Junior Graphic Designer - Packaging Team

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer - Packaging Team

Company: Goliath

Location: Guildford, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: GTM Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-30

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the end-to-end packaging design lifecycle, from initial concept to final production, ensuring brand consistency and market appeal.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Product Design, Engineering, and Intellectual Property (PI) to align packaging with product strategy and regulatory requirements.

• Manage external vendor relationships, including artworkers, illustrators, and photographers, to produce high-quality packaging assets.

• Contribute to cost optimization and value engineering initiatives within packaging design to maintain profitability and competitiveness.

• Develop and maintain project documentation, including briefs, specifications, and production schedules, to ensure efficient workflow and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative execution with operational efficiency, focusing on the tangible aspects of product presentation. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it is crucial for Go-To-Market (GTM) operations by ensuring product packaging effectively communicates brand value and meets production deadlines. The candidate will need to manage multiple stakeholders and projects, a core function within operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in brainstorming sessions and conduct competitor analysis to inform initial packaging concepts and designs.

• Interpret and translate briefs from global product design and marketing departments into actionable design requirements.

• Develop written briefs for external suppliers regarding artwork, illustrations, and photography needs for packaging.

• Participate in photo shoots to ensure visual assets align with packaging design objectives.

• Monitor industry trends, competitor packaging, and fashion styles to maintain a contemporary and appealing aesthetic.

• Consult with the Intellectual Property (PI) team to ensure packaging complies with all safety and legal requirements.

• Liaise with product designers and engineers to address features, functionality, costs, and manufacturing constraints related to packaging.

• Maintain meticulously organized project files and relevant project details, ensuring proper archiving post-completion.

• Attend all project-related meetings, contributing insights and tracking action items.

• Draft pack specification documents under the guidance of the line manager.

• Analyze quotes for outsourced work with the line manager, identifying value engineering solutions and competitive cost opportunities.

• Foster strong professional relationships with colleagues, external suppliers, and licensors.

• Support the approval process for proofs, layouts, and final print runs, ensuring quality control.

• Coordinate and analyze information flow between global offices to ensure consistent packaging strategy.

• Attend off-site meetings and occasional international travel as required, accompanied by senior team members.

• Develop personal time management skills to plan and execute projects effectively with line manager direction.

• Monitor project schedules and timelines through to production, adhering to deadlines with line manager guidance.

• Cultivate budget management skills, understanding costs and risks associated with packaging projects.

• Create pack mock-ups for previews, sample selections, and client listings as needed.

• Proactively communicate project status and decisions to the line manager before undertaking tasks.

• Consistently propose solutions and strategic direction for assigned project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design and project management discipline. The role requires proactive communication and problem-solving, essential for any operations-focused position. The need to analyze quotes and contribute to value engineering highlights an operational mindset focused on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a focus on packaging. Internship or co-op experience in the toy or consumer goods industry is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Strong understanding of graphic design layout, art direction, and visual communication principles.

• Knowledge of print production techniques and processes critical for packaging.

• Ability to interpret and execute design briefs accurately.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

• Proven teamwork and collaboration capabilities.

• Aptitude for creative problem-solving and initiative.

• Good eye for aesthetics, color, and visual appeal relevant to the toy market.

• Ability to listen, understand diverse perspectives, and accept constructive criticism.

• Self-motivated, organized, with nascent project management skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with 3D rendering software for packaging mock-ups.

• Understanding of packaging structural design and its impact on functionality and cost.

• Awareness of current trends in the toy and youth market.

• Experience with international collaboration and cross-cultural communication.

• Basic understanding of budget management and schedule adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level, coupled with the emphasis on learning and development (e.g., "learn to plan your own time," "develop budget management skills"), indicates this is an entry-level role. The requirement for understanding production techniques and the ability to interpret briefs are crucial for operational success in a creative context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 packaging design projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of design principles, brand application, and production considerations.

• Include examples of concept development, including mood boards, sketches, or initial digital concepts.

• Present final packaging artwork, highlighting attention to detail in typography, color, and layout.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how packaging structural elements integrate with graphic design.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, from receiving a brief to delivering final assets.

• Demonstrate how you manage project timelines and communicate progress to stakeholders.

• Show an understanding of how to interpret and act upon feedback from cross-functional teams and production partners.

