Middleweight/Senior Graphic Designer (Packaging)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Middleweight/Senior Graphic Designer (Packaging)

Company: Goliath

Location: Hattem, Gelderland, Netherlands

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Graphic Design / Packaging Operations

Date Posted: June 11, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development and execution of innovative packaging designs for a global toy and game manufacturer, ensuring brand consistency and commercial appeal across diverse product lines.

• Collaborate closely with international cross-functional teams, including product designers, brand managers, and external agencies, to translate creative briefs into impactful visual solutions.

• Oversee the creation of point-of-sale (POS) materials and exhibition displays that enhance brand presence and product visibility in retail environments worldwide.

• Manage the end-to-end packaging design process, from concept ideation and visual direction to technical specification and production liaison, ensuring adherence to deadlines and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Packaging Operations" category due to its focus on the entire lifecycle of packaging design, from conceptualization through to production readiness, which is a critical operational component in the manufacturing and distribution of consumer goods. The emphasis on technical specifications and liaison with Asian offices highlights the global operational coordination required.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling and commercially effective packaging solutions for both established and new brands within Goliath's extensive toy and game portfolio.

• Act as a key collaborator within an international network of graphic specialists and external design partners, ensuring seamless project execution and knowledge transfer.

• Translate creative concepts and detailed briefs into striking, user-friendly, and brand-aligned packaging designs that resonate with target audiences.

• Design distinctive POS materials, in-store displays, and exhibition graphics that reinforce brand identity and drive consumer engagement.

• Diligently maintain and enforce brand consistency across the entire product range, ensuring all packaging adheres to established visual guidelines and corporate identity standards.

• Produce high-quality mock-ups and visual representations for internal presentations, sales meetings, and stakeholder reviews.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and research initiatives to explore novel packaging formats and sustainable solutions for emerging product concepts.

• Provide art direction for product and lifestyle photo shoots, ensuring visual assets align with brand narratives and marketing objectives.

• Prepare and transmit precise technical specifications for packaging, including dielines, material requirements, and finishing details, to Goliath's manufacturing facilities in Asia.

• Manage the intake, processing, and implementation of packaging briefs, translations, and crucial safety information, ensuring compliance with international regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for strong project management and cross-functional communication skills, typical of a senior operations role that bridges creative output with manufacturing realities. The mention of "technical specifications to our offices in Asia" points to a global supply chain coordination aspect.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A recognized degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, or a closely related field is required.

Experience: Approximately 5-7 years of demonstrable work experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on packaging development and construction.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for advanced graphic design and layout creation.

• Extensive experience with packaging constructions, structural design principles, and the development lifecycle of packaging.

• Proven ability to create impactful, differentiated, and commercially successful packaging solutions.

• Proficiency in logo design and the rapid development of visual directions, concepts, and style guides.

• Solid understanding of print production processes, including pre-press, color management, and finishing techniques, with the ability to troubleshoot production issues.

• Strong organizational capabilities and a demonstrated track record of managing multiple large-scale, complex projects concurrently.

• Proactive, organized, goal-oriented, and adept at working under pressure to meet strict deadlines.

• Capacity for independent work alongside a strong aptitude for collaborative teamwork.

• Confidence in expressing opinions while maintaining flexibility, approachability, and a positive, humorous disposition.

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

• Keen eye for detail, robust problem-solving acumen, and a consistently proactive approach to tasks.

• A positive, energetic attitude with a strong focus on finding solutions and driving outcomes.

• Professionalism, customer-centricity, and a results-driven mindset.

• Practical mindset, resilience under stress, and openness to constructive feedback. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the toy, game, arts & crafts, or Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors.

• Dutch language proficiency is a plus; candidates without Dutch are expected to be open to learning the language.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-7 years" requirement, coupled with the need to manage complex projects and troubleshoot production issues, suggests a role that requires not just creative talent but also operational maturity and problem-solving capabilities beyond a junior level. The emphasis on "commercial success" and "production problems" aligns with operations' focus on efficiency and market impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct packaging design projects that demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the design-to-production workflow.

• Include examples of how you've translated creative briefs into impactful visual identities for products.

• Present projects that highlight your ability to manage brand consistency across a product range or series.

• Demonstrate experience in creating mock-ups and visual assets for presentations, illustrating your communication of design intent.

• Provide evidence of understanding technical production requirements or problem-solving related to print or packaging manufacturing. Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for concept development and ideation in packaging design, including any research or brainstorming methodologies.

• Outline your workflow for collaborating with internal teams and external agencies, emphasizing communication and feedback loops.

• Explain your approach to managing brand guidelines and ensuring their consistent application in design outputs.

• Describe your methods for preparing technical specifications and liaising with production teams or overseas partners.

