Packaging Graphic Designer

Reference: Dur000542-Jenna-1 We are seeking an experienced Packaging Graphic Designer to conceptualise, design, and maintain packaging and print materials across new and existing product lines. The role will be responsible for taking packaging concepts from initial design through to final print-ready artwork, ensuring all designs align with brand guidelines, meet technical print requirements, and comply with relevant FMCG/food labelling regulations. The successful candidate will have strong packaging design and print production experience, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines within a fast-paced FMCG environment.Duties & Responsibilities Key Responsibilities • Design and develop packaging artwork for new and existing product lines, from concept through to final print-ready files • Ensure all packaging designs align with brand identity, guidelines, positioning, and visual standards • Create 3D mock-ups and realistic packaging renders to visualise concepts prior to production • Prepare artwork for various printing methods, including lithographic, flexographic, digital, and screen printing • Ensure artwork meets the technical specifications required for each printing process • Liaise with printers, packaging suppliers, and other external partners to ensure specifications are met • Work with dielines, bleed, colour profiles, substrates, CMYK, Pantone colours, and print specifications • Ensure packaging artwork complies with relevant food and FMCG labelling requirements, including: • Ingredient lists • Nutritional information • Allergen declarations • Barcodes • Other mandatory product information Manage multiple packaging projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met for product launches, packaging updates, and rebranding initiatives Collaborate with the Marketing Operations Manager and wider marketing team on campaigns, promotional packaging, and brand initiatives Support the Production, Procurement, Sales, and Retail teams with relevant design requirements Source and manage stock imagery, illustrations, fonts, and other design assets Maintain accurate and organised design files, templates, artwork libraries, and version control Ensure final artwork is correctly prepared and supplied to packaging and print suppliers Oversee the artwork process from initial concept through to the delivery of final print-ready graphics Provide design support for point-of-sale materials, promotional items, marketing collateral, and other ad hoc requirements Stay up to date with packaging design trends, materials, production techniques, and print technology , particularly within the FMCG and confectionery sectors Minimum Requirements • Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Packaging Design, or a related field • Examples include BA/BTech in Graphic Design or National Diploma in Graphic Design • Minimum 5+ years' graphic design experience • At least 3+ years' specific packaging design experience • Experience within FMCG, food/beverage, confectionery, or retail environments is highly advantageous • Strong portfolio demonstrating relevant packaging design experience, including: • Label design • Box and carton layouts • Print-ready artwork • Brand application across multiple SKUs • Packaging concepts and visualisations Technical Skills & Knowledge • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite , particularly: • Adobe Illustrator – essential • Adobe Photoshop • Adobe InDesign Working knowledge of Microsoft Office , particularly Excel Strong understanding of print production and pre-press processes Good knowledge of: • CMYK and Pantone colours • Bleed and crop marks • Dielines • Print finishes • Foiling • Embossing • Varnishing • Colour profiles • Substrates Understanding of packaging materials and formats, including: • Flexible packaging • Cartons • Labels • Pouches Familiarity with working directly with printers and packaging suppliers Basic understanding of structural/dieline templates , or the ability to accurately work from templates supplied by packaging engineers Strong understanding of artwork preparation for different printing methods, including litho, flexo, digital, and screen printing Strong awareness of FMCG and food labelling regulations and compliance requirements Working knowledge of 3D design software for realistic packaging mock-ups and product visualisations is advantageou Key Working Relationships Internal: • Marketing Team • Production Team • Procurement Team • Sales Team • Retail Stores • Relevant internal stakeholders External: • Printers • Packaging suppliers • Other design and production suppliers Key Competencies • Strong creative and conceptual design ability • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy • Strong understanding of branding and visual communication • Excellent understanding of packaging and print production • Ability to work accurately within technical specifications • Strong organisational and file-management skills • Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines • Excellent communication and collaboration skills • Ability to work effectively with internal teams, printers, and packaging suppliers • Problem-solving mindset with a practical understanding of production requirements • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider marketing team Package & RemunerationR30 000 - R35 000