Packaging and Print Marketing Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging and Print Marketing Designer

Company: Quince

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-19T21:04:45

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote for non-local candidates)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in enhancing Quince's brand presence through exceptional packaging and direct mail creative, bridging design aesthetics with production realities.

• The designer will manage the complete lifecycle of packaging and print marketing assets, from conceptualization through to final production, ensuring brand elevation and manufacturing feasibility.

• It requires a blend of refined aesthetic vision, deep production expertise, and a data-informed approach to optimize creative performance and efficiency.

• This position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain, to align creative output with business objectives and operational constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a design role, the emphasis on production, manufacturing, cost targets, sustainability, and performance iteration indicates a strong need for operations-minded thinking and collaboration. This role bridges creative execution with the practicalities of GTM execution and product lifecycle management, making it relevant to operations professionals interested in the tangible aspects of brand delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the visual and structural design of Quince's primary and secondary product packaging, ensuring a premium unboxing experience that reflects brand identity.

• Develop comprehensive packaging systems, including boxes, inserts, and labels, that align with brand standards, production targets, and cost constraints.

• Collaborate with material suppliers and manufacturers to select appropriate papers, finishes, and production methods that balance brand vision with budget and sustainability goals.

• Create detailed packaging specifications, including die-line development, color separations, structural details, and finishing specifications.

• Design direct mail marketing assets, such as catalogs and mailers, that align with customer acquisition and retention objectives, supported by performance data.

• Partner with the Marketing lead to track direct mail campaign performance, using results to inform and iterate on design decisions for continuous improvement.

• Manage the full production design process for both packaging and print marketing, ensuring all files are print-ready and meet technical specifications.

• Oversee color management, proofing, and sampling across various print and finishing processes, ensuring final output meets brand and quality standards.

• Support rapid A/B testing cycles for direct mail by efficiently producing multiple creative variations and implementing learnings from performance data.

• Develop and maintain scalable templates, standardized workflows, and documentation for packaging and print marketing production to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround times.

• Collaborate closely with Merchandising, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align on packaging requirements, timelines, costs, and manufacturing capabilities.

• Communicate clearly and proactively with internal and external stakeholders regarding timelines, constraints, deliverables, and trade-offs between aesthetics, cost, and manufacturability.

• Conduct quality checks on all final files and manufactured materials, establishing benchmarks for unboxing experience and print marketing effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep integration with operations, supply chain, and marketing performance. The emphasis on "production," "manufacturing viability," "cost targets," "material costs," "sustainability implications," "performance data," and "A/B testing" positions this as a role that requires an understanding of GTM operational execution and optimization, not just creative output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, or a related field.

Experience: 5–8 years of professional design experience, with a significant focus on both packaging design/production and print marketing/direct mail.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Figma.

• Deep expertise in packaging production processes, including:

  • Structural design and die-line development.
  • Understanding of various printing methods (flexography, offset, digital, screen printing, embossing, foiling).
  • Material knowledge (paper stocks, films, substrates, finishes, and their cost/performance implications).
  • Color management, separations, and proofing across different processes.
  • Manufacturing constraints, Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), lead times, and cost optimization.
  • Sustainability considerations in material and process selection.

• Deep expertise in print production processes, including bleeds, color management, paper stocks, finishes, and prepress requirements.

• Strong typographic skills and a refined design sensibility that aligns with premium brand aesthetics.

• Proven ability to work quickly and accurately across multiple iterations and tight deadlines, essential for high-volume GTM initiatives.

• High attention to detail, particularly in production file setup, specifications, and proofing, critical for minimizing errors and waste.

• Direct experience working with packaging manufacturers and print vendors, effectively managing timelines and quality control.

• Strong file organization and documentation practices, ensuring assets are scalable, traceable, and accessible for cross-functional partners.

• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain production trade-offs to non-technical stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Portfolio demonstrating both elevated packaging design and high-volume direct mail work.

• Experience with direct-to-consumer (DTC) or e-commerce brands, understanding their unique operational and customer engagement needs.

• Familiarity with performance marketing and data-informed creative iteration, crucial for optimizing campaign effectiveness.

• Experience optimizing packaging for cost while maintaining brand elevation.

• Knowledge of sustainable packaging materials and practices, aligning with Quince's company values.

• Experience managing multiple projects with complex production timelines simultaneously.