• Illustrate how you measure the success of your packaging designs, considering commercial impact, consumer feedback, or production efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on packaging design within a manufacturing context, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetics but also the operational aspects of design: feasibility, production readiness, and brand integrity. Demonstrating a structured approach to the design process, including technical considerations and cross-functional collaboration, is crucial for demonstrating operational understanding.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on regional averages for experienced Graphic Designers in the Netherlands specializing in packaging, and considering the hybrid work model and industry standards for a company like Goliath, the estimated salary range is €45,000 - €65,000 annually.

Benefits:

• A full-time position offering stability and comprehensive work.

• A market-competitive salary commensurate with experience and skills.

• Good employment conditions, which typically include holiday allowance, pension contributions, and potential for professional development.

• Opportunity to work on unique, globally recognized toy and game products.

• Involvement in an international, multidisciplinary team environment.

Working Hours: Full-time position, likely based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on Glassdoor, SalaryExpert, and similar data for Graphic Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the Netherlands, adjusted for the specialized nature of packaging design and the company's international scope. The provided benefits are standard for full-time roles in the Netherlands; specific details would be confirmed during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy and Game Manufacturing & Distribution. Goliath operates as a global player, emphasizing product innovation and quality since its inception in 1980. The company's success is built on "the power of a good product and the spark of innovation," with product at its center.

Company Size: Goliath has offices in 15 countries and distribution channels reaching over 100 countries, indicating a large, established international organization with a significant operational footprint.

Founded: 1980 by Adi Golad. This long history suggests a stable company with a proven track record and deep expertise in its market.

Team Structure:

• The role involves collaboration within an "international multidisciplinary team," including graphic designers, product designers, and brand managers.

• The graphic design function appears to be part of a broader creative or marketing department, with interactions extending to external design agencies and manufacturing hubs overseas.

• Reporting likely falls under a Creative Director, Head of Design, or a Senior Brand Manager overseeing product development. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly detailed for this role, Goliath's success is attributed to product quality and innovation, implying a data-informed approach to market trends and consumer preferences in toy and game design.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The emphasis on developing packaging and POS materials, managing technical specifications, and working with global teams suggests a structured workflow focused on efficiency and timely delivery to market.

• Automation & Efficiency: The role requires efficient use of design software and clear communication of technical details to streamline production processes, especially with overseas partners.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value innovation, product quality, and a fun, game-oriented approach to work. The international scope implies a need for cross-cultural communication skills and an understanding of global market dynamics. The "fun and games" aspect suggests a dynamic and engaging work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Middleweight/Senior Graphic Designer role, indicating a level of autonomy and responsibility beyond junior positions. The individual is expected to contribute significantly to packaging development, manage complex projects, and collaborate effectively with international teams. This level often serves as a stepping stone to Lead Designer or Art Director roles within operations-focused creative departments.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or a Head of Brand/Product Development. Collaboration will be extensive with Product Designers, Brand Managers, Marketing teams, and potentially Procurement or Supply Chain specialists involved in packaging sourcing and production.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the commercial success of Goliath's products by creating packaging that attracts consumers, communicates brand value, and ensures product integrity. Effective packaging design is a critical operational lever for market penetration, brand recognition, and consumer purchasing decisions. The role also impacts production efficiency through clear technical specifications and effective communication with manufacturing partners.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to specialize further in packaging engineering, sustainable packaging solutions, or global brand guideline management.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, lead specific packaging projects, or take on art direction responsibilities for larger campaigns or product launches.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain deeper insight into product development, marketing strategy, and supply chain operations through close collaboration.

• Global Exposure: Enhance understanding of international market requirements and manufacturing processes, particularly in Asia.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Middleweight/Senior" designation suggests a blend of execution and strategic input. The growth opportunities lean towards deepening specialized design expertise within an operational framework and potentially moving into project leadership roles within the GTM (Go-To-Market) or product development operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and on-site presence at the Hattem office. This allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions, team building, and access to office resources in person.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Hattem, Gelderland, Netherlands. This location offers a base for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and interaction with colleagues.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to foster both focused individual work and productive team collaboration. Expect opportunities for in-person brainstorming with graphic designers, product designers, and brand managers.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially project management tools. The role requires efficient digital collaboration and communication.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project reviews, and informal interactions are expected, facilitated by the hybrid schedule. The emphasis on a "healthy dose of humor" suggests a positive and approachable team dynamic.

Work Schedule: A full-time schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, is standard. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing employees to balance work and personal life while ensuring project needs and team collaboration are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, crucial for creative and operational teams. The Hattem office serves as the hub for this interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience and design capabilities, particularly in packaging.

• Creative Assessment/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into your portfolio, focusing on specific packaging projects. Be prepared to discuss your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you ensure brand consistency and commercial viability. This may include a practical design challenge or case study presentation.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (graphic designers, brand managers) and your direct manager to evaluate cultural fit, communication style, and collaboration aptitude.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest packaging design projects that best represent your skills in concept development, execution, and production awareness.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process (ideation, sketching, digital execution), challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Visuals are key, but the narrative behind them is crucial.

