Graphic Designer, Brand Design & Packaging

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Brand Design & Packaging

Company: Mattel

Location: Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Brand Design & Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategies for product packaging and marketing materials, ensuring global brand consistency.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Communications, Development) to translate project needs into compelling visual assets.

• Manage multiple design projects from concept to finalization, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality execution.

• Adapt to evolving design technologies, trends, and industry developments to maintain innovative creative output.

• Supervise and guide external agencies to ensure projects align with brand guidelines and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Mattel's Building Sets Campus in Montreal, a creative hub for Mega Bloks and Brick Shop products. The focus on "Brand Design & Packaging" indicates a strong emphasis on visual identity, consumer-facing product presentation, and marketing collateral that directly influences purchasing decisions. This is not a purely operational role but one that bridges creative execution with strategic brand representation, often requiring close collaboration with product development and marketing operations teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and adapt original graphic designs for product packaging, e-commerce visuals, website content, and social media assets, adhering strictly to established brand guidelines.

• Translate creative briefs and project requirements into clear, impactful visual concepts for stakeholder review and approval.

• Foster strong working relationships with Marketing, Communications, and Development teams to ensure a comprehensive understanding of project objectives and target audience.

• Provide direction and oversight to external creative agencies and freelancers, ensuring the final deliverables meet Mattel's quality and brand standards.

• Proactively manage project timelines, prioritize tasks effectively, and maintain consistent quality across all design outputs to meet business demands.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, new technologies, and industry best practices to continuously enhance creative approaches and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management. The emphasis on "adapting creative and original designs" suggests a need for both conceptual thinking and the ability to work within established brand frameworks. The requirement to "supervise external agencies" points to a mid-level role with some level of vendor management and quality control.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: DEC in Graphic Design or equivalent training.

Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar graphic design position, preferably within a consumer goods or toy industry environment.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Adobe XD).

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

• Demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to transform brand guidelines into compelling visual narratives.

• Proven ability to adapt to new technologies, design trends, and evolving project requirements.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a demonstrated capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently without compromising quality.

• Strong understanding of marketing principles and their application in visual communication.

• Ability to articulate visual concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in packaging design for consumer products, particularly toys or collectibles.

• Familiarity with e-commerce visual standards and social media content creation.

• A strong interest in the toy, video game, or entertainment industries, with an awareness of current market trends.

• Experience working with external creative agencies or managing vendor relationships.

• A demonstrable growth mindset, showcasing curiosity, continuous learning, and resilience in the face of challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required software proficiency is standard for graphic design roles. The emphasis on "transforming guidelines into compelling visuals" and "adapting to new technologies" suggests that while brand adherence is key, innovation and forward-thinking are also valued. The "growth mindset" is a recurring theme, indicating Mattel's focus on continuous improvement and adaptability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on product packaging and marketing collateral.

• Demonstrations of how brand guidelines were interpreted and applied to create unique and effective visual solutions.

• Case studies or examples of designs adapted for various platforms, including print, digital, and social media.

• Evidence of ability to manage project scope and deliver creative assets within defined parameters.

• Visual examples illustrating the ability to translate complex product features or brand stories into accessible and engaging designs. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, illustrating how tasks were prioritized and deadlines met.

• Documentation of collaboration processes with marketing, product development, or other internal teams.

• Showcase of how feedback was incorporated into design iterations and final outputs.

• Evidence of understanding and applying design production processes for packaging and marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role with a focus on brand and packaging, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking in how design serves brand and commercial objectives. The ability to show process, not just final output, will be crucial for demonstrating project management and collaborative capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $65,000 - $85,000. This range is an estimate and will be determined by factors such as the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive total pay programs designed to reward performance and contribution.

• Comprehensive benefits package, likely including health, dental, vision insurance, and retirement savings plans.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning within a global organization.

• Employee discounts on Mattel products, fostering a connection with the company's brands.

• Access to a creative and collaborative work environment at a leading toy and family entertainment company.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, estimated at 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours depending on project needs and team agreements, subject to company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on current market data for graphic design roles in Montreal, considering the specified experience level and the industry. Mattel's stated benefits are broad; specific details would typically be provided during the interview process or upon offer. The 40-hour work week is standard, but operations-adjacent roles in creative departments often require some flexibility for project deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy and Family Entertainment. Mattel is a leading global entity, renowned for iconic brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, and UNO. The Montreal campus specifically focuses on building sets like Mega Bloks and Brick Shop. This industry context implies a culture that values creativity, playfulness, innovation, and a deep understanding of child development and consumer trends.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Mattel operates globally with a significant employee base). This means access to extensive resources, established processes, and a wide network of professionals, but also potential for more structured environments.

