Senior Graphic Designer, Visual Merchandising & Packaging Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer, Visual Merchandising & Packaging Design

Company: Bubble Skincare

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Retail

Date Posted: January 21, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and development of innovative, brand-elevating packaging and in-store visual merchandising experiences for a rapidly scaling mass skincare brand.

• Blend hands-on creative execution with cross-functional collaboration to bring new product launches, campaigns, and seasonal initiatives to life across major US and global retailers.

• Translate brand strategy and creative concepts into retail-ready designs that align with retailer guidelines and enhance shopper engagement.

• Drive the visual storytelling and brand consistency across diverse retail environments, from endcaps and displays to packaging SKUs and PR boxes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a need for a strong portfolio and proven experience in the specified areas, with a focus on both creative execution and strategic implementation within the retail and CPG/beauty sectors. The emphasis on "mass skincare" and "scaling across retail" suggests a fast-paced, high-volume environment requiring efficiency and brand consistency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Retail Visual Merchandising Design:

  • Design and execute 2D graphics for in-store environments, including endcaps, shelf trays, signage, seasonal displays, PDQs, and bespoke retail fixtures.
  • Translate brand strategy, campaigns, and product launches into retail-ready designs aligned with specific retailer guidelines.
  • Partner closely with the 3D VM team to ensure seamless integration of graphics with physical fixtures and store environments.
  • Support the development and maintenance of global VM design systems and comprehensive guidelines.
  • Create detailed planograms, mockups, and compelling presentations for internal teams and retail partners to gain buy-in.
  • Collaborate with sales and VM leadership to pitch concepts and refine designs based on feedback and strategic objectives.
  • Prepare, organize, and release final production-ready files to regional partners, ensuring accuracy and adherence to specifications.
  • Review prototypes, printed samples, and guide projects through the final production stages to ensure quality.
  • Continuously research and apply current retail, beauty, and fashion trends to elevate in-store storytelling and shopper engagement.

• Packaging Design:

  • Design eye-catching, functional, and brand-aligned packaging for new products, limited-edition PR boxes, collaborations, and updates to existing product lines.

  • Collaborate effectively with Creative, Design, and Industrial Design teams on packaging systems, explorations, and structural considerations.

  • Prepare production-ready mechanical files, including precise dielines, material specifications, and color requirements.

  • Oversee and ensure color accuracy and print quality across diverse substrates and formats, maintaining brand integrity.

  • Maintain consistency and scalability across a wide range of packaging SKUs while ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are clearly delineated into two core areas: Retail Visual Merchandising and Packaging Design. This structure highlights the dual nature of the role, requiring expertise in both large-format print/environmental graphics and product packaging. The emphasis on retailer guidelines, production files, and print quality indicates a need for strong technical design skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5+ years of professional experience specifically in visual merchandising, retail design, and packaging/print design.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating successful retail displays, large-format print production, and impactful packaging design.

• Deep understanding of retail environments, fixture integration principles, and effective graphic storytelling through visual merchandising.

• Proven experience working with retailer specifications, planograms, dielines, and preparing production-ready files.

• High taste level, exceptional attention to detail, and strong typographic skills.

• Excellent project management and time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Comfort working independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced, high-volume, hybrid (in-office and remote) work environment.

• Strong communication skills, with a proactive approach to feedback and cross-functional collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D design software such as SketchUp or Rhino.

• Experience designing for major mass or specialty beauty retailers (e.g., Sephora, Ulta, Target, Walmart).

• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a passion for driving brand innovation and pushing creative boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years of experience" combined with the specific skill requirements points to a mid-to-senior level designer who can operate with autonomy and contribute strategically. The preference for beauty/CPG and specific retailer experience is a strong indicator of the company's focus and the type of candidate they are seeking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a minimum of 5 years of relevant design work.

• Must include detailed case studies or examples of retail display designs, including endcaps, signage, and fixture graphics, demonstrating an understanding of spatial design and shopper engagement.

• A significant section dedicated to packaging design for beauty or CPG products, illustrating a range of SKUs, materials, and print finishes.

• Examples of production-ready mechanical files, dielines, and print specifications to demonstrate technical proficiency.

• Visuals of completed projects in a retail environment or mockups that clearly articulate the design intent and final execution.

Process Documentation:

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept development and mood boarding to final file preparation and vendor collaboration.

• Ability to articulate how they manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet demanding deadlines in a high-volume setting.

• Showcase understanding of color management, print production workflows, and quality control measures for both large-format and packaging print.

• Demonstrate experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., 3D VM, Product Development, Sales, Marketing) and incorporating feedback into design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, especially one involving retail and packaging, a robust portfolio is critical. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also technical expertise, understanding of production realities, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a structured workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package (specifics not detailed but typically include health, dental, vision insurance).

