Packaging Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging Graphic Designer Company: Staples Inc. Location: Framingham, Massachusetts, United States Job Type: Full time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: February 18, 2026 Experience Level: 5+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation and execution of best-in-class packaging graphic design systems for consumables and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) categories, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.
• Translate complex brand strategies and architectures into clear, distinctive, and compelling packaging designs that resonate in both digital and physical retail environments.
• Manage the end-to-end packaging design lifecycle, from initial concept development through final production, maintaining rigorous standards for craft and accuracy.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with structural engineers, brand stewards, merchandising teams, product development, sourcing, and marketing to ensure seamless integration of design, structure, materials, and manufacturing requirements.
• Provide strategic creative direction and constructive feedback to external agencies and vendors, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and quality standards in all packaging rollouts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level individual contributor within Staples' marketing and creative operations functions, focusing specifically on packaging graphics. The emphasis on "private brand packaging," "brand architecture systems," and "driving brand strategy into packaging" indicates a strategic GTM component, requiring a designer who understands how packaging directly influences sales and brand perception in a retail setting. The mention of "digital and physical retail" suggests a need for understanding omnichannel presentation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and deliver comprehensive packaging systems for a diverse range of consumables and CPG products, considering various formats, price points, sizes, and Stock Keeping Units (SKUs).
• Develop packaging concepts that effectively communicate brand strategy and architecture, ensuring clarity, distinction, and consistency across all packaging executions for both online and in-store presence.
• Take ownership of the packaging design process from conceptualization to final production, upholding exceptional standards for creative craft, technical accuracy, and overall execution quality.
• Collaborate closely with structural engineers, brand managers, merchandising, product development, sourcing specialists, and marketing teams to ensure design solutions are integrated seamlessly with structural integrity, material choices, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Articulate clear creative direction and provide actionable feedback to external design agencies and manufacturing vendors, ensuring the quality and consistency of all packaging implementations.
• Apply expert production judgment to all packaging projects, covering dielines, color management, material selection, print methods, and vendor handoff protocols.
• Contribute to the ongoing development, documentation, and governance of private brand packaging systems, ensuring long-term brand integrity and operational efficiency.
• Create supplementary visual assets and system guidelines, such as hero imagery templates and product presentation standards, to guarantee a cohesive brand expression across all consumer touchpoints.
• Mentor junior designers on best practices in design craft, file setup, production processes, and system-level thinking for packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate both strategically (translating brand strategy, evolving systems) and tactically (production judgment, vendor handoffs). The mentorship aspect suggests a potential for leadership growth within the team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Packaging Design, Industrial Design, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 5+ years of dedicated experience as a packaging graphic designer, with a strong preference for a corporate or in-house creative team environment within a retail or CPG setting.
• Proven experience in designing for high-volume, national retail environments.
• Practical experience supporting large SKU portfolios and modular packaging systems.
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials and design considerations.

Required Skills:

• A strong portfolio demonstrating impeccable taste, superior design skills, disciplined craft, and production-ready packaging work, with a specific focus on consumables and CPG categories.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Figma.
• Deep understanding of print production processes, packaging specifications, and manufacturing constraints.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with structural engineers on packaging design and functionality.
• Experience working within established brand architecture systems and contributing to private brand packaging initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clear creative direction and manage external agencies to ensure high-quality execution across packaging projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail, with a strong sense of visual hierarchy, typography, and an understanding of shelf impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of generative AI tools within a professional design workflow for concept exploration or asset generation.
• Experience creating or directing 3D packaging renderings and mockups for visualization and review.
• Experience supporting or co-leading consumer testing for packaging and effectively applying learnings to design iterations.
• Experience working on or supporting private brand portfolios within a retail or CPG environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio showcasing "production-ready work" and "disciplined craft" underscores the operational aspect of this design role. The inclusion of Figma and generative AI tools points to a modern design workflow expectation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of experience, with a distinct focus on packaging design for consumables and CPG products.
• Evidence of translating brand strategy and architecture into effective packaging solutions that drive differentiation and consumer engagement in both digital and physical retail.
• Detailed case studies demonstrating ownership of the design process from early concept through final production, highlighting problem-solving and execution excellence.
• Examples of collaboration with structural engineers and cross-functional teams, illustrating the ability to integrate design with manufacturing and material requirements.
• Demonstrations of production-ready files, showing expertise in dielines, color management, print specifications, and vendor handoff protocols.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should ideally outline the design process, including stages of concept development, iterative refinement based on feedback (from structural engineers, marketing, etc.), and final production readiness.
• Where applicable, portfolio pieces should reflect an understanding of brand system governance and how individual packaging designs contribute to the overall brand architecture.
• Include examples that showcase the ability to develop supporting visual assets and templates that ensure cohesive brand expression across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the "portfolio" is the primary demonstration of operational capability. The expectation is not just aesthetic appeal but functional, production-ready design that adheres to brand systems and manufacturing realities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this Packaging Graphic Designer position in Framingham, MA, is estimated to be between $75,000 and $105,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior graphic designers specializing in packaging within the retail sector in the Massachusetts region, considering the specified 5+ years of experience. Factors such as candidate experience, specific skill sets, and final negotiation will influence the exact compensation.

