Packaging Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

THE ROLE

Packaging and Print Marketing Designer

As Quince scales both direct mail and branded packaging, the Packaging and Print Marketing Designer will play a critical role in delivering exceptional creative across these two interconnected channels. This role balances refined aesthetic vision with deep production expertise, owning the design and execution of both product packaging and direct mail marketing assets.

Working at the intersection of creative, marketing, and operations, the designer will manage the end-to-end design process for both packaging and print marketing-from concept through final production-while partnering closely with cross-functional teams to ensure brand elevation, performance, and manufacturing viability. This role requires someone with both impeccable taste and hands-on knowledge of production constraints, material costs, sustainability implications, and manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate combines strong design fundamentals and refined taste with deep expertise in both packaging and print production, along with a data-informed mindset. They are comfortable working against clear KPIs, iterating quickly based on results, and optimizing creative without sacrificing brand integrity or quality. They understand production as a design tool, not an afterthought.

This role reports into the Design Director. This role is fully remote for candidates outside the San Francisco area and follows a hybrid schedule for those based locally.

*You must submit samples of work/portfolio to be considered. 

Responsibilities

• Own the visual and structural design of Quince's primary and secondary packaging, setting the standard for brand expression at the point of unboxing
• Design packaging systems (boxes, inserts, tissue, hangtags, labels) that reflect the brand while meeting production and cost targets
• Develop packaging concepts that balance aesthetic elevation with manufacturability, material efficiency, and sustainability considerations
• Work with material suppliers and manufacturers to source appropriate papers, finishes, and production methods that align with both brand vision and budget
• Create detailed specifications for packaging, including die-line development, color separations, structural specifications, and finishing details (embossing, foil, special coatings, etc.)
• Translate brand guidelines into packaging systems that feel premium and considered
• Collaborate with product and operations teams to understand functional requirements, lead times, and cost constraints, and design solutions that satisfy all parameters
• Champion packaging that drives perceived value, unboxing experience, and brand loyalty while managing production viability and cost per unit

• Own design for the Quince direct mail program end to end, setting the visual direction and ensuring consistency across all campaigns
• Design print marketing assets, including catalogs, mailers, inserts, and other formats, aligned with brand standards and customer acquisition and retention goals
• Translate marketing objectives, audience insights, and testing strategies into compelling visual layouts
• Maintain strong typography, composition, and hierarchy to create clear, engaging, and elevated designs
• Ensure all creative reflects a premium, considered aesthetic
• Partner with the Marketing lead to track performance and ensure mail pieces hit targets, using results to inform and iterate on design decisions

• Own the full production design process for all packaging, from initial concepts through print-ready specifications to pre-production approvals
• Develop die-line specifications and structural designs in collaboration with manufacturers
• Manage color management, proofing, and sampling across various print and finishing processes (flexography, offset, digital, screen printing, foiling, embossing, etc.)
• Understand and optimize for different production methods, material constraints, turnaround times, and cost implications
• Conduct pre-production reviews with manufacturing partners, including physical proofs and samples, to ensure final output meets brand and quality standards
• Maintain strict attention to detail on all packaging specifications to minimize errors, reprints, and material waste
• Stay current on packaging materials, finishes, and production technologies that could enhance brand experience or improve sustainability
• Work closely with supply chain and product teams to manage lead times, MOQs, and cost targets

• Own the full production design process for direct mail, from initial layouts to print-ready files to print proofing
• Prepare and deliver precise, production-ready artwork including bleeds, trims, color profiles, and print specifications
• Partner with print vendors to ensure technical accuracy, feasibility, and quality across all formats
• Review proofs (digital and physical) and manage revisions to ensure final output meets brand and production standards
• Maintain strict attention to detail across all files to minimize errors and reprints

• Support rapid A/B testing cycles for direct mail by producing multiple creative variations efficiently
• Use performance data and testing results to inform both packaging and print marketing iterations
• Balance speed with quality, ensuring that performance-driven outputs still meet a high bar for design and brand expression
• Collaborate with Growth and Marketing teams to implement test learnings into new iterations
• Track and organize variations to ensure clarity across testing cycles

• Develop and maintain scalable templates and systems for both packaging and direct mail production
• Standardize file setup, specs, and workflows for packaging (die-lines, color specs, finishing notes) and print marketing to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround time
• Identify opportunities to streamline production processes while maintaining quality and brand consistency
• Ensure version control and organization across all creative assets, making files accessible and traceable for cross-functional partners
• Build documentation and specs that other designers can follow to maintain consistency

• Partner closely with Merchandisers, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align on packaging requirements, timelines, costs, and manufacturing capabilities
• Collaborate with Growth and Marketing teams on direct mail strategy, performance goals, and creative testing
• Work with external partners including packaging manufacturers, print vendors, and material suppliers to meet deadlines and production requirements
• Communicate clearly and proactively on timelines, constraints, deliverables, and trade-offs between aesthetics, cost, and manufacturability
• Maintain fast turnaround on feedback and requests, with strong urgency and responsiveness to keep work moving
• Educate internal stakeholders on packaging and production realities to align expectations with feasibility

• Maintain consistently high design standards across all packaging and direct mail outputs
• Ensure alignment with brand guidelines while pushing for thoughtful, elevated execution
• Conduct quality checks on all final files and printed/manufactured materials
• Establish quality benchmarks for both packaging unboxing experience and print marketing effectiveness
• Continuously refine creative based on performance data, production learnings, and brand feedback 

Qualifications

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, or related field
• 5-8 years of professional design experience, with significant, hands-on work in both packaging design/production and print marketing/direct mail
• 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, 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 refined design sensibility
• Proven ability to work quickly and accurately across multiple iterations and tight deadlines
• High attention to detail, especially in production file setup, specifications, and proofing
• Direct experience working with packaging manufacturers and print vendors, managing timelines and quality
• Experience with die-line software (Esko, Illustrator, or similar tools) is a plus
• Strong file organization and documentation practices, ensuring assets are scalable, traceable, and accessible to cross-functional partners
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with ability to explain production trade-offs clearly to non-technical stakeholders

Preferred:

• Portfolio demonstrating both elevated packaging design and high-volume direct mail work
• Experience with direct-to-consumer or e-commerce brands
• Familiarity with performance marketing and data-informed creative iteration
• Experience optimizing packaging for cost while maintaining brand elevation
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging materials and practices
• Experience managing multiple projects with complex production timelines simultaneously
• Nice to have: Illustration or hand-drawn design skills that can elevate packaging