• Be ready to explain your approach to ensuring legal and safety compliance in your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio should emphasize potential and understanding of process, rather than solely completed, complex projects. The ability to articulate their workflow and how they handle feedback is key to assessing their potential fit within operational workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £22,000 - £28,000 per annum (estimated).

• Methodology: This estimate is based on Junior Graphic Designer roles in Guildford, UK, with 0-2 years of experience, considering the company's industry (toys/games) and the hybrid work arrangement. Average salaries for similar roles in the region range from £20,000 to £30,000. The provided range reflects the entry-level nature of the position and the specific responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility between office and remote work.

• Opportunity to contribute to a globally recognized toy and game manufacturer.

• Exposure to international markets and diverse product lines.

• Professional development opportunities within the design and operations teams.

• Potential for international travel for business meetings and photo shoots.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Company-sponsored training and skill development initiatives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on regional benchmarks for junior roles in creative/operations fields. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for hybrid roles in established companies and the specific opportunities mentioned in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy and Game Manufacturing & Distribution. Goliath operates in a dynamic, innovation-driven sector focused on bringing fun and engagement to households worldwide. This industry requires agility, creativity, and a keen understanding of consumer trends.

Company Size: Goliath operates internationally, with a significant presence across 15 countries and reaching over 100 globally. This suggests a medium-to-large enterprise with established processes and a global operational footprint.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but its international reach implies a history of growth and successful market penetration. This longevity suggests stability and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Packaging Team, reporting to a direct line manager.

• Close collaboration is expected with Marketing, Product Design, Engineering, and Intellectual Property (PI) teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the role requires analysis of competitor packs, trends, and market data to inform design decisions.

• Collaborative Workflow: Emphasis on teamwork and consultation with various departments and external partners to ensure alignment and problem-solving.

• Process Optimization: Focus on value engineering, cost control, and efficient project management to streamline the packaging lifecycle.

Company Website: www.goliathgames.com/corporate

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description highlights a global, innovative, and collaborative approach. For a junior role, this suggests an environment where learning and exposure to diverse operations and business functions are plentiful. The emphasis on "fun" and "magic of innovation" hints at a culture that values creativity and employee engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level (Junior). This role is designed for individuals at the beginning of their career, providing foundational experience in packaging design, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration within a GTM operational context.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer reports directly to a Packaging Team line manager. This provides a clear reporting line and mentorship structure, essential for early-career development. Regular interaction with other departments is expected, offering exposure to broader organizational functions.

Operations Impact: The packaging is a critical touchpoint for consumers and directly impacts brand perception, product sales, and market competitiveness. By ensuring effective, compliant, and cost-efficient packaging, this role contributes significantly to the GTM strategy's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced proficiency in graphic design software and specialized packaging design techniques.

• Project Management Progression: Gain experience in managing larger, more complex packaging projects, potentially leading to a Packaging Project Manager role.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen understanding of product development, marketing strategy, and manufacturing processes, opening avenues into broader GTM or operations roles.

• International Exposure: Opportunities for international travel and collaboration can broaden perspective and global market understanding.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced designers and operations professionals, fostering a strong foundation for long-term career growth within Goliath or the wider industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is clear: from junior execution to more independent project management and potentially specialized design roles or broader operational responsibilities within the GTM function. The international scope offers unique growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role balances in-office collaboration and access to resources with the flexibility of remote work. The Guildford office serves as the primary hub for team interaction and project collaboration.

Office Location(s): Guildford, England, United Kingdom. This location provides access to a vibrant business community and potentially good transport links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming sessions, and direct interaction with marketing, product, and engineering teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary graphic design software and potentially physical resources for mock-ups and prototyping.

• Team Interaction: Regular in-person meetings and discussions with the packaging team and other departments are integral to the hybrid model, fostering strong working relationships.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week), with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a mix of office-based and remote work days. This schedule supports focused design work and collaborative team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring individuals to be self-disciplined and communicative to maintain productivity and team cohesion across different work locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, design skills, and understanding of packaging principles.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager to discuss experience, design philosophy, understanding of the toy market, and initial project management capabilities. Expect questions about your design process and how you handle feedback.

• Portfolio Presentation/Design Challenge: A potential second stage could involve presenting key portfolio pieces and discussing your approach to specific design scenarios or a small, timed design challenge related to packaging. This assesses creative problem-solving and application of design software.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with other team members from Marketing, Product, or Engineering to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to work within a cross-functional team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest packaging design projects. Prioritize those that show a clear understanding of brand, target audience, and production needs.