Benefits:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, offering 22 days annually to support work-life balance.
• A structured Holiday Schedule with 7 observed paid holidays.
• Access to Online and Retail Discounts, providing cost savings on Staples products and services.
• Company Match 401(k) program to support long-term financial planning and retirement savings.
• Comprehensive Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs designed to support associate well-being.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site position. Standard working hours are expected to be approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with typical business operations. While the role is on-site, the company offers flexible PTO which can be utilized for personal appointments or extended leave, subject to team coordination and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the provided experience level, location (Framingham, MA), and job title. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the job description. The "on-site" status is confirmed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Office Supplies & Business Solutions) Company Size: Large enterprise, with a significant number of employees, indicated by the comprehensive benefits and structured interview process. Staples operates globally with a substantial workforce. Founded: Staples was founded in 1986, bringing decades of experience and established market presence in the office supply and business solutions sector.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Marketing team, specifically contributing to the creative operations and brand representation functions.
• This team likely comprises specialists in various areas such as graphic design, content creation, performance marketing, internal communications, and loyalty programs, requiring close collaboration between different skill sets.
• The reporting structure would likely involve a Creative Director or a Marketing Manager overseeing brand execution and design initiatives.

Methodology:

• The marketing team utilizes customer data and analytics to understand and enhance customer experiences, focusing on driving retention and loyalty.
• Design processes are expected to be data-informed where possible, but with a strong emphasis on creative excellence, brand strategy translation, and production rigor.
• Collaboration is key, with a focus on translating brand strategy into tangible assets that support both digital and physical retail objectives.

Company Website: https://www.staples.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Staples' position as a large, established retailer is crucial. The marketing team's focus on data for customer experience, retention, and loyalty suggests that design output is evaluated not just on aesthetics but on its contribution to these business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is for a Senior Packaging Graphic Designer. It implies a level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The role requires a deep understanding of packaging as a strategic business tool, not just an aesthetic one.

Reporting Structure: The Packaging Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Senior Marketing Manager, or a Head of Brand Design. They will collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including merchandising, product development, sourcing, and marketing.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the perceived value and marketability of Staples' private brand products. Effective packaging design influences shelf appeal, brand recognition, consumer purchasing decisions, and ultimately, sales and customer loyalty. By ensuring consistency and translating brand strategy, this role supports the overall Go-To-Market (GTM) success of various product lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in CPG and consumables packaging design, potentially leading to a specialist role or becoming a subject matter expert within the organization.
• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Packaging Designer or Art Director role, managing larger projects, external agencies, and mentoring junior staff more formally.
• Broader Creative Strategy: Expand responsibilities to encompass broader brand design initiatives beyond packaging, contributing to the overall visual identity and GTM strategy.
• Process Improvement: Contribute to the refinement and documentation of packaging design workflows, systems, and best practices within Staples' creative operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is tailored to highlight how a design role functions within a broader GTM and operational framework, emphasizing its contribution to business objectives like sales and loyalty.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at Staples' Framingham, MA location. The environment is likely a corporate office setting designed for collaboration among marketing and creative teams.

Office Location(s): Framingham, Massachusetts, United States. This location serves as a key hub for Staples' operations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative environment where designers interact with marketers, product developers, and other creative professionals.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including advanced Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and potentially AI tools, will be provided.
• Opportunities for team discussions, brainstorming sessions, and feedback loops are integral to the design process within this setting.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, on-site position. Standard business hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week. While the core hours are fixed, the company's flexible PTO policy allows for some personal flexibility, provided operational needs and project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasizing the on-site nature and the collaborative aspects of the workspace is key for operational context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A brief phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on relevant packaging design examples for consumables and CPG. Expect questions about their design process, problem-solving, and how they translate brand strategy.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Creative Director or Marketing Manager) covering design philosophy, experience with production, collaboration skills, and understanding of Staples' brand.
• Cross-functional Interview(s): Meetings with key stakeholders from merchandising, product development, or structural engineering to assess collaboration capabilities and understanding of their respective needs.
• Skills Assessment (Potentially): A small design exercise or a more in-depth discussion on technical skills related to Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or AI tools might be included.
• Final Interview: May involve a senior leader or a panel to confirm overall fit and suitability for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest packaging design projects, prioritizing those for consumables and CPG. Ensure they demonstrate your ability to translate brand strategy into compelling visual solutions.
• Showcase Process: For each project, walk through your design thinking: the brief, initial concepts, how you iterated based on feedback (especially from cross-functional partners like structural engineers), production considerations, and the final outcome.
• Highlight Production Expertise: Be ready to discuss specific print methods, materials, dielines, color challenges, and how you ensured files were production-ready. Mention any experience with generative AI in your workflow.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or insights on how your packaging design contributed to sales, brand recognition, or consumer feedback.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be prepared to speak about how you worked with structural engineers, marketing teams, and vendors, and how you navigated feedback.
• Figma & AI: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Figma and any experience using generative AI tools in your design process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing packaging for a new Staples private brand product line, considering brand architecture, target audience, and retail environment.
• Anticipate questions about managing tight deadlines, balancing creative vision with production constraints, and resolving design conflicts with other departments.
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your choices support business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a design role, emphasizing the portfolio as a key component and preparing candidates for specific types of questions and potential exercises.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and manipulating design assets, dielines, and final production files.
• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially creating design systems or templates.
• Generative AI Tools: Working knowledge expected for concept exploration, asset generation, or workflow enhancement within a professional design context.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., shelf appeal, conversion rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with how design is integrated into marketing analytics dashboards is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how packaging designs are managed and deployed within broader product and marketing systems is helpful.

