Design Team Lead Packaging

Department: Packaging / Design / Marketing / Product Development

Job Summary:

The Design Team Lead - Packaging is responsible for leading the packaging design function from concept to final production. This role ensures that all packaging designs are innovative, functional, cost-effective, and aligned with brand and sustainability objectives. The position oversees a team of designers, manages cross-functional collaboration, and ensures on-time delivery of high-quality packaging solutions that enhance product appeal and customer experience.

Leadership & Team Management:

- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of packaging and graphic designers.

- Assign projects, prioritize workloads, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.

- Provide creative direction and feedback to maintain high design standards.

- Foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the design team.

Design & Development:

- Oversee the creation of packaging concepts, structural designs, and graphics that align with brand identity and marketing strategy.

- Ensure designs meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements.

- Collaborate with R&D, marketing, supply chain, and production teams to ensure feasibility and manufacturability of packaging designs.

- Manage artwork development, material selection, and prototyping processes.

Innovation & Sustainability:

- Drive innovation in materials, formats, and design approaches to enhance sustainability and reduce cost.

- Stay updated with industry trends, printing technologies, and packaging innovations.

- Integrate eco-friendly design principles in line with corporate sustainability goals.

Quality & Compliance:

- Ensure all designs meet brand guidelines, technical specifications, and quality standards.

- Review and approve packaging artwork and dielines before release to suppliers or printers.

- Coordinate with suppliers and printers for pre-production samples and trials.

Project Management:

- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and quality standards are met.

- Develop and maintain a library of packaging designs, templates, and specifications.

- Prepare reports and presentations on design concepts and project progress for senior management.

Qualifications:

- Bachelors or Masters degree in Packaging Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or related field.

- 7-10+ years of experience in packaging design, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior design role.

- Proficient in design software (Adobe Creative Suite, ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, Esko, etc.).

- Strong understanding of packaging materials (paperboard, plastics, glass, flexible films) and printing processes.

- Experience working with suppliers, printers, and packaging manufacturers.

- Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Key Competencies:

- Creative and strategic thinking

- Strong aesthetic and technical judgment

- Leadership and team development

- Attention to detail and quality orientation

- Project and stakeholder management

- Knowledge of sustainable packaging trends