• Tell a Story: For each project, be prepared to articulate the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Highlight your role and contributions.

• Showcase Process: Include initial concepts, sketches, or mood boards to demonstrate your creative journey. This shows how you move from idea to execution.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure examples showcase your proficiency with design software and an understanding of print requirements.

• Tailor to Goliath: If possible, show awareness of the toy/game market. Consider how your designs would appeal to the target demographic for Goliath's products.

Challenge Preparation:

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

• Focus on Process: Even for a timed challenge, demonstrate your thought process. Sketching or jotting down ideas before diving into software can be beneficial.

• Brand Consistency: If a brand is provided, ensure your design aligns with its existing identity and tone.

• Practicality: For packaging, consider how the design translates to the physical product and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review will heavily focus on practical design skills, understanding of the production pipeline, and the ability to integrate into a collaborative, operations-oriented team. Demonstrating an understanding of how design impacts cost and production is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design work. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, layout), Adobe Photoshop (for image editing, mock-ups), and Adobe InDesign (for layout and pre-press) is critical.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For communication, documentation, and data analysis (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Excel will be particularly useful for analyzing quotes and tracking project details.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM/automation tools are specified, but familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for tracking tasks and deadlines would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on core design software. Familiarity with project management tools is a plus, indicating an appreciation for organized workflows and operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A core value at Goliath, encouraging new ideas and creative solutions in product and packaging design.

• Teamwork: Strong emphasis on collaboration across departments and with global partners to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency: A focus on cost control, value engineering, and timely project delivery, reflecting an operational mindset.

• Quality: Commitment to high standards in design execution, production, and legal compliance.

• Fun & Engagement: Reflecting the toy industry, there's an underlying value of bringing joy and engagement through products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with Marketing, Product, Engineering, and PI teams are crucial for aligning design with business objectives.

• Supplier Partnership: Developing and maintaining good relationships with external suppliers and licensors to ensure smooth execution and quality output.

• Global Communication: The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with colleagues in different regions and time zones.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment that encourages constructive criticism and iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values creativity within a structured, goal-oriented framework. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, collaborative, and possess a strong work ethic, appreciating the blend of creative output and operational rigor.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Juggling creative vision with budget limitations, production feasibility, and legal requirements.

• Global Coordination: Effectively communicating and collaborating with international teams who may have different perspectives or priorities.

• Keeping Pace with Trends: Continuously staying updated on evolving consumer trends, design aesthetics, and production technologies in the fast-paced toy market.

• Time Management: Efficiently managing multiple projects with competing deadlines under the guidance of a line manager.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced packaging designers and operations professionals.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the toy and game industry, including market dynamics and consumer behavior.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Developing advanced skills in graphic design software and learning about new production techniques.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Building foundational skills in planning, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder management.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Learning how packaging design integrates with broader product development, marketing, and sales strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for junior roles in creative operations but offer clear pathways for learning and development, aligning with the company's stated mission of innovation and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process from concept to final artwork for a piece of packaging." (Focus on workflow, tools, and collaboration points).

• "How would you approach designing packaging for a new children's toy, considering safety, appeal, and cost?" (Assess understanding of target audience, constraints, and problem-solving).

• "Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism on your design work and how you responded." (Evaluate receptiveness to feedback and adaptability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Goliath and the toy industry specifically?" (Gauge genuine interest and alignment with company mission).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a hybrid team environment?" (Assess understanding of collaborative remote/in-office work).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Narrative: For each project, deliver a clear, brief story that highlights the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing and easy to follow. Use high-resolution images and clear typography.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process, sketches, and how you overcame challenges, not just the final polished artwork.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your design choices influenced sales or production efficiency, include it. Even anecdotal evidence of positive reception is valuable.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions and discuss your work enthusiastically.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles, a proactive approach to learning, and the ability to integrate into operational workflows. Highlighting how one handles feedback and adheres to project parameters is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight packaging design projects, especially those relevant to consumer goods or the toy/game market. If you have experience with competitor analysis or cost-conscious design, ensure these examples are prominent.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your graphic design skills, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), and any experience with project coordination, brief interpretation, or production processes. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted in the design of X packaging projects").

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of the challenges in packaging production. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Goliath's product range and brand identity. Understand their global presence and commitment to innovation. Consider how your design aesthetic aligns with their offerings.

⚠️ 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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