3D Rendering & Mockup Software:

• Experience creating or directing 3D packaging renderings and mockups for visualization, client presentations, and consumer testing. Tools like Keyshot, Cinema 4D, or similar may be used.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the specific software and tools relevant to a packaging graphic designer, including emerging technologies like generative AI.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful design that elevates the Staples brand.
• Brand Stewardship: Dedication to maintaining brand consistency, clarity, and integrity across all packaging touchpoints, especially within private brand portfolios.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork and open communication with cross-functional departments (merchandising, product development, marketing) and external partners (agencies, vendors).
• Production Rigor: A strong emphasis on accuracy, technical execution, and understanding manufacturing constraints to ensure designs are feasible and cost-effective.
• Customer-Centricity: Designing with the end consumer in mind, ensuring packaging effectively communicates value and meets their needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in team meetings and design reviews involving members from various departments to ensure holistic product development.
• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive critique to drive design improvements and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Process-Oriented: Working within established workflows for design requests, approvals, and production handoffs, while also being open to optimizing these processes.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share expertise, best practices, and provide guidance to junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the company's implied values and collaboration style through the lens of a creative operations role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Vision with Production Realities: Translating innovative creative concepts into packaging that is manufacturable, cost-effective, and compliant with all regulations.
• Managing Diverse SKU Portfolios: Ensuring design consistency and brand integrity across a large number of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) for private brand products.
• Navigating Cross-Functional Input: Effectively incorporating feedback from various stakeholders (marketing, merchandising, product development, legal) while maintaining design integrity and brand vision.
• Keeping Pace with Evolving Trends: Staying current with packaging design trends, material innovations (especially sustainable options), and digital presentation requirements for e-commerce.
• Integrating New Technologies: Effectively incorporating generative AI tools into the design workflow while maintaining quality and ethical considerations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses focused on advanced packaging design techniques, materials science, or CPG branding.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry trade shows or conferences related to packaging design and retail innovation.
• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers and marketing leaders within Staples, gaining insights into broader business strategy and creative operations.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining a deeper understanding of product development, merchandising, and supply chain processes through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in a senior design role within a large retail organization and frames them as growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a brand strategy into a packaging design system for a new product line. How do you ensure consistency across multiple SKUs?" (Focus on your systematic approach, brand architecture understanding, and iterative design process).
• "Walk us through a challenging packaging design project where you had to collaborate with structural engineers or overcome production constraints. What was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, collaboration, and production expertise).
• "How do you balance creative innovation with the practical requirements of retail packaging, such as cost, materials, and manufacturing?" (Emphasize your understanding of the business and operational aspects of design).
• "How do you approach using generative AI tools in your design workflow? Can you provide an example?" (Be prepared to discuss practical applications and your point of view on AI in design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Staples' private brand packaging and how do you see your role contributing to its success?" (Show you've researched their brands and understand the impact of your work).
• "How would you integrate feedback from our merchandising and product development teams into your design process?" (Demonstrate your collaborative approach and ability to work with diverse stakeholders).
• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a design decision. How did you present your rationale?" (Focus on clear communication, data-driven arguments, and understanding stakeholder perspectives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, start with the brief/challenge, your strategic approach, key design decisions and rationale, collaborative efforts, production considerations, and the final outcome/impact.
• Highlight Production Craft: Be ready to zoom in on technical aspects – dielines, color separations, print methods, material choices, and how you ensured file accuracy.
• Showcase System Thinking: If possible, present projects that demonstrate your ability to create or work within a packaging system, not just isolated designs.
• Engage Your Audience: Speak clearly, make eye contact (even virtually), and be enthusiastic. Be prepared for Q&A throughout or at the end.
• Tech Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any 3D rendering or AI tools you've used.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are specifically geared towards a packaging graphic designer role, focusing on strategic thinking, technical skills, and collaboration within a corporate retail environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Packaging Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience with consumables, CPG, private brand packaging, and your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of relevant experience, focusing on achievements and responsibilities related to the core duties and qualifications listed. Use keywords like "packaging design," "CPG," "brand strategy," "production," and "Adobe Creative Suite."
• Interview Readiness: Prepare to discuss your design process, your approach to collaboration with cross-functional teams (especially structural engineers), and your understanding of print production. Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on strategic thinking and execution.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Staples' private brand offerings and marketing initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and an understanding of their business context.

⚠️ 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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