Packaging & Product Designer

This role involves working as part of the Product Design and Development team to support daily tasks that involve all aspects of artwork and design for both products and packaging in line with our overall business strategy. This includes all stages of design from concept to finalization and upload for products and packaging mainly focusing on dies, stamps and stencils, and embossing folders in addition to packaging for new product development. All tasks are to be completed to a high standard of design and accuracy while meeting deadlines set. The role will require strong communication skills and taking ownership of understanding the look and feel for all Ellison brands.

Company Conformance Statements:

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.


• Interact professionally with other employees, customers, and suppliers.


• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.


• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.


Key Areas of Responsibility for Selection of Key Customers (including but not limited to):

• Taking direction for design assignments for the Ellison brands in line with the overall product design strategy.


• Assist with any support on large scale projects, having a clear understanding of objectives and goals and working towards set deadlines.


• Support your own individual development by receiving constructive feedback and identifying areas for growth during one-to-one weekly meetings.


• Continuously develop design skillset across all core technologies to support the growth of our product pipeline.


• Design into our key categories, including but not limited to, dies, stamp, stencil and embossing products based on design briefs and creative outlines taking any global making or visual trends into account.


• Prepare production artwork of dies, stamps, stencils, embossing, or other technology designs into factory ready format, in line with specifications and guidelines.


• Design packaging for new and existing technologies in line with packaging guidelines, liaising with internal and / or external teams as needed.


• Assist to clean up and prepare embellished packaging images to set standard and brand and packaging guidelines.



• Support with content for trend reports and presentations geared around packaging and merchandising to support the vision and ethos of the business as it is currently and in line with future growth opportunities.


• Provide personal insights from the market expectations and ideas for packaging to support designs and the trend report mentioned above, including visits to brick and mortar stores to evaluate the footprint and layout of Plan-O-Gram structures and competitor's approaches to packaging.


• Adhere to product packaging developments including the approval process, communicating with the relevant stakeholders and ensuring all information is collated and timelines are adhered to.


• Understand the value of visual communication when our brand relies on communicating single imagery narratives from packaging fronts directly to consumers; this includes having an understanding of how our products work and seeking out explanations when this is in question.


• Maintain high quality of accuracy and standard of files being prepared for upload to minimize errors and revisions needed.


• Liaise with vendors and 3rd party contacts as and when required.
  
  Degree/relevant level of qualification / equivalent experience in Artwork, Graphic and or Packaging Design.


• Excellent attention to detail.


• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite - Illustrator/Photoshop/In-Design/ Acrobat Pro.


• Strong traditional drawing and illustration skills.


• A high standard of visual communication skills such as concept sheets or presentations.


• Must have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.


• Must be highly self-motivated to set and achieve goals.


• Possess the ability to work to a very high standard whilst under pressure.



• Passion and enthusiasm for design, with a creative flair.


• A flexible approach when working in a team.


• Good presentation skills and the confidence to explain and sell ideas.


• Time management skills and the ability to cope with several projects at once.


• Accuracy and attention to detail when finalising designs.


• Being open to coaching, mentorship and feedback to elevate designs in line with brand vision and values.


Preferences:

• Work experience in the Creative Industry, preferred.


Equipment Used:

Computer workstation, laptop, mobile smart phone, and other typical office equipment. May occasionally use various die cut machines, various crafting tools, art medium, hot glue, etc. for creation of sample projects.

Ellison is widely recognized as a global market leader in the DIY arts and crafts marketplace, with the company designing, manufacturing, and distributing the finest quality die-cutting machines and products to the creative industry. Ellison's innovative designs empower users to cut, embellish and create extraordinary projects from a variety of materials, which can be used in the home, the classroom or for gifts and self-expression of any kind.

Since 1977, Ellison has been a hallmark product in the classroom and continues to be a trusted favourite with teachers and educators. In 2001, Ellison launched Sizzix, a global brand focused on providing inspirational products for the creative community, whether they enjoy upcycling, home décor, sewing or paper crafting. In addition to their die-cutting equipment, Sizzix also offers a wide variety of making essentials and tools which complement any creative pursuits. The extensive Sizzix product collections provide their community with everything needed to build their creative lifestyles.

Ellison is a global company with its America and Canada office located in Lake Forest California, its European and Rest of World (ROW) office located in Wrexham, UK and it's Asia office based in Changping Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China.

The majority of Ellison's customers are Business-to-Business (B2B) retailers and distributors who purchase, stock, and resell their products to end-users. In addition, Ellison also sell Business-to-Consumer (B2C) direct to schools and consumers via their branded websites and catalogues, or at select creative trade-shows and events.

Ellison's mission is to continue to grow its market leadership position with uncompromising quality, innovative design and inspiring, award-winning products that continue to inspire the creative community.


• We will be experts at innovating and evolving product stories through an immersive customer journey, where hands-on creativity and digital experiences co-exist.


• We will pioneer creative expression, captivating every generation.


Our Mission:

• We strive to be the brand of choice in die-cutting and embossing technologies, providing quality and cohesive product stories, through a seamless multi-channel customer experience.


Our Core Values:

• Passion


• Commitment and Accountability


• Results Driven


• Collaboration


• Encouragement


Why Join Our Team:

• We provide a stimulating and rewarding working environment for all, focused on empowering, inspiring and nurturing our people.


• We provide competitive compensation and benefits, and we thrive on innovation and being a great place to work.


What We Offer:

• A company culture that promotes work life balance via our hybrid working scheme.


• Competitive salaries.


• Pension.


• Great Holidays-Enhanced based on length of service.


• An additional Birthday Day Leave.


• An additional Duvet Day Leave.


• Additional CSR Leave.


• Perks and discounts via our benefits and reward platform 'Perkbox' that includes monthly treats and discounts from selected restaurants, cinemas and retailers.


• Long Service Awards.


• Great Staff Discount on our products.


• Access to mental health support via our 'Employee Assistance Programme'.


• Career development opportunities and commitment to continued learning and development.