Graphics Packaging Specialist

The Graphics Packaging Specialist will oversee the full project management of the packaging workflow for Lactalis brands, acting as the primary liaison between Marketing, packaging vendors, and co-packers. This role will manage both new and existing artwork changes, ensuring packaging feasibility and efficient communication between the involved teams. The Specialist will play a key role in supporting the company’s innovation, renovation, and expansion initiatives through strategic and technical insights.

This position offers two opportunities: a full-time, permanent placement, and a full-time temporary placement (estimated duration of 2 years), with full benefit eligibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end project workflows for packaging for Lactalis brands, including Kraft Natural Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Breakstone’s, and Knudsen.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for receiving creative briefs and asset documentation from project requestors, forwarding these to the pre-press house.
• Coordinate the request of new packaging resource numbers from Project Commercialization Managers for new or modified SKUs.
• Review cost estimates, ensuring they align with the contracted price grid, and facilitate final review and approval by Marketing.
• Adjust color profiles within mechanical layouts to ensure artwork meets the established cost structure.
• Manage purchase order (PO) documentation in the project workflow and release approved PO documentation to the pre-press house.
• Route PDF proofs in Workfront Proof for review, process approvals, or request changes from cross-functional teams.
• Request hard copy proofs from the print supplier, reviewing color profiling and registration before approval.
• Approve electronic PDF proofs from packaging suppliers.
• Oversee the release of “FTP” (Files to Printer) and “ATP” (Approved to Plate) email communications to the pre-press house and internal teams.
• Manage first production run samples from the print supplier, ensuring quality targets are met and samples are available for auditing.
• Manage the production and review of 3D renders, ensuring timely approval of render proofs via Adobe Workfront Proof.
• Maintain the packaging project trackers and annual roadmaps to ensure visibility into operational plans.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, communications, pre-press, production, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in graphic design, prepress, print production, or related fields. Experience with packaging graphics, die-lines, and printing processes is essential. Client or agency experience is a plus.
• Specialized Knowledge:
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
  • In-depth understanding of printing methods, such as flexographic, rotogravure, and dry offset.
  • Experience working within project management platforms, specifically Adobe Workfront.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Creative problem-solving skills with a flexible approach to managing design challenges.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain professional relationships across diverse groups.
  • High attention to detail and a strong track record of follow-through.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Lactalis Heritage Dairy is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against applicants based on any legally recognized status, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disabilities.