The Creative Director-Packaging is responsible driving innovation in all aspects of packaging (process, structure, graphics and copy) and creative communications (presentations, online, press and trade) to help these brands attain growth objectives.  You will  manage a team of 5 and have responsibility for hiring, training, and workflow management.  Working collaboratively with the Director of Product Development you will be charged with
 
50% - Management focused                      50% - Process management (project management)
 
Individual Will Be Responsible For

• Align closely with Product Development Director to deliver strategic direction
• Drive the creative process and directing team members in all aspects of packaging design and development.
• Plan and manage to a budget balancing internal and external resources.
• Explore and implement new technologies including new software and hardware critical to developing skills and product efficiencies.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of industry standards through research and direct contact with vendors and industry experts.
• Managing the packaging development process (from initiating design schedule start to final mechanical artwork turnover) for multiple categories of business across brands ensuring market relevant and compelling packaging is developed. 
• Manage design team to support brand and strategic initiatives including but not limited to, video productions, website design, etc.
• Manage and review project status on a weekly basis with cross-functional team members ensuring timelines and goals are attained.
• Develop and deliver compelling materials for key presentations such as working reviews, line reviews, retailer meetings and toy/juvenile fair events.
• Foster and manage outside vendor partnerships for materials, copywriting, printing, photography, videography bringing consistency/dimension to brand/line/category.
• Manage, coach/develop and motivate a team of designers with a primary focus on packaging. Cultivate and empower team to take initiative and ownership for their work and its real impact on the business mission.

• BFA/BA/BS in Graphic Design.
• Must have 5+ years professional level experience in design direction and execution in consumer packaged goods. Minimum of 3 years in a comprehensive management role effectively guiding and directing internal staff and external partners/vendors.
• Mass retail experience required
• Craft and creative industry experience preferred
• Expert in package design and development using graphic and packaging software such as Illustrator, Photoshop and CAD tools.
• Demonstrated experience with budget development and management, including solid experience building effective business cases for incremental spend if necessary / recommended.
• Ability to support, mentor and train employees to ensure efficiency, effectiveness and foster good morale/team pride, as demonstrated through past experience navigating and leading team through successful  change
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills, as demonstrated in past successful resolutions to complex multi-dimensional issues.
• Possess a strong eye and a thorough understanding of strategic timing for introducing market-relevant, on-trend designs to mass-market consumer.
• A history of leading projects from concept to completion within established timeframes.
• Proven success working in a high volume creative environment with aggressive timelines.
• Proven ability to effectively present and communicate ideas in a large group and to executive/leadership team resulting in organizational alignment.
• Superior project and time management skills, including formal training in these areas.
• Confidence and experience corresponding with Chinese partners on a regular basis.
• Familiarity with complex documents like product spec sheets, manuals and safety regulations.