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Emphasize your understanding of print production, material considerations, structural integrity, and how you translated technical requirements into design.

• Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples where you've successfully applied or developed brand guidelines for packaging.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on sales lift, market reception, or production cost savings related to your designs, include it.

• Tailor to Goliath: Research Goliath's current product lines and packaging. If possible, subtly align your presentation with their brand aesthetic and the types of products they offer.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Analysis: Practice dissecting a hypothetical packaging design brief, identifying key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would address common packaging design challenges, such as cost reduction, sustainability improvements, or meeting tight production deadlines.

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of common printing techniques, materials, and dieline creation.

• Brand Application: Be ready to demonstrate how you would adapt a given brand identity to new packaging formats.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role with operational responsibilities will likely involve both creative evaluation and assessment of project management and problem-solving skills. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities, so its preparation is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, dielines, logos), Adobe Photoshop (for image manipulation, mock-ups, rendering), and Adobe InDesign (for layout, text handling, and print-ready files).

• 3D Design/Rendering Software (Optional but beneficial): Tools like Adobe Dimension, Cinema 4D, or similar for creating realistic packaging mock-ups and visualizations.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for managing project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how packaging performance is measured (e.g., sales data, consumer feedback trends) can be beneficial. Basic familiarity with data visualization tools might be helpful for internal presentations. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how design assets integrate into broader marketing or product management systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with 3D rendering tools is a significant plus for creating realistic mock-ups, and familiarity with project management software is crucial for operating effectively within a hybrid, international team environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to create novel and engaging packaging solutions that stand out in the competitive toy and game market.

• Product-Centricity: A deep appreciation for the product itself and ensuring the packaging enhances its appeal and integrity.

• Efficiency & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound designs on time, minimizing production issues and costs.

• Collaboration & Communication: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open dialogue, and effective information sharing across international and multidisciplinary teams.

• Playfulness & Creativity: Embracing the fun aspect of the toy and game industry, fostering a creative and energetic work environment.

• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in design, technical specifications, and brand consistency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working with product designers, brand managers, and marketing to ensure packaging aligns with product features and marketing strategies.

• Process Review & Feedback: Openness to constructive criticism from peers, managers, and even manufacturing partners to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights on packaging trends, production best practices, and design solutions within the team.

• Global Perspective: Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives from international colleagues in different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Goliath appears to blend professional rigor in design and operations with a lighthearted approach fitting for a toy and game company. Values likely center around creativity, collaboration, and delivering impactful products through efficient processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Developing innovative designs while adhering to strict brand guidelines, production limitations, and budget considerations.

• Global Coordination: Managing communication and design implementation across different time zones, cultures, and manufacturing partners, particularly in Asia.

• Rapid Market Changes: Keeping pace with evolving consumer trends, sustainability demands, and retail requirements in the fast-moving toy and game industry.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Troubleshooting unexpected issues during print production or with packaging construction that may arise from design specifications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Packaging Techniques: Opportunity to learn about new materials, sustainable packaging innovations, and advanced structural design.

• Global Market Insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of international market preferences and regulatory requirements for packaging.

• Leadership and Art Direction: Potential to grow into roles with more significant strategic input, team leadership, and art direction responsibilities.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about product development, marketing strategy, and supply chain operations through collaborative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of global product manufacturing, where creative execution must be grounded in practical realities. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in packaging operations and advancing into leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing packaging from initial brief to final production-ready files. What are the critical checkpoints?" (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and technical handoff.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a diverse product portfolio, especially when working with international teams?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and communication strategies.)

• "Walk us through a challenging packaging project you managed. What was the problem, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer emphasizing problem-solving, operational considerations, and results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Goliath, and specifically about designing for the toy and game industry?" (Connect your passion for design with Goliath's mission and products.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a multidisciplinary and international team?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional teamwork and communication.)

• "How do you stay updated on packaging design trends, sustainability initiatives, and production technologies?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the objective, your role, the process, the challenges, the solution, and the impact.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (renders, mock-ups, final product shots) to tell the story of your design's evolution.

• Highlight Operational Details: Point out specific technical aspects, print considerations, or structural innovations within your designs.

• Be Conversational: Treat it as a discussion, not a monologue. Be prepared for in-depth questions about your decisions and processes.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Emphasize instances where you overcame design or production hurdles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also a strong understanding of the operational aspects of packaging design, including production, brand management, and cross-functional collaboration within a global context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Middleweight/Senior Graphic Designer (Packaging) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 3-5 of your strongest packaging design projects, clearly outlining your role, process, and any production-related considerations. Highlight projects relevant to the toy/game industry if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience with packaging construction, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, project management skills, and any experience with international collaboration or the FMCG/toy sectors. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving skills using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and address questions about brand consistency, production, and teamwork.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Goliath's product catalog, brand identity, and any recent news or initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their business and market.

⚠️ 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.