Graphic Designer (Packaging & Merch)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Packaging & Merch)

Company: Hire Overseas

Location: Philippines

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: 100% Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce production-ready packaging and merchandise for food and beverage CPG brands.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate brand briefs into shelf-ready visual assets.

• Ensure strict adherence to print specifications, dieline requirements, and manufacturing standards.

• Manage multiple brand projects concurrently, maintaining visual consistency and quality across all deliverables.

• Support brand identity development and asset management for a diverse client roster.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is heavily focused on the production and implementation of design for physical products, rather than purely conceptual or digital design. The emphasis on "print-ready files," "dielines," and "packaging specifications" indicates a need for operational precision and an understanding of manufacturing constraints, which are key aspects of GTM and Brand Operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design packaging for a variety of food and beverage products, including labels, cans, bottles, boxes, and pouches, from concept to final print-ready files.

• Develop and execute branded merchandise designs for apparel, accessories, promotional items, and retail-ready products, ensuring brand consistency.

• Apply strong principles of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy to create compelling and compliant designs for physical products.

• Meticulously ensure all design deliverables meet exact print specifications, dieline requirements, and production standards, minimizing errors in the manufacturing process.

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and clients throughout the revision and approval cycles to iterate on designs efficiently.

• Maintain comprehensive visual consistency across all design outputs for each assigned brand, reinforcing brand identity.

• Support brand identity initiatives, including logo refinement, color palette application, and typography system development.

• Proactively organize and manage all design files and assets using a clean, accessible, and systematic approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational component. The need to "ensure all designs meet print specifications, dieline requirements, and production standards" and to deliver "production-ready files" points to a critical role in the Go-to-Market (GTM) supply chain, bridging creative vision with manufacturing reality. This requires process discipline and attention to detail beyond typical graphic design roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is often preferred for foundational understanding.

Experience: 2-5 years of proven professional experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on packaging and merchandise for consumer goods.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience designing packaging specifically for food, beverage, or CPG brands.

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for vector and raster graphics.

• Deep understanding of print production processes, including bleed, trim, dielines, and packaging specifications.

• Demonstrated experience designing for diverse merchandise formats and substrates (e.g., apparel, promotional items).

• Excellent eye for typography, layout composition, and maintaining brand-consistent design aesthetics.

• Proven ability to manage multiple brand projects concurrently, delivering clean, production-ready files efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with emerging or startup CPG brands, understanding their unique challenges and growth trajectories.

• Familiarity with Figma for collaborative design workflows and rapid prototyping.

• Background in consumer goods, retail environments, or brand licensing.

• Experience designing for minority-owned or culturally driven brands, demonstrating sensitivity and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "required skills" emphasize a blend of creative talent and technical/operational understanding. The emphasis on "print production, dielines, and packaging specifications" is critical for candidates to highlight, as it demonstrates an operational readiness for GTM execution. Experience with "emerging CPG brands" suggests a need for adaptability and a proactive approach, common in fast-paced operational environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 4-6 distinct examples of packaging and merchandise design work, demonstrating versatility across different brands or product categories.

• Clearly illustrate the end-to-end design process for at least one packaging project, from initial brief and concept development through to final production-ready files.

• Include examples that highlight an understanding of print specifications and dieline application.

Process Documentation:

• For each featured packaging project, be prepared to articulate the workflow, including how brand briefs were interpreted, concept iterations, client feedback incorporation, and the finalization of production files.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design decisions impact manufacturing processes and final product presentation on shelves.

• Be ready to discuss your methods for ensuring design accuracy and compliance with technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are crucial for this role, acting as a direct indicator of operational capability. Candidates must go beyond aesthetic presentation to demonstrate their understanding of the process of design for physical goods, which directly impacts manufacturing efficiency and GTM success. The Loom video requirement further emphasizes process explanation and communication skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on regional standards for experienced Graphic Designers in the Philippines with specialized packaging/merch skills and remote work, a competitive range would be approximately ₱40,000 - ₱70,000 per month (PHP). This is equivalent to approximately $675 - $1200 USD per month, subject to exchange rates. The company states payment will be in USD bi-monthly.

Note on USD Payment: Given the stated bi-monthly USD payment, the actual USD salary range would likely be $350 - $600 USD per pay period, translating to $700 - $1200 USD per month. The exact figure would depend on Hire Overseas's internal compensation structure and the candidate's demonstrated experience and skill.

Benefits:

• Paid bi-monthly in USD.

• Paid Time Off in accordance with company policy.

• Observance of Holidays per company guidelines.

• 100% remote setup, offering significant flexibility and work-life balance.

• Opportunity to work directly on real CPG brands from concept through production.

