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Lead Packaging Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CPG Packaging Designer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

CPG Packaging Designer Location: Sterling, VA (Hybrid - 3 days in office / 2 days remote ... Identify, investigate, and lead cost-reduction initiatives on packaging materials and design ...

Mattel is seeking a Sr. Packaging designer to help define and lead the visual future of new Venture brands. This role is broader than packaging execution: it is responsible for establishing the brand ...

Sr. Packaging Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

The Sr. Packaging Designer is responsible for leading the packaging design strategy, team ... Lead market research initiatives and present insights and opportunities to leadership for approval ...

The Sr. Packaging Designer is responsible for leading the packaging design strategy, team ... Lead market research initiatives and present insights and opportunities to leadership for approval ...

... Designer, Packaging - Lead, you will help shape the design and development of packaging systems across our hardware and accessory portfolio. This role is responsible for creating cohesive, scalable ...

Lead packaging-related risk assessments including DFMEA, PFMEA, and other design control documentation. * Collaborate with suppliers and contract manufacturers to optimize packaging designs, improve ...

Senior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $95K/yr

The Senior Designer is a seasoned illustrator and packaging designer who will help define and bring ... This role will lead packaging design and illustration across core launches and IP collaborations ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Packaging Designer information

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$42K

$91.2K

$157K

How much do lead packaging designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead packaging designer in the United States is $91,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead packaging designer do?

A Lead Packaging Designer is responsible for overseeing the creation and development of packaging concepts for products. They manage the design team, ensure brand consistency, and collaborate with marketing, production, and engineering departments. Their role involves guiding the visual and structural design of packaging to make products attractive, functional, and cost-effective. They also stay updated on industry trends, sustainability practices, and regulatory requirements to ensure packaging solutions meet both creative and practical needs.

How does a lead packaging designer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a packaging project?

As a Lead Packaging Designer, you will frequently work alongside marketing, product development, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure that packaging solutions are both visually appealing and functional. You’ll be responsible for interpreting brand guidelines and product requirements, then translating them into innovative designs while adhering to technical and regulatory constraints. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as you'll often lead design reviews, provide feedback, and coordinate with external vendors or suppliers to ensure timely project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead packaging designer?

To thrive as a Lead Packaging Designer, you need expertise in graphic design, structural packaging principles, branding, and typically a degree in design or a related field. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling tools, and familiarity with print production processes are essential. Strong leadership, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities ensure innovative, cost-effective, and brand-aligned packaging solutions that resonate with consumers and support business goals.
More about Lead Packaging Designer jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Packaging Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Packaging Designer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Packaging Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,161 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

CPG Packaging Designer

Cuisine Solutions

Sterling, VA • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Cuisine Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 436 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Title: CPG Packaging Designer
Location: Sterling, VA (Hybrid - 3 days in office / 2 days remote)
Department: Marketing
Reports To: Senior Designer
Position Overview
We are looking for a talented and detail-oriented CPG Packaging Designer to join our creative team. In this mid-level role, you will own the end-to-end packaging design process from structural development and material selection through final print production for our retail and consumer-facing product lines. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external printing vendors to ensure every package meets the highest standards of quality, brand consistency, and functionality.
Key Responsibilities
Packaging Design, Development & Commercialization
  • Design compelling packaging artwork for retail and consumer product lines.
  • Create 3D packaging mockups for internal reviews, presentations, and client approvals.
  • Develop packaging structures, dielines, and material specifications, including comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOMs) and technical packaging specifications, ensuring high manufacturability and cost-efficiency across supply chain systems.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams at packaging line trials and production start-ups, actively monitoring machinery capabilities to ensure proper execution of the design and structural requirements.
  • Travel to printing vendors for first-run press checks and production oversight (approximately once per month).

Optimization & Sustainability
  • Identify, investigate, and lead cost-reduction initiatives on packaging materials and design improvements without compromising technical packaging requirements.
  • Ensure all packaging complies with regulatory, legal, and brand guidelines.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate innovative, sustainable materials into the portfolio to reduce the company's environmental footprint

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management
  • Coordinate seamlessly with cross-functional teams and external vendors to drive packaging projects from brief to commercial launch.
  • Build and manage comprehensive project timelines, effectively communicating milestones, capital expenditure estimates, and associated technical risks to functional leaders.
  • Manage relationships and coordinate directly with printing vendors on structure, materials, finishes, and production requirements.
  • Collaborate with the broader design team to support additional creative projects as needed, including digital assets, marketing collateral, and presentations

Qualifications
Required
  • 3-5 years of experience in CPG packaging design
  • Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Solid understanding of packaging production processes, print specifications, and material types
  • Experience creating 3D mockups using Blender or comparable 3D software
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Comfortable traveling to vendor facilities approximately once a month

Preferred
  • Experience with Canva for internal content and templated design needs
  • Familiarity with AI-powered design tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Gemini Nano Banana, or similar)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools including PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
  • Experience in the food and beverage or CPG industry is a plus

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