Founded: 1945. Mattel has a long-standing heritage, providing a stable foundation while continually adapting to modern markets and consumer demands. This history suggests a company that values both tradition and evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design role sits within the Brand Design department, reporting to a Graphic Manager.

• Collaboration is key, with frequent interaction with Product teams, Brand Managers, Marketing, Communications, and Development teams.

• External agencies and freelancers are also part of the extended team, requiring vendor management skills. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary data analysis role, designs will likely be informed by market research, consumer insights, and performance data from previous campaigns or packaging.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Efficiently managing design projects, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring smooth handoffs between internal teams and external vendors.

• Automation & Efficiency: Utilizing design software effectively and potentially exploring tools or processes to streamline repetitive design tasks or asset creation.

Company Website: https://corporate.mattel.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's emphasis on "creativity is our superpower" and fostering a culture of belonging is central. The Montreal campus being a "creative hub" suggests an environment where innovation is encouraged. The operations context here is about enabling creativity through efficient processes and effective brand representation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Graphic Designer role. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and 3-5 years of experience, moving beyond entry-level execution to more independent project management and creative problem-solving. The role is integral to the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by ensuring compelling visual product representation.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a Graphic Manager. This manager likely oversees a team of designers and is responsible for strategic direction, workload allocation, and performance reviews. The role involves significant collaboration with Brand Managers and Product teams, who are key stakeholders in the GTM process.

Operations Impact: The visual design of product packaging and marketing materials directly influences consumer perception, brand recognition, and purchasing decisions. Effective design is crucial for market penetration, sales performance, and maintaining brand equity in a competitive toy industry. This role directly supports sales enablement and marketing effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in packaging design, digital asset creation for e-commerce and social media, and potentially explore motion graphics or 3D rendering tools.

• Industry Specialization: Becoming an expert in design for the toy and family entertainment sector, understanding niche market trends and consumer psychology.

• Leadership Potential: With proven success, potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or manage external agency relationships more autonomously. Opportunities to mentor junior designers may also arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" aspect for this creative role lies in the efficient and effective execution of design processes that support broader business objectives like sales and marketing. Growth will involve deepening creative expertise and understanding the business impact of design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Mattel Building Sets Campus in Montreal, described as a "creative hub." This suggests a dynamic, collaborative, and likely open-plan office environment designed to foster innovation and cross-functional interaction.

Office Location(s): 6767 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse, Montréal, Quebec, Canada. This location is specifically for the MEGA Brands ULC. division.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect ample opportunities for brainstorming, feedback sessions, and team collaboration with colleagues from Product, Marketing, and Development teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe CC) and hardware, along with potential for specialized equipment relevant to product visualization.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Graphic Manager and other designers, as well as close partnerships with brand and product managers to ensure design alignment with commercial goals.

Work Schedule: Primarily on-site, full-time. While the core hours will be dedicated to office-based work, the creative nature of the role may necessitate some flexibility to meet project deadlines, especially during product launch cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "creative hub" description implies a modern, potentially agile workspace. For a designer, the physical environment and the tools available are critical to productivity and creative output. Proximity to cross-functional teams is a key advantage for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application and resume, assessing basic qualifications and fit.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their work. Expect to showcase 3-5 key projects relevant to packaging, brand design, and marketing collateral. Be prepared to discuss your creative process, problem-solving approach, and how your designs met specific objectives.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: A potential design challenge or exercise, either timed or as a take-home assignment, to evaluate practical skills in Adobe CC and creative problem-solving under specific constraints.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Meetings with the Graphic Manager and potentially other designers or stakeholders (e.g., Brand Manager) to assess technical proficiency, cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with Mattel's values.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in packaging design, brand adaptation, and digital marketing visuals. Highlight work relevant to toys, games, or family entertainment if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results or impact of your design. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "design contributed to a 10% increase in online conversion").

• Showcase Brand Adaptability: Include examples where you successfully worked within established brand guidelines or adapted a brand's identity for different applications.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, and demonstrate an understanding of production requirements for print and digital.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the objectives, target audience, and any constraints.

• Prioritize & Execute: Focus on delivering a strong concept that addresses the core requirements within the allotted time. It's often better to have a well-executed concept than an incomplete, over-ambitious one.