• Be part of a minority-owned firm with a strong mission and a growing client roster.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with the flexibility of a 100% remote setup. Exact daily schedules may vary but will align with typical full-time work expectations and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for skilled remote graphic designers in the Philippines, factoring in the specific specialization in packaging and merchandise. The explicit mention of USD payment is a key detail for international remote workers. Benefits like PTO and holiday observance are standard but are important to note for remote employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Development & Brand Management, with a focus on Food & Beverage. The company operates as a vertically integrated firm, implying involvement in multiple stages of product development and market launch.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but described as a "growing client roster" and a "minority-owned firm." This suggests a dynamic, potentially agile, and mission-driven organization that values diversity.

Founded: Not specified, but the focus on emerging brands implies a relatively modern or rapidly evolving firm.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design function appears to be integrated within a broader CPG development firm.

• Designers will likely collaborate with brand strategists, product developers, marketing teams, and potentially operations/supply chain specialists.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approach to brand development, focusing on market viability and consumer appeal.

• Emphasis on practical application of design, moving from concept to production-ready assets that meet real-world constraints.

• Agile project management to accommodate multiple client needs and evolving brand strategies.

• Commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses and culturally driven brands.

Company Website: hireoverseas.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as a vertically integrated CPG development firm means the design team plays a crucial operational role. They are not just creating visuals but are integral to the product launch process, requiring an understanding of manufacturing and market readiness. The focus on "minority-owned firm" and "culturally driven brands" suggests an inclusive and purpose-driven culture that values diverse perspectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience. It's a hands-on production role with direct impact on client product visibility and market presence.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Creative Director within Hire Overseas and will work closely with project managers and client-facing teams to execute specific brand projects.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's output directly influences how a product is perceived on the shelf, its appeal to consumers, and its readiness for manufacturing. Successful packaging and merchandise design can significantly contribute to sales performance and brand recognition, making this role critical to the GTM strategy's execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in CPG packaging, specific product categories (e.g., beverages, snacks), or advanced printing techniques.

• Brand Management Exposure: Gain experience working on a wider range of brands and potentially contribute to higher-level brand strategy discussions.

• Design Leadership: Progress to a Senior Designer or Art Director role, mentoring junior designers and leading creative direction for key accounts.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Develop a better understanding of the broader CPG development lifecycle, including product development, marketing, and supply chain operations.

• Client Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with clients, potentially leading to opportunities in account management or client-side roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role extends beyond pure design into operational aspects of brand management and GTM execution. The ability to understand and translate manufacturing requirements into design, and vice versa, is a valuable operational skill that can lead to more strategic roles within the CPG industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: 100% Remote. This offers maximum flexibility in terms of location and work setup.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in the Philippines, with the understanding that the employee can work from any location within the country.

Workspace Context:

• A fully remote setup necessitates strong self-discipline and effective communication tools.

• The designer will need a reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace conducive to creative work and focused production.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital platforms, requiring proficiency in video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management software.

• Access to company-provided software licenses (Adobe Creative Suite) is expected.

Work Schedule: Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). While remote, adherence to core working hours for team collaboration and client responsiveness will be expected, likely aligning with Philippine Standard Time (PST) or accommodating overlapping hours with international clients/teams if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this role requires a high degree of self-management and proactive communication. The "workspace context" emphasizes the need for individuals to create their own productive environment, which is a key operational skill for remote professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume and portfolio, along with the required Loom video. This is the critical first filter.

• Video Introduction (Loom Video): A crucial step to assess personality, communication skills, and understanding of design process. Be prepared to walk through a packaging project from brief to production, explaining key decisions and challenges.

• Role-Specific Assessment (Homework Assignment): May involve a design challenge simulating a real client brief to test practical skills, problem-solving, and adherence to specifications.

• Recruitment Interview: Initial screening with the Hire Overseas talent team to assess general fit, experience, and understanding of the role's operational demands.

• Executive Interview: Meeting with senior leadership at Hire Overseas to discuss career aspirations, cultural alignment, and broader impact.

• Client Interview: Final stage, meeting with the client team that the designer will be supporting, to assess direct fit and collaborative potential.

• Background & Reference Check: Verification of professional history and past performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Production Focus: Ensure at least 4-6 strong examples of packaging and merchandise design. Highlight projects where you managed the full cycle from concept to print-ready files.

• Showcase Process: For the chosen packaging project, use the Loom video to clearly articulate your thought process, problem-solving steps, and how you addressed technical requirements (dielines, print specs).

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for design, if any projects led to measurable success (e.g., successful product launch, positive retailer feedback), mention it.

• Brand Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to maintain and adapt brand identities across different applications.

