Design Manager

The Design Manager is responsible for leading the execution of design work across assigned brands or categories, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and on-strategy delivery across packaging, production, and asset management. This role provides leadership and direction to a team of designers while partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders and external agency partners to bring brands to life and drive business objectives. Reporting into senior design leadership, the Design Manager plays a critical role in translating design strategy into impactful, consumer-centered creative solutions that elevate brand performance.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of design initiatives across assigned brands and categories, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, visual standards, and business objectives; Manage, mentor, and develop designers by providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and ongoing performance coaching; Translate design strategies into actionable briefs, timelines, workflows, and deliverables; Partner cross-functionally with Brand, Marketing, Innovation, Operations, and other key stakeholders to deliver effective design solutions on schedule and within budget; Provide day-to-day direction and oversight to external agencies, production partners, and vendors; Review, evaluate, and approve creative work to ensure quality, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards; Oversee production and pre-press activities, ensuring flawless execution from concept through final delivery; Support budget management, production planning, and operational processes related to design projects; Identify, recommend, and implement opportunities to improve workflows, tools, processes, and team efficiency; Ensure all design assets and deliverables meet regulatory requirements, production specifications, and organizational standards.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) design, with food industry experience strongly preferred; Demonstrated experience managing design teams and leading creative projects from concept through execution; Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Visual Communications, or a related field; Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and strong design concept development and execution capabilities; Proven leadership skills with experience guiding teams, managing projects, and influencing stakeholders; Exceptional visual storytelling abilities with a strong understanding of brand-building principles; Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail; Deep knowledge of graphic design principles, art production, photography, packaging design, and production processes; Strong understanding of packaging regulations and requirements within the CPG industry; Working knowledge of typography, photography, print production, proofing, color management, and color separations; Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

Experience within the food and beverage industry; Experience working with nationally recognized consumer brands; Knowledge of packaging asset management systems and digital workflow tools; Experience leading external agency relationships and creative vendor partnerships; Exposure to innovation, product launch, and commercialization processes; Experience managing production budgets and forecasting project costs; Familiarity with sustainability-focused packaging initiatives and emerging packaging trends; Experience working in a highly matrixed or global organization; Knowledge of consumer insights and their application to packaging and design strategy.

Benefits

Competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on first day of employment; Medical; Dental; Short and long-term disability; AD&D; Life insurance; Matching 401(k) plan with immediate vesting; Unlimited sick time; Paid time off; Holiday pay; Free access to fitness center (if WHQ); On-site day care; Company store; Campbell's Cares program matching employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually; Employee Resource Groups