Packaging Designer II at Ajinomoto Foods North America

The Packaging Design Manager role takes the lead in development, process management and coordination of all SBU related packaging initiatives from new product designs to existing product design renewals, to cost saving redesign initiatives in tight coordination and collaboration with the Category Directors, the packaging team, R&D, Regulatory, Procurement, and the NPI Project managers.

The duties and responsibilities of the Packaging Design Manager are outlined below and include, but are not limited to the following:

Packaging Development

• Manage the overall packaging development process for all SBU related packaging, including new product designs, existing design renewals, and revisions.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Category Directors, NPI Project Managers, Packaging team, R&D, Procurement, and Regulatory team to manage the packaging development schedule based on the product launch plan
• Manage packaging design process and coordination with agencies, including processes, procedures and cost-saving opportunities
• Ensure internal approvals are communicated and adhered to meet project timelines
• Attend printer press check for approval of the new and revised artworks.
• Manage communication, contracts, and payment with third-party design agencies within the budget approved by category management team
• Manage photoshoots and coordinate product samples with R&D (Attend cutting as needed).
• Providing packaging samples as necessary to sales channel teams for new product packaging and existing product packaging renewals and in coordination with Innovation Acceleration Director for new product packaging
• Maintain a centralized archive of packaging design data that is accessible to internal function groups
• Provide 3D renders of packaging shots for e-comm and customer item registration.
• Collaborate effectively with category teams and other marketing support functions to leverage and maximize all the opportunities

Additional

• Accountable for compliance with all AFNA processes, standards and policies

The right candidate will possess leadership, project management, communication and design, promotion and budget management skills as well as sound business judgment and the ability to drive processes in a matrix organization.

Qualifications include:

• BA/BS degree, preferably in business management, marketing, design, project management, and/or packaging.
• 2 years min, 4 years preferred of marketing related design, packaging and/or project management.
• Demonstrated success in cross functional leadership and project management.
• Proven budget management skills.
• Demonstrated communication skills across a variety of communication methods and tools.
• Proven working knowledge of packaging development process.
• Demonstrated creative judgement and design sensibility and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to develop relationships and work in a collaborative and supportive manner.
• A relatable food experience and/or a demonstrated passion and/or knowledge of food preferable.
• Demonstrated proficient skills in written and oral communications, presentation skills and personal computing (Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and Power Point, Adobe CC).
• Pay Range $80,000 - $90,000, annually. Plus, annual bonus.
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