• Articulate Your Rationale: Be prepared to clearly explain your design choices, linking them back to the project brief and Mattel's brand objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they designed, but why and how it achieved specific business outcomes, demonstrating a strategic approach to design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat are essential. Adobe XD is also listed, indicating a need for UI/UX or digital prototyping skills.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word for documentation, PowerPoint for presentations, and Excel for basic data tracking or project management support.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, designers may use data from e-commerce platforms, social media analytics, or market research reports to inform design decisions. Proficiency in interpreting basic performance metrics related to visual assets is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how designs are deployed through marketing automation platforms or integrated into CRM-driven campaigns can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is non-negotiable. The inclusion of Adobe XD suggests a forward-looking approach, potentially involving digital interfaces or interactive packaging concepts. Understanding how design impacts downstream marketing and sales processes is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Mattel emphasizes "one team with shared values and common goals." This role requires close partnership with Brand Managers, Product Development, and Marketing teams. Expect active participation in cross-functional meetings and brainstorming sessions.

• Innovation: The company encourages finding "new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences." Designers are expected to bring fresh ideas and push creative boundaries while respecting brand integrity.

• Execution: Mattel is "performance-driven" and focuses on "pursuing best-in-class outcomes." This means delivering high-quality designs on time and ensuring they effectively meet commercial objectives, contributing to sales and brand strength.

• Growth Mindset: Encouraging curiosity, continuous learning, and embracing challenges. Designers should be open to feedback and eager to develop new skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers will work closely with teams responsible for product creation and marketing strategy, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate diverse needs into cohesive visual solutions.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback is implied, with designers expected to iterate on their work based on input from managers and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: The "creative hub" environment likely promotes sharing of trends, techniques, and best practices among designers and other creative professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's core values—collaboration, innovation, execution, and a growth mindset—are directly applicable to this design role. The "operations" aspect is how these values translate into daily work processes, ensuring creative output is both innovative and impactful for the business.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Consistency: The primary challenge will be creating fresh, innovative designs that still adhere strictly to Mattel's established brand guidelines and product requirements.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Expectations: Juggling input and feedback from various departments (Product, Marketing, Legal, etc.) while maintaining a cohesive design vision.

• Adapting to Fast-Paced Market Trends: The toy and entertainment industries evolve rapidly; designers must stay current with trends in visual design, packaging, and digital media.

• Production Constraints: Understanding and working within the practical limitations of manufacturing, printing, and digital deployment for packaging and marketing assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in packaging production workflows, digital asset management, and potentially explore UI/UX design principles through Adobe XD.

• Industry Exposure: Gain in-depth knowledge of the toy and family entertainment market, understanding consumer behavior and successful branding strategies within this sector.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to learn from experienced managers and potentially mentor junior designers or lead specific design initiatives as experience grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a brand-focused designer in a large corporation. Growth opportunities are tied to both deepening creative expertise and understanding the broader business context within which design operates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a design that strictly adhered to brand guidelines while still being innovative. How did you approach it?" (Assesses creativity within constraints).

• "Walk us through a packaging design project from concept to final output. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluates process, problem-solving, and project management).

• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Tests adaptability and industry awareness). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Mattel and our brands, specifically Mega Bloks?" (Assesses genuine interest and cultural fit).

• "How do you collaborate with non-designers, such as marketing managers or product developers?" (Evaluates communication and cross-functional teamwork).

• "Describe a time you received critical feedback on your design. How did you respond and what was the outcome?" (Tests resilience and ability to incorporate feedback). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your most relevant projects (packaging, brand). For each, clearly state the objective, your role, the target audience, your creative process, key design decisions, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to support your claims about the success of your designs (e.g., "This packaging design was part of a campaign that saw a X% increase in sales").

• Showcase Versatility: Highlight your ability to work across different media (print, digital, social) and your proficiency with the required Adobe tools.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your process, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to Mattel's products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also strategic thinking, collaboration, and an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives within the toy and entertainment industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mattel careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in packaging design, brand identity, and digital marketing collateral. Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that demonstrate your skills in Adobe Creative Suite and your ability to work within brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Packaging Design," "Brand Design," "Adobe Photoshop," "Illustrator," "InDesign," and "Marketing." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed packaging for X product lines resulting in Y sales increase").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your creative decisions, and discussing how your work contributes to business objectives. Be ready to present your portfolio and potentially complete a design challenge.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mattel's brand portfolio, recent product launches, and the specific focus of the Mega Bloks/Brick Shop division in Montreal. Understand their company values and how they relate to creative execution.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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