DTP Packaging Designer

The DTP Packaging Designer is responsible for producing high-quality printed and digital materials aligned with the Private Label marketing objectives of the organisation. This role involves creating visually appealing designs and layouts for various marketing collateral, while adhering to the brand guidelines, style guides, and timelines. The DTP Packaging Designer is required to collaborate effectively with cross functional teams to ensure the smooth and timely completion of projects, from concept, concept design roll out, packaging artwork roll out to final production. This is a deadline-oriented role that requires a strong sense of ownership, attention to detail, with time and project management at the forefront.

Conceptual Design (Ad hoc basis as focus is DTP)

Adhere to brand guidelines while conceptualising and creating initial packaging design concepts.

Research new and existing packaging designs and concepts to understand benchmarks before applying each concept.

Investigate market leaders and draw cues from existing leads where required.

Conduct research, print trends and any analysis to improve design.

Packaging Brief Execution

Complete packaging briefs from concept to finished artwork.

Liaise with Packaging Project Managers on a continuous basis during design & roll out process for creative input, feedback and guidance.

Work closely with the team and other departments to gather project requirements, provide regular updates.

Present initial and final designs to relevant Packaging Project Manager and or Private Label Design Manager in a timely manner.

Develop and maintain templates for consistency across print and digital platforms.

Liaise with internal packaging team and external printing service provider with regards to printing process and achieving desired print quality for every project.

Prepare and present mock-ups and print proofs.

Prepare timely final artwork (FA) with media panel for final printing process.

Provide bi-weekly status updates and prioritise projects for Packaging Project team.

Maintain archive of all final artwork (FA) and approved concepts for each project.

Marketing and Public Relations Design Initiatives (Ad hoc)

Conceptualise new creative designs for Ad hoc Marketing and Public Relations initiatives, as per business requirements, for e.g. POS (point of sale) and agreed marketing activity.

Design POS items that reflect the brand's visual identity, following marketing guidelines to maintain cohesive messaging across all retail environments.

Project Coordination

Liaise with internal and external service providers on packaging projects (e.g. deadlines, photoshoots; pre-production documents; art direction or master creation when required); in a timely manner to ensure business requirements are met.

Attend to multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality output and prioritising effectively.

Conceptual Presentations (Ad hoc)

Prepare and complete professional packaging design concept presentations, research documents, packaging artwork mockups and 3D renders for packaging design concept approval meetings for the Packaging Project team and/ Private Label Designer Manager in a timely manner.

Brand Custodianship

Pull and review existing artworks to ensure they comply with brand style guides.

Ensure market research is reviewed to ensure the artworks deliver on the market leaders and review claims.

Conduct consistency checks against the Brand Style Guide.

Final artworks set up, packaging of files, back-ups

Understand print requirements, print terminology and set up requirements for various print set ups.

Ensure artwork is 100% correct with media panel, aligned with signed off concept and supplied in the correct format/colour set up and size before packaging.

Back-up and file according to company requirements and policies.

Conduct thorough quality assurance checks on electronic or colour proofs for consistency in colour, layout and overall presentation.

Administration

Prioritise and liaise with traffic officer and ensure all projects are on the tracker and progressing at the correct pace.

Maintain an organised archive of all design files, concept, and artworks for future reference.

Ensure folders are correctly labelled.

Regularly update computers with the latest programmes.

Assist in training junior designers or interns in design best practices, software tools, and brand standards, promoting a collaborative work environment.

Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design or related field - (essential).

Additional certifications from recognised institutions (e.g., Vega or AAA) - (desirable).

+3 years in packaging design and final artwork preparation or equivalent field - (essential).

Experience designing for a variety of media, understanding technical elements that affects design - (essential).

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and Acrobat - (essential).

Understanding of current design trends, typography, and layout principles - (essential).

Knowledge of packaging process (Desktop Publishing) - (essential).

Understanding of Consumer Protection Act - (desirable).

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint) - (essential).