THE ROLE
The Production Designer is responsible for managing and optimizing our packaging design and production process in collaboration with various internal teams and production vendors. This role requires a deep understanding of print production, mechanical file preparation, and color accuracy to ensure premium execution across packaging formats.
An ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in developing and adapting packaging mechanicals, partnering with vendors on pre-press and print execution, and overseeing the creation of high-fidelity product renders. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative environment, balancing technical precision with the ability to solve creative and production challenges efficiently.
While the primary focus of this role is packaging, the Senior Production Designer will also have the opportunity to apply their expertise across adaptive design needs, supporting key marketing and sales initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Packaging Production
- Translates approved designs into production-ready dielines, ensuring precise execution of mechanical files and adherence to print specifications.
- Leads review and approval of mechanicals within our online proofing system (MOX), ensuring all assets meet production standards.
- Works closely with designers and production vendors to streamline workflows and maintain alignment with internal teams (Innovation, Commercialization, Brand Management).
- Oversees color matching and Pantone-to-INX conversions, maintaining consistency across all packaging materials.
- Serves as the primary liaison with print vendors, managing pre-press processes, proof reviews, and onsite press checks in collaboration with Commercialization partners.
- Anticipates and troubleshoots print production challenges, proactively collaborating with stakeholders to resolve issues.
Render Management
- Manages and optimizes the creation of high-quality product and pack renders, ensuring accuracy for internal and external use.
- Works with CGI vendors to develop and refine renders that support commercialization efforts and innovation pipelines.
- Expands and maintains the render asset library, ensuring consistency across all product lines and marketing touchpoints.
Packaging Photo Production
- Oversees the beauty can/pack production process for photo shoots, ensuring assets are optimized for high-end imagery.
- Works closely with the Sr. Producer to facilitate seamless handoff between packaging production and creative execution.
Other Needs
- Supports adaptive design and render needs for Shopper Marketing, Field Marketing, and Sales teams.
- Assists with light photo retouching as needed.
- Ideal candidates should have the ability to prep production-ready gradient files (gradient mapping, gradient print-ready conversion).
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- 6+ years of experience in packaging design, production design, or print production within CPG, food & beverage, or a related industry.
- Expertise in packaging mechanicals, dieline adaptation, and print production workflows.
- Strong color management skills, including Pantone matching, INX conversion, and press-side color approvals.
- Experience liaising with print vendors and overseeing press checks to ensure production quality.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with an emphasis on packaging and print applications.
- Familiarity with CGI render production workflows, including vendor management.
- A keen eye for detail, ensuring pixel-perfect precision in final mechanicals and print-ready assets.
- Ability to problem-solve technical challenges, maintaining efficiency while upholding creative integrity.
- Experience working in high-volume production environments, juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines.
REPORTS TO:
Director, Design Studio
COMPENSATION:
$80,000 - $90,000 base salary + bonus