• Illustration or hand-drawn design skills that can elevate packaging.

• Experience with die-line software (Esko, Illustrator, or similar tools).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize technical production knowledge and operational awareness (e.g., MOQs, lead times, cost optimization, manufacturing constraints) alongside design proficiency. This is a key indicator that candidates need to demonstrate a blend of creative talent and operational practicality, aligning with the needs of a fast-paced GTM environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-8 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on both packaging design/production and print marketing/direct mail.

• Specific case studies demonstrating the end-to-end process for at least two distinct packaging projects, from initial concept and structural design through to final production files and material considerations.

• Examples of direct mail campaigns or print marketing collateral, illustrating an understanding of marketing objectives, audience segmentation, and performance iteration.

• Documentation or visual examples of production file setup, including die-lines, color separations, specifications, and proofing processes.

• Demonstrations of how data and performance metrics have informed design iterations and optimizations for print marketing or packaging. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of organized file management systems, including version control and accessibility for cross-functional teams.

• Provide evidence of developing standardized templates, workflows, or documentation for packaging and print marketing production to improve efficiency.

• Illustrate how you have collaborated with manufacturers and print vendors, including managing timelines, quality control, and technical specifications.

• Present instances where you have translated brand guidelines and marketing objectives into tangible, production-ready assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical. It must go beyond just aesthetic appeal to demonstrate a deep understanding of production processes, material science, manufacturing constraints, and performance-driven iteration. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process, highlighting problem-solving skills related to cost, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 USD per year (based on experience level and location).

Benefits:

• Bonus opportunities for eligible roles.

• Equity options for eligible roles.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Employee discount on Quince products.

• Professional development opportunities.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week. For candidates based in the San Francisco area, a hybrid schedule is followed; for those outside the area, the role is fully remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range ($85,000 - $110,000 USD) is aligned with experienced design professionals in a major metropolitan area like San Francisco, considering the specialized nature of packaging and print production. The inclusion of bonus and equity suggests a performance-driven culture where contributions to business outcomes are recognized.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Retail, disrupting traditional retail with a focus on quality, value, and sustainability. Quince leverages technology, AI, and analytics to drive its operations.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify exact company size, but it is described as a rapidly scaling company with strong investor backing, serving millions of customers. This implies a mid-to-large-sized organization with significant growth potential.

Founded: 2018. Quince was established with the mission to make high-quality essentials accessible at low prices through a DTC model and just-in-time manufacturing.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Design Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design function.

• Collaboration is expected across multiple departments, including Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Merchandising, highlighting a matrixed and cross-functional operational environment.

• The team is characterized as high-performing, builder-oriented, and focused on challenging the status quo, suggesting a dynamic and ambitious work culture. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is central, with AI, analytics, and automation at the core of Quince's operations.

• Focus on process optimization, efficiency, and scaling while maintaining quality and brand integrity.

• Commitment to customer-centricity, quality, essential design, value, and social/environmental responsibility guides all actions.

Company Website: quince.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Quince's culture is built around disruptive innovation in retail, emphasizing technology, data, and efficiency. For a designer, this means understanding that creative output is not just about aesthetics but also about measurable impact, operational efficiency, and alignment with sustainable business practices. The "builder" mentality suggests an environment where initiative and problem-solving are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level designer (5-8 years experience) with specialized expertise in production and manufacturing. It requires a significant level of autonomy and ownership over critical GTM elements.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports directly to the Design Director. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight within the design function, while also requiring extensive collaboration with other departments like Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts customer perception through the unboxing experience and marketing materials. Their ability to optimize packaging for cost and sustainability, and to produce effective direct mail campaigns, has a direct influence on profitability, customer acquisition costs, and brand loyalty. This role is crucial for translating brand strategy into tangible customer touchpoints that drive business performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in packaging engineering, sustainable materials, or performance-driven print marketing strategies.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Potential to lead packaging or print initiatives, influencing broader GTM strategies and operational improvements.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Opportunity to develop and implement new design and production workflows that scale with the company's growth.

• Mentorship: As a senior member, opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to building a strong design team.

