovations, and the competitive marketplace within the toy industry
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign)
• Ability to work cross-functionally and collaboratively across multiple departments
• Ability to work independently or as part of a collaborative team
• Self-motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented
• Knowledge of packaging materials and multiple manufacturing/production processes
• Experience working with licensed brands and licensor approval processes
• Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities while keeping projects moving forward and hitting key deadlines
• Leadership skills, including the ability to coach, train, mentor, inspire, and develop team members
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse individuals across all organizational levels

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provide the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What we offer:

The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states.

Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.

Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.