Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household, Impulse Snacking, Wellness Foods and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis - we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.
Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our global customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam and the UK.
DIVISION/DEPT: Design Department
REPORT TO: Studio Manager
LOCATION: Hybrid (Commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset)
Purpose of the role:
We are looking for a highly motivated and passionate designer with exceptional design skills and a love for trends and packaging design.
As Senior Creative Designer, you will be able to help deliver innovative and beautifully designed Foods & Snacks and House & Home products for a wide range of national and international customers.
Main Responsibilities:
* Be able to research and present current and upcoming consumer and packaging trends for your category
* Use market and consumer data and trend knowledge to create stunning and well-considered 2D product concepts
* Work passionately within brand guidelines to develop packaging & marketing visuals
* Work closely with the Product, Commercial and Technical teams to deliver beautiful and innovative product and packaging solutions
* Demonstrate good leadership and ability to coach junior members of the team
* Be able to convert product concepts to print-ready artwork
* Manage and maintain workflows daily to ensure the smooth-running of the team and category
* Take an active interest in ways we can reduce our environmental impact and improve our sustainability
* Design of presentations for internal teams and new business pitches
* Attend internal and external meetings and be able to contribute where necessary and present ideas and work clearly and confidently
* Assist with product approvals, to ensure accurate, consistent, and well-designed products are delivered on time
Candidate Profile:
* Passionate about design and packaging
* A keen interest in keeping up to date with current and upcoming trends
* Excellent creative thinking and design communication skills
* Ability to take ownership of projects from idea conception to artwork delivery
* Approachable and helpful
* Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships
* Impeccable attention to detail
* Good time management and organisation with an ability to juggle multiple projects and prioritise workload
* Demonstrate enthusiasm with a proactive approach
* Express ideas with clarity, confidence, and logical reasoning
* Be a strong team player with an ability to help others succeed
Experience and Knowledge:
* Experience in foods packaging design (preferably for FMCG market)
* Experience working with brands and adhering to brand guidelines
* Excellent typography and composition skills a must
* Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
* Wider Adobe Creative Suite skills are desirable
* A passion and commitment to high quality design
* Ability to manage multiple projects with great time-management and communication skills
* A good understanding of print production and preparing files for commercial printing
* Ability to coach and lead more junior members of the team
* Photography experience would be beneficial
* Experience working with licensing companies, style guides and assets is desirable
In turn we offer:
* Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
* 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
* Extensive benefits program including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
* Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
* Great learning and development and progression opportunities Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
* Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
* Generous Company Sick Pay
* Pension Scheme Contribution
* Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Dress down Fridays
* Free parking on Christchurch Quay