• Technical Accuracy: Visually showcase that you understand print specifications, bleed, and dieline construction in your examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If a design challenge is given, dissect the brief to understand the target audience, brand goals, and any specific constraints (e.g., substrate, print method).

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a given timeframe, simulating the pressure of production deadlines.

• Justify Decisions: Be ready to explain why you made specific design choices, linking them back to the brief and operational requirements.

• File Preparation: Demonstrate understanding of proper file setup for print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is designed to thoroughly vet candidates for both creative talent and operational execution. The emphasis on the Loom video and portfolio walkthrough for a specific packaging project highlights the need for candidates to be articulate about their process and problem-solving abilities, not just their final designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required, particularly Adobe Illustrator for vector packaging artwork and dielines, and Adobe Photoshop for raster image manipulation and mockups.

• Figma: Preferred for collaborative design workflows, though not strictly required.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for task tracking and project progress monitoring.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how design assets are managed and distributed within a larger GTM or CRM system could be helpful.

• File Management Systems: Proficiency with cloud storage solutions (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) and organized file naming conventions is essential for asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is heavily focused on design production. The emphasis on Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, alongside an understanding of "print specifications" and "dielines," is critical. Figma is noted as a "nice to have," indicating a potential move towards more collaborative digital design tools within the company.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A strong emphasis on delivering technically correct, production-ready files to minimize errors and ensure smooth manufacturing.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a remote team and with external clients to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Speed: The ability to manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality work in a timely manner, crucial for a fast-paced CPG environment.

• Brand Integrity: Maintaining and enhancing brand identity and visual consistency across all deliverables.

• Client Focus: Understanding client needs and delivering solutions that meet their business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Primarily digital and asynchronous, requiring clear and concise communication.

• Proactive engagement with team members and project managers to ensure alignment and address challenges.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes.

• A culture that values the practical application of design skills to solve real-world business problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company likely fosters a culture that balances creative output with rigorous operational execution. The values reflect the demands of working in the CPG industry, where design must be both aesthetically appealing and functionally sound for production and market launch.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Constraints: Effectively translating creative concepts into designs that are feasible and cost-effective for manufacturing.

• Managing Multiple Brand Identities: Maintaining distinct visual styles and brand integrity across a diverse portfolio of clients.

• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring seamless communication and workflow in a fully remote setting, especially across different time zones or with varied communication styles.

• Keeping Pace with CPG Trends: Staying updated on evolving consumer preferences, packaging innovations, and retail display standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Packaging Techniques: Opportunities to learn about specialized printing methods, sustainable packaging solutions, and structural design principles.

• Brand Strategy Insights: Exposure to the broader strategic thinking behind CPG brand development and market positioning.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining a deeper understanding of areas like product development, marketing campaign execution, and supply chain logistics.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior designers or creative leads within Hire Overseas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexity of the role. Successfully navigating these requires not just design skill but also an understanding of business processes and logistics, which are key growth areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a packaging design from initial brief to a print-ready file. What are the critical checkpoints?" (Focus on process, technical details, and communication.)

• "Walk me through a packaging project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of. What were the client's objectives, and how did your design address them?" (Prepare to discuss the Loom video project in detail, emphasizing problem-solving and outcomes.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different product lines or merchandise items for the same brand?" (Highlight your system for managing brand assets and guidelines.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working with CPG brands, and specifically food and beverage?" (Show genuine interest in the industry.)

• "How do you approach collaboration in a remote team environment?" (Emphasize proactivity, clear communication, and tool proficiency.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Loom Video: Practice your walkthrough to be concise, engaging, and clearly explain your design choices and process for a chosen packaging project. Ensure it flows logically from brief to final file.

• Visuals: Have high-quality mockups and final artwork ready for any additional projects you might need to present.

• Process Narrative: Be prepared to verbally articulate the "why" behind your design decisions, linking them to client objectives and production realities.

• Technical Details: Be ready to discuss specific printing methods, substrates, or finishing techniques if relevant to your examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating an understanding of the operational aspects of design for physical products, not just aesthetic principles. The Loom video is a key opportunity to showcase process and communication skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Workable platform, ensuring all fields are completed accurately.

• Craft a compelling Loom video (1-2 minutes): Introduce yourself, walk through one packaging project you are proud of, and clearly explain how you approached the design from brief to production-ready file. This is non-negotiable.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 4-6 strong examples of packaging and merchandise design across multiple brands or product categories. Ensure these clearly demonstrate your understanding of print production and dieline application.

• Optimize your resume: Highlight your experience with CPG packaging design, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and understanding of print specifications. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Research Hire Overseas: Understand their mission, client focus, and the types of brands they work with to tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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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