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Hybrid work arrangement requiring 4 days in the New York office, with one remote day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, indicating a competitive offering for a senior-level role in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City. The hybrid model is clearly defined, specifying the in-office commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Skincare / Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) / Beauty Retail. Bubble is positioned as a "mass skincare" brand focused on being "clinically credible, community-driven, and culturally relevant."

Company Size: Bubble is a scaling brand, indicating a dynamic and growing environment. While the exact size isn't specified, the need for a Senior Graphic Designer suggests a well-established creative department.

Founded: Bubble was founded in 2020.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Executive Creative Director and Senior Director of Visual Merchandising, indicating a hierarchical structure within the Creative department.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a blend of creativity and commercial acumen, aiming to bring "clarity, creativity, and consistency" to brand execution.

• The focus on "community-driven" and "culturally relevant" suggests an approach that values consumer insights and market trends.

• The role requires translating brand strategy into tangible retail and packaging executions, implying a process that bridges strategic marketing goals with creative design deliverables.

Company Website: hellobubble.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Bubble presents itself as a modern, agile brand in the competitive skincare market. The culture appears to value innovation, community, and impactful execution, especially in how the brand presents itself at retail. The "scaling" nature implies opportunities for growth and influence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior Graphic Designer," signifying a level of expertise and responsibility beyond junior or mid-level positions. It implies the ability to lead projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to visual merchandising and packaging initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Executive Creative Director and Senior Director of Visual Merchandising, indicating clear lines of authority and mentorship. This structure provides exposure to senior leadership within the creative and VM functions.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the brand's physical presence in retail environments and the tangible product experience through packaging. Success in this role contributes significantly to brand perception, shopper engagement, sales conversion, and overall market penetration for Bubble Skincare.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in visual merchandising principles, large-format retail graphics, and diverse packaging production techniques within the beauty sector. Potential to gain experience with advanced 3D design software if proficient.

• Leadership Potential: With proven success and demonstrated leadership qualities, there's potential for growth into a Lead Designer or Art Director role within the Creative team, overseeing specific projects or categories.

• Brand Shaping: The opportunity to significantly influence how a rapidly growing brand like Bubble is perceived and experienced at mass retail and through its product packaging.

• Industry Exposure: Working with major US and global retailers provides valuable experience and network building within the CPG and beauty industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests this is a key individual contributor role with potential for future leadership. The growth opportunities are tied to expanding technical skills, strategic impact, and potentially moving into more senior creative leadership positions within Bubble as the company continues to scale.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Bubble operates with an "in-office" requirement for 4 days a week, indicating a preference for a collaborative, on-site work environment balanced with one remote day. This suggests a company that values in-person interaction for brainstorming, team cohesion, and project development.

Office Location(s): The role is based in New York, NY (NYHQ), implying a central and accessible office location within a major metropolitan hub, likely facilitating interactions with retail partners and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model fosters a blend of focused individual work (remote day) and collaborative team engagement (in-office days).

• Expect a fast-paced, high-volume creative environment where designers work closely with various departments.

Work Schedule:

• The typical 40-hour work week is standard.

• The hybrid schedule offers some flexibility, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, which can be beneficial for deep work and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a strong emphasis on in-office presence suggests a culture that values face-to-face collaboration and team synergy, common in creative industries where spontaneous ideation and direct feedback are crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the hiring manager (Executive Creative Director and/or Senior Director of Visual Merchandising), focusing on relevant retail and packaging projects. Be prepared to discuss your design process, challenges, and solutions.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A potential hands-on design exercise or case study related to visual merchandising or packaging design, assessing problem-solving skills, creativity, and technical execution under time constraints.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from teams like 3D VM, Product Development, or Marketing to evaluate collaboration style and communication skills.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects, prioritizing visual merchandising and packaging design specifically for beauty or CPG.

• Showcase Process: For each project, detail your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (from concept to execution), and the outcome/impact. Use mood boards, sketches, mockups, and final production examples.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, dielines, color specifications, and understanding of print production for various substrates.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs performed (e.g., increased shopper engagement, successful product launch, retailer approvals).

• Tailor to Bubble: Research Bubble's brand aesthetic, target audience, and current retail presence. Be ready to articulate how your design philosophy aligns with their brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Retail Fixture Graphics: Practice designing graphics for common retail fixtures (endcaps, shelves, PDQs) considering brand hierarchy, legibility, and retailer guidelines.

• Packaging Mechanicals: Familiarize yourself with creating accurate mechanical files, including dielines, bleeds, and color callouts for various packaging types.

