Art Director – Packaging

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the creative strategy, quality, and uniformity of Thrive Market’s Owned Brands packaging.

• Supervise a team of packaging designers and production artists.

• Provide daily creative feedback and coordinate with stakeholders in bi-weekly meetings.

• Ensure packaging designs comply with brand standards and contribute to a cohesive brand identity.

• Assign projects and conduct mid-year and annual performance evaluations.

• Manage career development and set clear OKRs to foster team growth and skill enhancement.

• Mentor designers and assist in optimizing processes and creative efficiencies.

• Collaborate with photo, content, and merchandising marketing teams to establish creative objectives, packaging style, and strategic methods.

• Work with the Content team to set editorial direction for packaging.

• Develop, manage, and update brand style guides and packaging standards.

• Oversee production from design through printing and collaborate on mechanicals and printing best practices.

• Review proofs and lead on-site or remote press checks.

• Provide creative support for new product development, including home goods, textiles, and specialty products.

• Conduct competitive analysis on industry trends and consumer preferences.

• Create and implement operational efficiencies for the packaging design process.

• Develop presentation materials, packaging mockups, and competitive landscape analyses for leadership review.

• Guide on-pack photography and offer retouching feedback.

• Identify opportunities to enhance Thrive Market’s brand through innovative packaging design, printing, and branding.

⛳️ Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in packaging design and art direction, with a solid background in brand development, ideally within the CPG, food, or wellness sectors.

• At least 2 years of direct experience in people management.

• Demonstrated experience leading a creative team, including mentorship, performance evaluations, and project delegation.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Knowledge of print production processes, packaging substrates, and materials.

• Experience in building, documenting, and maintaining scalable packaging design systems, including templates, modular layouts, typography, color, substrates, and component libraries.

• Practical experience with proofing workflows and on-site or remote press checks, including color-matching, assessing print quality, and approving or rejecting proofs based on brand standards and printer specifications.

• Experience in evaluating and implementing AI tools to enhance team efficiency, including assessing fit, quality, and risk, and integrating approved tools into design and production workflows.

• Experience directing on-pack product photography and offering retouching feedback.

• Strong design sensibility, particularly in typography and color.

• Ability to create cohesive brand identities and uphold quality standards across various products.

• Capability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including content, photography, product development, and merchandising.

• Excellent organizational skills for managing multiple projects, timelines, and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Understanding of current trends in packaging, sustainability, and consumer behavior.

• Ability to conduct competitive research and utilize insights effectively.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficient in identifying and resolving design inconsistencies and production challenges.

• A bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent professional experience may be considered.

• Employees must be located in the United States during their employment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life and disability).

• Equity.

• 401k plan.

• 9 Observed Holidays.

• Flexible Paid Time Off.

• Subsidized ClassPass Membership with access to fitness classes and wellness and beauty experiences.

• Opportunity to work in our beautiful office in Playa Vista.

• Free Thrive Market membership with exclusive employee discount.

• Coverage for Life Coaching & Therapy Sessions on our holistic mental health and well-being platform.

• Stock Options.

• Health & Wellness Benefits.