• Broader GTM Involvement: Potential to contribute to other areas of brand experience or marketing operations as the company expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is likely to involve taking on more complex production challenges, leading specific packaging or print projects, and potentially influencing the operational strategy behind creative execution. It's a role where demonstrating both creative excellence and operational acumen can lead to significant career advancement within a rapidly growing DTC company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers a hybrid work environment for candidates based in or near San Francisco, and is fully remote for candidates outside the area. This suggests a flexible approach to work arrangements, balancing in-person collaboration with remote efficiency.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, United States. For remote employees, work is performed from their home office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model for local employees allows for in-person collaboration for critical meetings, brainstorming sessions, and team building, while remote work enables focused individual contribution.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and potentially project management or DAM (Digital Asset Management) systems essential for managing production files and workflows.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Regular interaction with marketing, operations, supply chain, and merchandising teams is a key aspect of the role, fostering a collaborative and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid/remote model. The demands of production cycles and tight deadlines may require occasional extended hours, particularly around project launches or critical manufacturing phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote nature of the role requires strong self-discipline and communication skills. For those in San Francisco, leveraging the hybrid model for collaborative sessions related to production challenges or brainstorming new packaging concepts would be beneficial. Remote employees need to proactively engage and communicate to ensure seamless integration with the team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Review: Submit a resume and a strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates expertise in both packaging design/production and print marketing. This is the primary screening step.

• Screening Call: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess overall fit, experience alignment, and clarify role expectations.

• Design/Production Challenge: Candidates may be given a practical design or production-related exercise to assess their problem-solving skills, technical proficiency, and ability to work within constraints. This could involve creating a die-line, specifying materials, or developing a print layout.

• Hiring Manager/Design Director Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on your experience, design philosophy, production knowledge, and how you approach collaboration and problem-solving. Expect questions about specific projects from your portfolio.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Marketing, Operations, or Supply Chain to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of operational needs, and ability to communicate complex production details.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with a senior leader, to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Expertise: Clearly showcase your understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and technical specifications in your packaging examples.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, provide metrics or context on how your designs have influenced cost savings, sustainability improvements, or marketing performance.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the problem, your process, the challenges, and the solution. Emphasize how you balanced aesthetics with operational feasibility.

• Show Variety: Include examples of different packaging types, print formats, and production methods to demonstrate breadth of experience.

• Organize for Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and highlights your most relevant work upfront. For digital portfolios, ensure fast loading times.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Production Constraints: Be prepared to discuss trade-offs related to cost, materials, sustainability, and manufacturing timelines.

• Practice Die-line Creation/Specification: Familiarize yourself with common packaging structures and the level of detail required for die-lines and specifications.

• Articulate Brand Alignment: Be ready to explain how your design choices reinforce brand identity while meeting functional and operational requirements.

• Demonstrate Communication Skills: Practice explaining technical production details clearly and concisely to non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and practical skills. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a deep understanding of the manufacturing and production side of design, not just the creative ideation. The cross-functional interviews will be key to assessing how well they can integrate with operations and marketing teams.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in InDesign (for layout, typography, print files), Illustrator (for vector graphics, die-lines, structural design), and Photoshop (for image editing, mockups).

• Figma: Proficiency is required for collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially for creating digital assets or user interfaces if needed for internal tools or presentations.

• Die-line Software: Familiarity with tools like Esko, Artioscad, or advanced Illustrator techniques for structural design and die-line development is a significant plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret performance data from direct mail campaigns (e.g., response rates, conversion rates) and using this to inform design iterations is crucial.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and how to produce variations for testing. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or marketing automation tool requirement is specified, but understanding how packaging and direct mail integrate with customer journeys managed by these systems is beneficial.

• Experience with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems for organizing and distributing production files would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around design software and production-specific tools. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, along with die-line development, highlights the need for hands-on technical skills. The ability to leverage data for creative optimization is also a critical, albeit secondary, technical consideration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer First: Design decisions for packaging and direct mail should prioritize the customer experience, ensuring it's premium, intuitive, and reflects Quince's commitment to quality.

• High Quality: Maintaining rigorous production standards and ensuring premium materials are used, even within cost constraints, is paramount.

• Essential Design: Focus on timeless, functional, and impactful designs that communicate brand value without unnecessary complexity.

• Always a Better Deal: Opportunities to optimize for cost and efficiency in production without compromising quality or brand perception are highly valued.

