Design Manager
$105,200–$157,800 year
On-siteCamden, New Jersey, United States
Job Summary
Lead the execution of design initiatives across assigned brands and categories, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, visual standards, and business objectives. Manage, mentor, and develop designers by providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and ongoing performance coaching. Translate design strategies into actionable briefs, timelines, workflows, and deliverables. Partner cross-functionally with Brand, Marketing, Innovation, Operations, and other key stakeholders to deliver effective design solutions on schedule and within budget. Provide day-to-day direction and oversight to external agencies, production partners, and vendors. Review, evaluate, and approve creative work to ensure quality, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards. Oversee production and pre-press activities, ensuring flawless execution from concept through final delivery. Support budget management, production planning, and operational processes related to design projects. Identify, recommend, and implement opportunities to improve workflows, tools, processes, and team efficiency. Ensure all design assets and deliverables meet regulatory requirements, production specifications, and organizational standards.
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) design
- Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Visual Communications, or a related field
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Strong design concept development and execution capabilities
- Proven leadership skills with experience guiding teams, managing projects, and influencing stakeholders
- Exceptional visual storytelling abilities with a strong understanding of brand-building principles
- Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Deep knowledge of graphic design principles, art production, photography, packaging design, and production processes
- Strong understanding of packaging regulations and requirements within the CPG industry
- Working knowledge of typography, photography, print production, proofing, color management, and color separations
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Desired Qualifications
- Experience within the food and beverage industry
- Experience working with nationally recognized consumer brands
- Knowledge of packaging asset management systems and digital workflow tools
- Experience leading external agency relationships and creative vendor partnerships
- Exposure to innovation, product launch, and commercialization processes
- Experience managing production budgets and forecasting project costs
- Familiarity with sustainability-focused packaging initiatives and emerging packaging trends
- Experience working in a highly matrixed or global organization
- Knowledge of consumer insights and their application to packaging and design strategy
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