Packaging Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging Design Manager Company: Makro PRO Location: Bangkok, Thailand Job Type: Full-Time Category: Operations - Product & Packaging Development Date Posted: October 1, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the strategic development and execution of product packaging across diverse categories and international markets, ensuring seamless integration with brand identity and regulatory compliance.
• Drive creative excellence and operational efficiency in packaging design by managing internal design teams, external agencies, and print suppliers.
• Foster robust cross-functional collaboration with business, marketing, product development, regulatory, QA, and sustainability teams to deliver packaging that enhances market appeal and supports business objectives.
• Ensure all packaging solutions meet rigorous technical feasibility, production efficiency, and sustainability standards, while adhering to global regulations such as FDA and Halal certification.
• Lead innovation in packaging materials, formats, and sustainable practices through continuous trend research and creative ideation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Packaging Design Manager," the core responsibilities heavily involve operational oversight of the packaging lifecycle, including production feasibility, regulatory compliance, and supply chain coordination. This role sits at the intersection of creative design and operational execution, making it highly relevant for operations professionals with a product development or GTM focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end packaging development process, from initial concept ideation through to final production for all product categories and global markets.
• Strategically align packaging initiatives with overarching brand objectives, business goals, and stringent regulatory requirements, including FDA, Halal, and specific international market mandates.
• Effectively manage and mentor in-house design teams, external creative agencies, and print production suppliers to guarantee design excellence, consistent brand representation, and optimal production efficiency.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships and communication channels with key stakeholders across Business, Marketing, Product Development, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Sustainability departments to achieve unified creative and operational outcomes.
• Proactively prioritize and manage a dynamic portfolio of multiple packaging projects and campaigns, ensuring the timely delivery of all SKUs and promotional materials.
• Review and approve critical design elements, including dielines, final artwork, print proofs, and die-cut files, with a keen eye for color consistency, brand fidelity, and technical accuracy.
• Provide expert recommendations on material selection and print production techniques (e.g., offset, flexo, gravure, digital), balancing cost-effectiveness, quality standards, and technical feasibility for mass production.
• Oversee the accurate integration of translated content for export markets and ensure precise typesetting across all packaging components and product manuals.
• Maintain unwavering consistency and correctness of packaging symbols, icons, and mandatory regulatory markings across all product lines and regions.
• Develop, maintain, and evolve comprehensive packaging brand guidelines, encompassing typography, logo usage, color palettes, imagery standards, and overall visual identity.
• Drive packaging innovation by conducting thorough market trend research, fostering creative ideation sessions, and championing continuous improvement in packaging materials, formats, and sustainability initiatives.
• Ensure all packaging designs strictly comply with relevant food safety standards, import/export regulations, and labeling requirements for each target market.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory and QA teams to proactively manage potential risks and confirm that all packaging meets legal, technical, and quality standards across all operational markets.
• Stay abreast of evolving packaging regulations, emerging materials, advancements in print technology, and evolving industry best practices to maintain a competitive edge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for project management, cross-functional leadership, and an understanding of supply chain and manufacturing constraints, which are core to operations roles. The emphasis on regulatory compliance and international market requirements also points to a need for meticulous process adherence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of dedicated professional experience in packaging design.
• At least 2 years of experience in a formal leadership or management role, directly overseeing design teams or projects.
• Proven track record of managing packaging projects within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) or retail sectors, with a particular emphasis on food, beverage, or personal care product categories.

Required Skills:

• Packaging Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the entire packaging design lifecycle, from conceptualization to final production.
• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creating and manipulating design assets.
• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of FDA regulations, Halal certification processes, and international export/import packaging standards and labeling requirements.
• Production & Materials: Hands-on understanding of barrier packaging technologies, various material properties, prepress workflows, and diverse printing techniques (offset, flexo, gravure, digital).
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate internal design teams and manage external agency relationships.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across different departments and levels.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail with a highly developed eye for design aesthetics, layout precision, typography, and color accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Mockup/Rendering: Experience with 3D visualization tools such as Adobe Dimension, KeyShot, or specialized packaging software like Artios CAD.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Familiarity with and a passion for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials, processes, and design principles.
• Localization & Version Control: Experience managing packaging localization for international markets and utilizing artwork version control systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on regulatory knowledge (FDA, Halal, export/import) and production feasibility underscores the operational impact of this role. Proficiency in industry-standard design software is critical, but the ability to translate design concepts into manufacturable, compliant, and cost-effective packaging is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 distinct packaging design projects, ideally within the FMCG, food, beverage, or personal care sectors.
• Each project case study should clearly articulate the initial business challenge or objective, the design process followed, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Evidence of managing packaging for international markets, including examples of localization, regulatory compliance adaptations, and multi-language artwork.
• Demonstrations of technical understanding, such as dielines, print specifications, material considerations, and production challenges overcome.
• Inclusion of examples that highlight innovation, sustainability initiatives, or significant improvements in packaging functionality or appeal.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of packaging workflow processes, from brief to final print production.
• Examples illustrating how design processes integrate with regulatory review, QA checks, and supply chain coordination are highly valued.
• Showcase of experience in maintaining and evolving brand guidelines and ensuring design consistency across product lines and campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with a significant operational component like this, the portfolio is critical. It's not just about aesthetic design but about demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex projects from inception to successful production. Operations candidates should focus on highlighting process efficiency and impact in their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Packaging Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Bangkok, Thailand, the estimated annual salary range is THB 1,200,000 - THB 1,800,000 (approximately USD $33,000 - $49,500). This range accounts for the specialized nature of packaging design, leadership responsibilities, and the need for expertise in regulatory compliance and international markets.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays) in accordance with Thai labor law.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives linked to project success and company profitability.
• Opportunities for professional development, workshops, and training in packaging innovation, sustainability, and regulatory updates.
• Access to company-provided design software licenses and potentially an allowance for home office setup if hybrid arrangements are ever considered.
• Contribution to social security and provident fund as per Thai regulations.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be offered to manage project timelines and international team coordination, with occasional requirements for work outside of standard hours during critical production phases or global campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for similar roles in Bangkok and are subject to variation based on the specific company's compensation structure, the candidate's full experience, and negotiation. Benefits packages in Thailand can vary significantly by company size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the broader retail and consumer goods sector, likely specializing in private label brands or large-scale distribution, given the "Makro PRO" branding. This suggests a focus on product variety, volume, operational efficiency, and competitive pricing. Company Size: Makro PRO is a significant player, likely operating at a scale that requires robust supply chain management and standardized processes. The need for a dedicated Packaging Design Manager with international experience points to a substantial operational footprint. Founded: [Founding date not provided, but Makro PRO is associated with the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), a major conglomerate in Thailand, suggesting a long-standing and well-established business foundation.]

Team Structure:

• The Packaging Design Manager will likely lead a team of in-house graphic designers and potentially packaging specialists.
• This role requires close collaboration with functional departments such as Marketing, Product Development, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance (QA), Procurement, and Operations/Supply Chain.
• Reporting is expected to be to a senior role within Marketing, Product Development, or a broader GTM/Operations function, depending on the company's organizational structure.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions on packaging will be informed by market research, consumer insights, sales performance data, and competitor analysis.
• Process Optimization: Emphasis on refining workflows for packaging development, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to strict timelines and quality standards.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: A collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making, ensuring all stakeholder requirements are considered and met.
• Innovation & Sustainability: A commitment to exploring new materials, formats, and design approaches that enhance product appeal, functionality, and environmental responsibility.