• Social & Environmental Responsibility: Championing sustainable materials and ethical production methods in packaging design is a key expectation.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Clear, timely, and transparent communication regarding timelines, constraints, and trade-offs is essential for working effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Partnership-Oriented: Working closely with manufacturers, print vendors, and internal teams (Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain) as true partners to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Informed Iteration: A willingness to collaborate with marketing teams to analyze performance data and iterate on creative designs based on results.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collaborative approach to identifying and solving production challenges, material limitations, or cost barriers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply integrated into the operational aspects of this design role. Successful candidates will demonstrate how their work and collaborative style directly support these values, particularly in areas of sustainability, cost efficiency, and customer experience through tangible product touchpoints.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics with Production Realities: The primary challenge will be to create visually stunning and brand-aligned packaging and print materials while adhering to strict cost targets, manufacturing constraints, and sustainability goals.

• Rapid Iteration for Performance: Quickly producing multiple design variations for A/B testing in direct mail and then incorporating feedback into future iterations, while maintaining high design standards.

• Managing Complex Supply Chains: Navigating the intricacies of working with global manufacturers and local print vendors, managing lead times, MOQs, and ensuring consistent quality control across different production processes.

• Educating Stakeholders: Communicating technical production realities and trade-offs effectively to non-technical internal teams to manage expectations and drive informed decisions.

• Scaling Operations: Developing and implementing scalable design systems and workflows that can support Quince's rapid growth without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into DTC Operations: Gaining hands-on experience with the operational challenges and strategies specific to a fast-growing direct-to-consumer e-commerce brand.

• Advanced Production Techniques: Exposure to a wide range of packaging materials, printing technologies, and finishing techniques, expanding technical expertise.

• Data-Driven Design Strategy: Developing a stronger ability to leverage performance analytics and A/B testing results to directly influence creative strategy and decision-making.

• Sustainability Innovations: Staying at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions and influencing Quince's commitment in this area.

• Cross-functional Influence: Growing skills in stakeholder management and influencing decisions across departments like Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to operational execution. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals who can master these challenges, particularly in bridging the gap between creative vision and operational reality, which is a highly valued skill in GTM operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a challenging aesthetic vision with strict production costs and manufacturing limitations. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving and negotiation skills with suppliers/operations).

• "How do you approach designing for A/B testing in direct mail? Walk me through a campaign where you produced multiple variations and how performance data informed subsequent designs." (Assess your understanding of performance marketing and iterative design).

• "Imagine we need to reduce the cost of our primary product packaging by 15% without significantly impacting perceived quality or brand experience. What would be your initial steps and considerations?" (Tests your knowledge of materials, production methods, and cost optimization). Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Quince's company values (Customer First, High Quality, Essential Design, Always a Better Deal, Social & Environmental Responsibility) align with your approach to packaging and print design?" (Prepare specific examples related to each value).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different packaging components and print marketing materials, especially when working with multiple vendors?" (Focus on your process for brand guideline adherence and quality control).

• "Describe your experience collaborating with Operations or Supply Chain teams. How do you ensure their requirements are met while maintaining creative integrity?" (Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and find solutions that satisfy both creative and operational needs). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation to tell a story for each key project. Start with the objective, present the challenge, detail your process (emphasizing production steps), showcase the final design, and conclude with the results or impact.

• Focus on Process and Production: For packaging examples, explicitly detail the structural design, material choices, printing methods, and any production challenges overcome. For print, highlight the strategic intent and performance considerations.

• Quantify Where Possible: Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs, such as cost savings achieved, sustainability improvements made, or positive feedback received on the unboxing experience or campaign effectiveness.

• Highlight Collaboration: Mention key cross-functional partners you worked with and how you managed those relationships to achieve project goals.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your presented work, especially concerning technical production details and decision-making rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also a robust understanding of production, operations, and performance metrics. Candidates who can articulate their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of business objectives will stand out.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Packaging and Print Marketing Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in packaging design/production and print marketing, using keywords from the job description such as "die-line development," "production processes," "material sourcing," "brand identity," and "performance iteration."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant projects. For packaging, showcase structural design, material specifications, and production challenges. For print, highlight campaign strategy and performance insights. Prepare to discuss your process in detail.

• Prepare for Production Questions: Be ready to discuss specific printing methods, material properties, cost optimization strategies, and your experience working with manufacturers and vendors.

• Research Quince: Understand Quince's brand, mission, values, and its DTC operational model. Consider how your design approach aligns with their commitment to quality, value, and sustainability.

⚠️ 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.