JUNIOR PACKAGING DESIGNER

Sports Direct is the UK’s largest sports retailer, operating from over 400 locations in the UK and Europe, this really is an exciting place to work, based at our purpose built UK Head Office in Shirebrook, Mansfield (10 mins from Junc 29, M1) this is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic candidate to join Sports Direct's Design Team. Junior Packaging Designer Job Purpose Statement: The Junior Packaging Designer is responsible for the conceptual creation and development of packaging artworks for Sports Direct own-brand categories. They will understand manufacturing processes, production methods and materials, and they must be able to manage a diverse work load whilst ensuring the highest standards. The individual must be able to communicate and discuss designs with colleagues and buyers. As a packaging designer, the individual is responsible for designing and creating the artworks for all consumer packaging i.e. primary and secondary packs, using their expertise and knowledge of manufacturing processes to ensure artworks are suitable for packaging production. The designer has a responsibility to ensure brand integrity is maintained through all aspects of the design processes, and must be able to implement a high level of quality consistently in a timely and cost-effective manner. Key Accountabilities: • Creation and development of packaging artwork for production. • Create brand consistency and technical guidelines across all product groups. • Deliver innovative and functional packaging formats across the breadth of Sports Direct products. • Assisting factories and suppliers with the technical development of packaging. Skills & Expertise: • Creative approach to designing concepts and managing the handwriting style that effectively communicates the USP of the product to the end user, whilst adhering to the brand guidelines. • Creative and technical ability to take graphics, illustrations and photography through to artwork specification that can be applied to packaging cutter guides to send to manufacture. Ensuring the legal and technical information is compliant. • Proficient at using Industry standard software. • Understand different materials and production methods. • Understand the costs of packaging to ensure it meets a desired specification within budget. • Knowledge of printing production ink standards, consistency of output, colour proofing. • Strong communication and skills. • Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and meet tight deadlines. • Work effectively in collaboration cross-functionally to achieve shared goals and deliver business objectives. Knowledge/Experience & Qualifications: • Graduate with at least 3 years' experience in a design discipline e.g. Design/Product/Packaging Technology/Artwork or equivalent demonstrated experience. • Experience in the creation of artworks and new design formats. • Fluent in full Adobe Suite (illustrator and Photoshop are a must). • Ability to generate ideas and concepts. • Project Management experience - proven track record of delivering complex projects. • Track record of using knowledge and experience to troubleshoot and resolve issues • Track record of managing & delivering to time and cost • Managing large volumes of SKUs