Company Website: https://www.makro.pro/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Makro PRO's position as a large-scale retailer or distributor is key. Operations professionals will find that processes, efficiency, and compliance are paramount. The company's likely affiliation with a large conglomerate suggests a structured environment with established operational frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior management position within the product development and GTM operations spectrum. It requires a blend of creative oversight, technical knowledge, and strong managerial capabilities. The scope includes strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-functional influence. Reporting Structure: The Packaging Design Manager will typically report to a Director or VP level within Marketing, Product Management, or a dedicated Operations/Supply Chain function. They will manage a team of designers and work closely with peers in related departments. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on product appeal, shelf presence, brand perception, and ultimately, sales performance. It also significantly influences operational costs through material selection, production efficiency, and waste reduction. Ensuring regulatory compliance mitigates significant business risks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Management: Advancement to roles such as Head of Packaging Development, Director of Product Development, or GTM Operations Manager, with broader strategic responsibilities and larger team oversight.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in areas like sustainable packaging innovation, advanced materials science, or regulatory affairs within packaging.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into broader roles within Product Management, Marketing Operations, or Supply Chain Management, leveraging a deep understanding of product lifecycles and consumer goods operations.
• Leadership Development: Participation in leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to executive-level decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical link between creative vision and the operational realities of bringing products to market. Growth here isn't just about design; it's about scaling operational processes, managing complex stakeholder needs, and driving efficiency in a GTM context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Makro PRO likely operates with a modern office environment designed to facilitate collaboration and efficiency. It will be an on-site role, emphasizing in-person interaction for team management and cross-functional meetings. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Bangkok, Thailand. This implies a dynamic urban setting with access to a large talent pool and established business infrastructure. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with industry-standard design software and hardware.
• Collaborative spaces and meeting rooms will be available for team discussions, client presentations, and cross-departmental planning sessions.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with product development, marketing, and operations teams will be abundant, fostering a holistic understanding of business processes.
• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, driven by product launch cycles, promotional campaigns, and evolving market demands.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility often provided to accommodate project deadlines and international team coordination, particularly across different time zones.
• Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required during peak periods, such as major product launches, seasonal campaigns, or urgent regulatory updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role in a major city like Bangkok, candidates should expect a professional office setting focused on collaboration and operational execution. The pace will likely be demanding, requiring strong time management skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, leadership style, and technical expertise related to packaging design and operations.
3. Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects and explaining their role, process, and outcomes. A specific case study or problem-solving exercise related to packaging challenges (e.g., cost reduction, sustainability improvement, regulatory compliance) may be presented.
4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Marketing, Product Development, Regulatory, and Operations to evaluate collaboration skills and alignment with departmental needs.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director, VP) for final assessment of strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operations & Impact: Beyond aesthetics, highlight how your design choices solved operational challenges, improved efficiency, reduced costs, ensured compliance, or drove sales.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your approach (process), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Showcase Regulatory Expertise: Explicitly discuss how you navigated FDA, Halal, or other international regulations in your designs.
• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams and managed diverse stakeholder expectations.
• Demonstrate Innovation: Include examples of how you introduced new materials, sustainable practices, or creative formats.
• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss dielines, print specifications, material properties, and production methods.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions related to common packaging challenges: reducing material usage, improving shelf life, meeting new regulatory requirements, cost-cutting initiatives, or launching eco-friendly alternatives.
• Process Thinking: Be ready to outline your process for a typical packaging project, emphasizing checkpoints for regulatory approval, QA, and production feasibility.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you managed conflicting priorities or feedback from different departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both creative acumen and operational execution capabilities. A strong portfolio that demonstrates a deep understanding of the entire packaging lifecycle, from creative concept to production and compliance, is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory, specifically:
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, dielines, and final artwork creation.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, mockups, and texture creation.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout, text-heavy packaging, and creating brand guideline documents.
• 3D Mockup/Rendering Tools (Preferred):
  • Adobe Dimension: For creating realistic 3D product mockups.
  • KeyShot: For high-quality product rendering.
