Junior Graphic Designer - Packaging Team

About Goliath
Goliath is an international manufacturer and distributor of toys and games, operating in 15 countries and reaching over 100 countries worldwide. At the heart of our business is a belief in great products and the magic of innovation. Our mission is to bring fun to every household, which we achieve through teamwork and clever collaboration. Learn more about Goliath at  www.goliathgames.com/corporate.

About the role

We are looking for a Junior Graphic Designer to join our packaging team based in our Guildford, UK office.

Main Purpose of Job:

• Working closely with your direct line manager and the Marketing, Product, Engineering and PI teams, assist to consult, design and project manage all packaging elements from conception through to production
• Help liaise with global colleagues, vendors & external suppliers to resolve design and production issues
• Assist control of the pack design to maintain product cost, focus and schedule

Key Tasks/Main duties:

• Assist brainstorms and research initial concepts / designs including competitor packs
• Understand and interpret briefs from the global product design and marketing departments
• Provide written briefs for artwork, illustrations and photography to external suppliers
• Attend photo shoots where relevant
• Keep current with competitor / fashionable packs / trends
• Consult with PI team on safety and legal pack requirements
• Consult with the product designers and engineering on the features, function, costs & manufacturing issues
• Record all relevant project details, maintaining current project files (to be archived there after)
• Attend all relevant project meetings
• Complete pack specification documents under the guidance of your line manager
• Analyse all quotes with your line manager to confirm content and conclude all possible value engineering solutions for your pack design
• Discuss competitive costs with your line manager before accepting any quotes for all outsourced work
• Develop good relationships with colleagues, external suppliers or licensors
• Support process on approval of proofs / layouts / final print runs
• Assist in co-ordinating and analysing information between the global office
• Attend off-site meetings accompanied by a senior and occasional international travel where necessary
• Learn to plan your own time with regards to projects (with direction from your line manager)
• Monitor schedules / timelines through to production (again with direction from your line manager)
• Develop budget management skills and awareness of costs and risks to the business
• Provide pack mock-ups for previews / sample selection / listings etc as and when required
• Always update / inform your line manager before undertaking any task / decision
• Try to always propose solutions and direction with regards to your project work

Qualifications & Experience:

You will need to be a qualified graphic / packaging design graduate or equivalent qualification. Have an interest in the toy/youth market with awareness in the latest ‘trends’.  An interest in pack structure would be very beneficial as well as an understanding of graphic design layout, art direction and a knowledge of graphic software helpful. A reasonable understanding of current production techniques is critical. For the project management side of the role, good team working and communication skills, written and oral, are essential.

Essential Personal Attributes:

• A talented, self motivated and dedicated packaging designer with knowledge of graphic applications / software & print processes
• An understanding of working and company practices and procedures
• Maintain professional conduct at all times
• Aptitude for creative problem-solving skills and initiative
• A good eye for aesthetics, colour, and visual communication required for the toy market
• Ability to listen, digest and understand other people’s views & objectives, and accept constructive criticism
• Self-motivated & organised with good project management skills
• Aptitude to become confident with budgets and schedules
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to work on your own and within a team environment
• Enjoy multi-tasking and juggling a varied workload.
• Able to develop an awareness of how you and your role effects others in the company
• Not afraid to speak up but be flexible, personable and have a good sense of humour!