• Brand Adaptation: Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt a given campaign or product message for different retail environments and packaging formats.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the retail environment, production processes, and brand strategy will be critical. Expect to articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills extensively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, dielines, and detailed illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout, multi-page documents, planograms, and preparing production files for print.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, creating mockups, and visual compositing.

• 3D Design Software (Preferred):

  • SketchUp: For creating 3D models of retail fixtures and environments, aiding in visualization and integration.
  • Rhino: Another option for 3D modeling, potentially used for more complex structural packaging or fixture design.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but understanding how product information and marketing campaigns are managed within CRM or automation systems can provide context for packaging and VM brief development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite for print and packaging design. 3D software proficiency is a significant differentiator, indicating a desire for designers who can visualize and contribute to the physical structure of retail displays and packaging.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Clarity, Creativity, and Consistency: These are core tenets for Bubble's brand execution, meaning designs must be clear, innovative, and consistently applied across all touchpoints.

• Community-Driven & Culturally Relevant: Designs should resonate with the target audience by reflecting current trends and community values. This implies a need for designers who are culturally aware and consumer-centric.

• Brand Elevation: A strong emphasis on bringing the brand to life and elevating its presence at retail and through packaging.

• Collaboration & Ownership: The company values working closely together and taking ownership of projects, suggesting an environment where individual contributions are recognized and impactful.

• Speed & Agility: As a scaling brand, the culture likely supports fast decision-making and efficient execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment, working closely with internal teams across Creative, VM, Product Development, Marketing, and Sales.

• The role requires strong communication and the ability to integrate feedback from various stakeholders, including potentially external partners like retailers and printers.

• A proactive approach to sharing ideas, seeking input, and contributing to team discussions is likely valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bubble's values suggest a culture that is both creatively driven and commercially focused. Designers are expected to be innovative while also understanding the practicalities of retail and brand strategy. The emphasis on community and cultural relevance points to a desire for designers who are attuned to market dynamics and consumer sentiment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Retailer Guidelines with Brand Vision: Successfully designing within the often-strict parameters of various retail partners while maintaining Bubble's unique brand identity and aesthetic.

• High-Volume Production Demands: Managing a consistent pipeline of design projects for new product launches, seasonal campaigns, and ongoing retail updates in a fast-paced environment.

• Color Accuracy & Print Quality Across Substrates: Ensuring consistent and high-quality visual output across diverse materials and printing processes, which can be technically complex.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design intent and integrating feedback from multiple departments, each with potentially different priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Retail VM: Gaining extensive experience in the nuances of visual merchandising design for mass retail environments, including fixture integration and shopper journey mapping.

• Packaging Production Expertise: Developing a sophisticated understanding of packaging materials, printing technologies, and structural design considerations within the beauty/CPG sector.

• Brand Strategy Integration: Learning how to translate overarching brand strategies and marketing campaigns into effective visual executions at the point of sale and on product.

• Exposure to Senior Leadership: Working directly with the Executive Creative Director and Senior Director of VM provides mentorship and insight into creative leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior roles in retail and packaging design, requiring a blend of creative problem-solving and technical execution. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to specialize and excel in the beauty/CPG retail space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing packaging for a new skincare product launch, from brief to production." (Focus on how you approach dielines, material selection, color, and retailer considerations).

• "How do you ensure your visual merchandising designs are both on-brand and compliant with strict retailer guidelines?" (Prepare examples of how you've navigated this challenge).

• "Walk us through a project where you had to collaborate closely with a 3D design team or industrial designers. What were the key challenges and how did you achieve integration?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Bubble Skincare as a brand, and how do your design sensibilities align with our community-driven and culturally relevant approach?"

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. How do you prioritize your workload and manage multiple projects simultaneously?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: For each project, don't just show the final output. Explain the "why" and "how" – the challenges, your creative process, the solutions you implemented, and the results.

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that directly showcase your experience in visual merchandising, retail graphics, and packaging design for beauty/CPG.

• Demonstrate Technical Prowess: Be ready to discuss your technical skills, including your proficiency with Adobe Suite, understanding of print production, and experience with dielines and mechanicals.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Professionalism: Be confident, articulate, and prepared to answer detailed questions about your work and your process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the practical aspects of retail and packaging design, alongside creative problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively. The portfolio is the centerpiece.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest visual merchandising and packaging design work, specifically highlighting beauty or CPG projects. Tailor your presentation to showcase how your skills align with Bubble's brand aesthetic and retail focus.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience in visual merchandising and packaging design, using keywords from the job description (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, retail environments, dielines, print production, collaboration). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, process explanation, and articulating your design decisions. Be ready to discuss your experience with retailer guidelines and print production.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bubble Skincare's brand, products, target audience, and current retail presence. Understand their mission and values to articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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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