  • Artios CAD (or similar structural design software): For creating and visualizing dielines and carton structures.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analysis role, understanding how packaging performance is measured (e.g., sales lift, damage rates, consumer feedback) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic reporting tools might be useful for understanding project impact.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are typically used by packaging designers, but understanding how packaging design integrates with Product Information Management (PIM) systems or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for supply chain and inventory management would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement revolves around graphic design software. However, demonstrating familiarity with 3D rendering or structural design tools signals a more advanced understanding of the packaging development process, which is highly valued in operational contexts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Optimization: A strong drive to streamline processes, reduce waste, and maximize the efficiency of packaging development and production.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing market insights, performance data, and regulatory requirements to inform design choices and strategic direction.
• Quality & Compliance: An unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, ensuring all packaging meets regulatory mandates and brand integrity.
• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment of open communication and mutual respect, encouraging cross-functional teamwork to achieve shared objectives.
• Innovation & Sustainability: A forward-thinking approach, embracing new ideas, materials, and practices that enhance product appeal, functionality, and environmental responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Partnership: Actively engaging with Marketing, Product Development, Regulatory, QA, and Operations teams early and often in the design process.
• Feedback Integration: Open to constructive feedback and adept at integrating diverse perspectives into design solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise on design trends, material capabilities, and production techniques to support broader team understanding.
• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on finding practical, effective solutions to challenges rather than dwelling on problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company likely values a blend of creative excellence and rigorous operational discipline. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding that packaging is not just about aesthetics but about its functional, regulatory, and economic impact within the broader business operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: Meeting demanding brand expectations and creative goals while adhering to strict budgets, production timelines, and technical feasibility.
• Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring compliance with ever-evolving FDA, Halal, and international import/export regulations across multiple markets.
• Driving Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions that are cost-effective and meet performance requirements, often facing resistance to change.
• Managing Global Supply Chains: Coordinating packaging development and production across diverse geographical regions, potentially dealing with different suppliers, quality standards, and logistical complexities.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing expectations and conflicting priorities among various internal departments and external partners.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sustainable Packaging Certifications: Pursuing certifications or training in sustainable materials and circular economy principles.
• Advanced Regulatory Training: Deepening expertise in international packaging laws and compliance standards.
• Material Science Workshops: Staying updated on emerging packaging materials, coatings, and barrier technologies.
• Leadership & Management Courses: Enhancing skills in team leadership, project management, and strategic planning.
• Industry Conferences: Attending packaging industry expos and conferences to network and learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are deeply rooted in operational execution. Overcoming these challenges provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, particularly in areas requiring strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cross-functional influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a product from concept to final production-ready packaging, detailing key checkpoints for regulatory compliance and operational feasibility."
• "How do you balance creative innovation with cost-effectiveness and manufacturing limitations in your packaging designs?"
• "Walk us through a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from Marketing, Regulatory, and Production teams on a packaging project. How did you reach a resolution?"
• "How do you stay current with evolving packaging regulations (e.g., FDA, Halal) and material innovations, and how do you integrate this knowledge into your design process?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Makro PRO and our product categories? How do you see your role contributing to our brand's success?"
• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. What makes for effective collaboration in a product development environment?"
• "How do you approach leading a design team? What is your philosophy on mentorship and performance management?"
• "How do you measure the success of your packaging designs beyond visual appeal?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, use data to demonstrate success (e.g., "Reduced material cost by X%", "Increased shelf appeal leading to a Y% sales uplift," "Ensured compliance with Z regulation, avoiding potential fines").
• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative with a clear problem, your strategic approach, the actions taken, and the tangible results.
• Highlight Operational Integration: Explicitly mention how your design process considered production constraints, supply chain logistics, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals.
• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific materials, printing processes, dieline specifications, and color management.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Select projects where you faced significant challenges and demonstrate how you overcame them through creative and operational solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process through an operational lens, emphasizing efficiency, compliance, and measurable business impact. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to demonstrate this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused packaging design position:

• Submit your application through the Workable portal via the provided link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your experience in FMCG/retail packaging, regulatory compliance (FDA, Halal), international markets, and operational efficiency. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the challenge, your process, and measurable outcomes.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords related to packaging design, graphic design software, project management, regulatory compliance, material science, sustainability, and leadership. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, operational insights, and quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss your process and problem-solving approaches for typical industry challenges.
• Research Makro PRO: Understand their product offerings, market position, and any known sustainability initiatives. Consider how your expertise can specifically benefit their operations and brand.

⚠️ 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.

---