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Graphic Designer - Packaging & Brand Design - background in retail packaging, INTERNATIONAL TRENDS + consumer product branding

Unicorn Placements
8 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Johannesburg, South Africa

Introduction

We are looking for a talented and experienced Graphic Designer with a strong background in retail packaging and consumer product branding. This role requires someone who can look at international packaging trends, have an eye on that market and be VERY innovative!!! They dont just want someone with a ‘South African mindset’. They need someone who is able to look at trends overseas and come up with creative ideas and concepts. That is the crux of this role.

This is not a junior role.

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running, take ownership of projects, and transform ideas into commercially successful packaging designs. You'll work closely with management to develop packaging concepts for a variety of consumer products, bringing creativity, strategic thinking, and market awareness to every project.

The ideal candidate is more than just a talented designer.

You should be someone who:

  • Thinks strategically, not just creatively.
  • Can visualise ideas quickly and develop them into commercially viable designs.
  • Understands how to build cohesive product ranges rather than designing individual items in isolation.
  • Enjoys researching trends, competitors and consumer behaviour before designing.
  • Requires minimal supervision and is confident taking ownership of projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • Design retail packaging for consumer products from concept through to print-ready artwork.
  • Develop cohesive packaging ranges and product families that maintain strong brand consistency.
  • Interpret briefs and translate concepts into compelling visual designs.
  • Conduct market and competitor research to identify design trends and opportunities.
  • Present creative concepts and justify design decisions.
  • Prepare production-ready artwork and liaise with printers and suppliers when required.
  • Ensure all artwork meets technical print specifications and brand guidelines.
  • Manage projects while meeting deadlines.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Essential Requirements

  • Minimum 3–5 years' professional Graphic Design experience.
  • Proven experience designing retail packaging for consumer goods.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating packaging design and product range development.
  • Advanced proficiency in:
    • Adobe Illustrator
    • Adobe Photoshop
    • Adobe InDesign
  • Excellent understanding of print production processes and packaging artwork.
  • Ability to independently take a concept from discussion through research, design and final execution.
  • Strong creative thinking combined with commercial awareness.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

Advantageous

  • Experience working within FMCG, retail or consumer products.
  • Knowledge of packaging regulations and print processes.
  • Experience creating brand identities and extending them across product ranges.
  • Minimum 3–5 years' professional Graphic Design experience.
  • Proven experience designing retail packaging for consumer goods.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating packaging design and product range development.
  • Must be abe to work in the basic design software:
    • Adobe Illustrator
    • Adobe Photoshop
    • Adobe InDesign
  • Excellent understanding of print production processes and packaging artwork.
  • Ability to independently take a concept from discussion through research, design and final execution.
  • Strong creative thinking combined with commercial awareness.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

 

Advantageous

  • Experience working within FMCG, retail or consumer products.
  • Knowledge of packaging regulations and print processes.
  • Experience creating brand identities and extending them across product ranges.

Package & Remuneration

  • R20,000 – R25,000 CTC per month
  • Higher salary may be considered for an exceptional candidate with extensive packaging experience and a proven track record.