Packaging Design Manager - Private Label at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    

• The Packaging Design Manager is accountable for developing and managing all aspects of the Private Label design process steering strategic and tactical aspects related to successful delivery.
• The role manages a design team and actively collaborates with agencies and other business stakeholders to execute. Whilst leading creative and innovative design solutions that are right for our customers and business is crucial, the commercial aspects related to each unique Private Label product requires both a calculated and intuitive approach that considers competitor research, customer trends and market insights.
• The Packaging Design Manager quickly interprets and actions these inputs and delivers compelling, commercially viable, creative proposals and solutions influencing the business decision making regarding the maintenance, re-fresh or new launch of our private label product lines and related packaging.

Job Objectives    

Develop Design / Creative Strategies

• Take accountability for the full design portfolio with a particular focus on the conceptual, creative and commercial aspects.
• Develop and implement successful and commercially viable creatives, outlining how the design team will approach delivery and implementation against the agreed timelines.
• Bring new, innovative, differentiated, and ownable design insights to strategic planning to inspire new packaging ideas. Craft designs and inspire designers to bring it to life!
• Monitor the Retail industry to identify opportunities to increase market share and communicate viable strategies and proposals in a timely manner to the relevant stakeholders for consideration.
• With both a tactical and strategic approach in mind, work closely with internal and external research providers to access and integrate all available research relevant to the quarter/year ahead and develop the necessary internal mechanisms to communicate, share and collaborate seamlessly with other stakeholders - to enhance the Private Label design inputs and outcomes.
• Ensure consistency in data-driven decision-making and strategy formulation for packaging creatives and design of proto-type / concept development.
• Develop creative programs and design concepts that meet the business objectives of the organisation and that advance our brand and proposition strategy.

Present Design Ideas and Creative Concepts

• Once design strategies have been developed, present them to various stakeholders for input and feedback (with specific emphasis on the creative concept and commercial aspects).
• Lead concept development in relation to design and creative outputs.
• Work with internal teams to generate ideas for pitching and proposals.
• Drive senior management and other stakeholder’s thinking by creating an open environment for feedback, discussion and debate and a platform for negotiation and influence, to drive and manage the required strategies and change elements as applicable.
• Pitch ideas confidently and present the creative vision clearly to ensure that various stakeholders are aligned and empowered to make decisions or provide inputs as relevant to their areas of responsibility.
• Take a lead role in managing the design and creative elements of projects and be point of contact for brand partnerships and creative projects.

Evaluate Design Performance

• Ensure that design and creative projects are delivered to the required standards and timelines.
• Provide quality control over design outputs and production.
• Track and evaluate feedback - filtering through customer surveys and responses to focus groups to create an overall picture of how well the design performed.
• Facilitate stakeholder feedback sessions with various cross-functional internal teams and other contributors / collaborators.
• Deliver critical feedback where needed and encourage team members throughout the duration of a creative process - including both development of conceptual ideas and fast faced evolution/maintenance orientated outcomes.

Team Leadership, Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Take responsibility for the creative vision and the standard of output across the team (and agencies).
• Build out and maintain design system and brand book - establish and develop best practice with the design and creative team.
• Influence design-led thinking across the business.
• Manage cross-functional, third party and agency performance and relationships.
• Proactively build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and seek opportunities to leverage and build mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Provide leadership and coaching to ensure that all team members and colleagues are aligned to the goals of the Private Label Design team.
• Ensure adequate and timeous acquisition of all tools and assets required for Product and Marketing teams.
• Rigorously apply all HR policies and practices within the team (including Performance Development, Equality and Diversity, Disciplinary and Grievance).
• Ensure and maintain a succession plan for the key roles and review/approve succession plans in the team.
• Manage and develop performance through the ongoing implementation of the performance development processes both at a team and individual level.
• Develop and manage productivity and to continuously improve the design team’s production capabilities.
• Actively manage the workplace environmental elements and their impact on staff motivation, retention as well as health and safety.

Qualifications    

• Degree in Marketing or related equivalent - Essential.

Experience    

• 5-8 years of experience in a similar role with a strong commercial track-record and deep experience working within creative processes, design teams and external agencies - Essential

Knowledge and Skills    

Areas of focus that will be highly beneficial in this role:

• FMCG / Retail orientated design concept / creative development
• Strategic and tactical Private Label product and packaging creative design
• Commercial propositions / product business case analysis
• Trending packaging solutions (including sustainable /environmental)
• Presenting at all levels (including senior management)
• FMCG / Retail orientated product design concepts / creative development
• Reporting, research and insight capabilities
• High-level strategic partnerships and cross functional stakeholder management
• Leadership and solid management practices including previous exposure to both leading and developing teams
• Computer literacy - strong presentations / collaborative tools
• Experience with agile ways of working

Closing Date    

• 2026/02/20