Packaging Designer - Head Office (Midrand) at Dis-Chem Pharmacies

Minimum Requirements…

Essential:

• Grade 12 – Matric, and a Qualification in Graphic Design or DTP
• Minimum 3 – 5 years’ previous experience in the Packaging Design and Graphics field

Job Specification…

• Generate new packaging designs for various products relating to brief.
• Ensure packaging designs meet set (health, legal and religious) requirements and specification.
• Produce physical samples where applicable.
• Consider characteristics of a product, and how it responds to its surrounding environment and customer base.
• Develop initial design concept and solution with the ability to communicate requirements to various departments to complete a project.
• Develop design briefs that suit Dis-Chem’s purpose.
• Effectively manage projects independently from start to end to ensure timely delivery.
• Ensure all packaging adheres to CI guidelines.
• Maintain a file of packaging specifications for cross-reference.
• Ensures that labelling match product specifications.
• Create designs based on advertising and sponsorship programs when applicable
• Work with various departments (New Product Development, Imports and Technical Compliance) to do research on material and assess and investigate the viability of local suppliers.
• Conceptualize design elements for new products and rebranding of the existing designs.
• Adhere to new product development objectives and standards.
• Manage timelines effectively with Traffic Coordinator.
• Align all stakeholders approach to Packaging Operations best practice.
• Liaise with New Product Development Team, Graphic Studio Manager and Managing Director when designing packaging products.
• Ensure quality compliance of packaging is done by the Technical Compliance Department.
• Meet with team regularly to ensure design brief is met.
• Work closely with suppliers to determine best options for Dis-Chem and its products.
• Develop and maintain a strong spirit of partnership.
• Conduct all communications and transactions with the utmost integrity.
• Work closely with the Managing Director of Dis-Chem, the Marketing team, and suppliers to effectively achieve set targets.
• Prioritize and organise To-Do lists are a must.
• Be able to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Adhere to project deadlines and inform management in advance if these deadlines won’t be met.
• Be considerate on research time in accordance to brief deadline and urgency.
• Research best design practice for product development projects.
• Identify the suitability of suppliers.
• Research and monitor existing industry standard to best implement on the Dis-Chem private label packaging.
• Assist various departments in conducting research to understand exactly what the target audience will respond to.
• Keep up to date with design and technological innovations.
• Take into account environmental considerations, such as biodegradability or recycling opportunities.
• Liaise with NPD team by comparing the company’s product to competitors’ products.
• Ensure that packaging products meet set requirements and specifications.
• Make presentations to Directors or clients to present design proposals.
• Prepare and present seasonal product innovations in line with current trends.
• Understand technology, production methods, and materials.
• Control quality standards.
• Adapt to changing circumstances, while still meeting deadlines.
• Do occasional store visits to inspect products on the shelves.
• Design product requirements based on the packaging brief.
• Create proofs or to scale mock-ups for approval.
• Request any artwork elements from agencies or supplier when/if needed.
• Think creatively to produce new ideas and concepts and developing interactive designs.
• Use innovation to redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time.
• Stay relevant to current trends within the packaging space.
• Ensure that all designs are in line with the Dis-Chem Private Label range.
• Proofread all work to produce accurate and high-quality work.
• Give accurate feedback to team members and management regarding projects.
• Maintain accurate records of the progress of all jobs.
• Ensure files are saved accurately in order for team members or management to find easily.
• Work as part of a team to ensure high quality work.
• Ensure team members that are on-board with the different projects are in the loop with regards to the finalization of these different projects.
• Consider recommendations of team member`s suggestions, on improving designs.
• Conduct brain storming sessions with the team.
• Ensure a sense of respect and professionalism when working with other team members.
• Share knowledge and ideas with other team members when they are in need.
• Housekeeping must be in accordance to Dis-Chem standards.
• Adhere to Dis-Chem Policies and Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Adhere to Health and Safety rules and regulations.

Competencies

Essential:

• Advanced Computer skills (Office, Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Have excellent design and industry skills and knowledge
• English (Read, write and speak well)
• Manage design time on jobs efficiently in order to meet deadlines
• Be able to identify and solve problems to ensure work is done efficiently
• Be willing to learn and share knowledge
• Have and demonstrate initiative
• Team player with good communication skills