Director, Packaging Development
Spencer Gifts

Job Info

---

Overview

Come work with us at Spencer's & Spirit Halloween, where you'll be working with the best and brightest colleagues as you help us deliver the most fun experience and product possible to our guests. We're fast-paced and take our work seriously, but we always have a good laugh at the end of the day. Walk through our stores or the halls of our corporate office and you'll see firsthand that we're laidback and irreverent. We're firm believers in being true to YOU, so tattoos and piercings are as common as watercooler convos. Whether it's critiquing our new exclusive costumes or quality testing newly implemented software technology, our teams understand the importance of working collaboratively to challenge status quo and achieve our goals. We keep pushing ourselves to go above and beyond and are looking for top talent to become a part of our team!

Responsibilities

Seeking a multi-talented creative director to lead our Spirit and Spencer's packaging efforts. Must have a proven track record managing a team to create visually pleasing and cohesive packaging graphics with a firm understanding of retail and the creative process. This position will oversee development of licensed style guides as well as creating Spirit Halloween and Spencer's branded style guides and mechanical production. Must be process oriented with the ability to lead projects, cultivate and grow unique packaging lines across all categories, (hard/soft goods). This includes outlining, developing and validating ideas, directing packaging development, collaborating with Product Development, Product Managers, and Marketing teams. Person must be an experienced leader and visual designer who is equally savvy at photography, illustration and communications. A self-starter who takes initiative and possess the ability to build ideas and collaborate with other designers and marketing professionals, while managing multiple projects simultaneously. The position will report to the VP Marketing and Creative Services.

Primary Job Duties:

• Lead full time and freelance designers on all packaging projects. Must be process oriented to successfully manage a high-volume of designs on tight timelines.
• Ability to articulate, critique and communicate design strategy and rationale to stakeholders. Open to receive and communicate creative redirect.
• Work collaboratively and flexibly with all members of the Creative Team, Marketing, Production, Product Development, Merchants and other departments to achieve project goals while working within brand guidelines.
• Ability to lead and work in a fast paced environment while meeting demanding objectives. Must have a sense of urgency with critical deadlines, and the ability to quickly reprioritize accordingly.
• Partner with Product Development, Marketing, Production, Sourcing, and Product Managers to ensure project goals and timelines are met. Proactively reprioritize to assure critical deadlines are not missed.
• Spearhead development and implementation of new and improved packaging, ensuring defined needs for ergonomics, aesthetics, manufacturing capability and quality are met from ideation, through design and engineering.
• Conceptualize themes and style direction for all staff in creating packaging solutions that could in some cases drive the look for in-store point-of-purchase, advertising, and other print/digital based consumer collateral needs.
• A Master of Graphic Design with the ability to translate ideas into creative visual presentation and design solutions while ensuring creative is in line with overall brand parameters and guidelines.
• Build, refine, and manage comprehensive packaging specification across categories/brands. Develop streamlined processes that lead the creative team to victory.
• Establish supplier quality standards and support supplier reviews as needed.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions, research and other activities that support creative concept development in collaboration with others in the Creative and Marketing team.
• Collaborate with Packaging Engineer/Outside vendors to provide design and production insight into packaging solutions.
• Remain current on and identify packaging trends, innovations, and recommend emerging packaging technologies to improve overall product value, performance, and cost.
• Guide the team in preparing art files for release to printers or developers.
• Responsible for accuracy and proofing of all packaging mechanicals, both hard copy and digital proofs.

Qualifications

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (management, graphic/packaging design, or relevant degree).
• 10+ years of management and packaging experience in retail industry (hard/soft goods) and demonstrated abilities in working cross-functionally while managing high volume of projects successfully.
• Must be process oriented with ability to lead & manage successful team.
• Experience in implementing packaging programs and protocols, understanding of PLM system is a plus.
• Highly efficient, with the ability to prioritize multiple details and tasks and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a large number of projects within a cross functional environment.
• A solid understanding of marketing and advertising principles is key.
• Firm knowledge of the printing process. Capable of taking design from concept to print.
• Fundamental knowledge of packaging substrates and package types. Including: clamshells, blister packs, polybags, corrugated primary cartons, folding cartons, header/insert cards, shippers and internal protective packaging.
• Proficiency in all applicable MAC software (Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills - collaborative with cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as in a team environment.

You'll love this job if you're:

• A talented leader. Your communication and management skills are unrivaled.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, fluid environment. You think quickly on your feet!
• Organized and process oriented. Deadline conscious.
• A strong communicator and collaborator. You work effectively with all members of the organization, from individual contributors to top executives.
• A packaging expert who loves the creative field. You love educating and informing others and you keep close tabs on current projects and industry trends.

This job has expired.