About the TeamIt's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered – from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs at PetSmart. Join our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!
About the LocationHybrid Position:
This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Associates with a Hybrid work arrangement have a work space at Phoenix Home Office and can be required to come onsite between 1-5 days a week as determined by leadership and based on business needs.
About the JobReporting to the Sr. Manager Packaging and Digital PDP design, the Senior Packaging Designer is responsible for conceptual and adaptive development for PetSmart’s Proprietary Brands.
You must be passionate creating packaging solutions within defined deadlines. Must have the ability to develop on-strategy package design that is compelling, competitive and on-trend. The ideal candidate is able to present designs to various levels within the organization must be able to clearly articulate design objectives within direct creative teams, external vendors and cross-functional partners. You will work with a creative cross-functional team of managers, designers, copywriters, photographers and production designers while balancing creative thinking with strong interpersonal skills. Team player with strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills, along with the ability to thrive creatively and professionally is a must. The ideal candidate has a strong level of initiative, ability to identify visual trends, be able to simultaneously manage multiple projects with varying complexity and diligently achieve deadlines in a fast-paced corporate retail environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Must have understanding of strategic initiatives/objectives outlined in the project brief or as agreed upon with cross-functional team including product development.
- Driven by innovative ideas and fresh thinking. You have the ability to produce brand identity and package design solutions that are on-strategy, compelling and deliver brand message in a memorable, and persuasive way.
- Ability to develop and conform to internal standards and guidelines that will strengthen brands and ensure brand consistency.
- Present creative concepts/direction to direct team, Brand Managers, and Creative leadership team to gain creative direction alignment.
- Must deliver robust and impactful design concepts during all stages of project development per established timelines.
- Ability to provide art direction to others (includes but is not limited to: illustrators, photographers, creative talent). Ability to facilitate photo shoots is a plus.
- Must have the ability to develop clear and organized production ready design files. May be required to develop production artwork when needed.
- Clear communication during all stages of design development for creative team and cross-functional partners such as Buyers, Product Developers, and leadership.
- Maintain a customer focus line of sight when delivering creative concepts and/or providing directional feedback during creative reviews.
- Innate understanding and working knowledge of aesthetic application including: composition, photography, typography, etc.
- Has familiarity with developing branded style guide.
- Partner with direct Manager and Project Management team to align/comply on project deliverables, adhering to timelines, and actively communicate status updates to management/stakeholders on a regular basis.
- Understand budgets and cost saving initiatives as an additional parameter of the job.
- Must be an active participant in optimizing process improvements both individually and for total team efficiencies.
- Possess a professional, positive and proactive attitude including the ability to deliver project objectives, priorities, timelines and key deliverables.
- Must be aware of the entire packaging development process from strategy to live on shelf including mandated packaging regulations.
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Brand identity design experience.
- Must be able to multi-task on several projects during design development. Active problem-solving and high-level conceptual skills combined with strong communication and presentation ability.
- Must have a problem-solving mindset and a positive team attitude.
- Must be motivated, flexible, detail-oriented, with organizational and team skills.
- Possess excellent design aesthetics with type, color and page layout design.
- Strong photography art direction; experience on-set.
- Must thrive creatively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven creative environment, adhere to established timelines.
- Have technical knowledge of file preparation and print production procedures.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Design or Graphic Design.
- 4+ years direct experience with package design.
- Please include a portfolio with your application.
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY
This position has moderate responsibility to the packaging budget.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Expert in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, In-Design).
- Strong understanding of Packaging art file builds
- Comprehensive understanding of packaging dieline mechanics
- Solid understanding of Packaging print processes
- Core proficiencies in Process and Pantone color systems
- Proficiencies in Microsoft Office applications
- Understanding of 3D modeling capabilities, a plus
PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of those found in a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Must be able to work in busy collaborative cubical environment.
- Must be comfortable working with all types of pets.
About the CultureAt PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.
Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.
Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:
- Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
- On-site Dog Park
- “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
- “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
- On-site coffee bar
- “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
- Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
- Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
- Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
- Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
- If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area: Welcome to Phoenix Guide
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.
