Manager - Packaging Design

Job Title : Manager - Packaging DesignLocation : BangaloreDepartment : Design & Production (Packaging & Print)Experience : Minimum 5+ years in Packaging Design / DevelopmentAbout the CompanyWe are India’s leading network of 110+ K‑12 schools. With large‑scale printing and distribution of textbooks, learning kits, uniforms / merchandise, and marketing collaterals, we are building a best‑in‑class packaging function to improve protection, sustainability, cost, and brand experience.Role SummaryOwn the end‑to‑end design and development of primary, secondary, and transit packaging for books, learning / STEM kits, school merchandise, and marketing materials. You will translate briefs into functional, cost‑effective, and brand‑aligned packaging—covering structure, materials, artwork readiness, prototyping, testing, vendor hand‑off, and quality control.Key ResponsibilitiesPackaging Concept & StructureConvert business / brand briefs into structural designs, dielines, and CAD files (shipper boxes, rigid / folding cartons, mailers, sleeves, inserts).Balance usability, protection in transit, and shelf / unboxing experience.Materials & SustainabilitySelect substrates (SBS / FBB, kraft / corrugated grades, duplex board, microflute, eco‑friendly plastics / paper alternatives, foams / inserts) and finishes (lamination, varnish, foiling, emboss / deboss).Drive recyclability, right‑weighting, and waste reduction.Artwork & Pre‑Press ReadinessCreate / validate dielines, keylines, bleed / trapping, color specs (Pantone / CMYK), barcodes / QRs, and labeling compliance (as applicable).Collaborate with Brand / Content teams to adapt graphics to structural constraints.Prototyping, Testing & ValidationBuild rapid mock‑ups; conduct transit / stack / compression tests and line trials with vendors.Maintain packaging specs / BOMs and approval records.Vendor Collaboration & CostingBrief and evaluate converters / printers; compare quotations, optimize specifications for scale.Support Procurement in vendor audits, AMC / SLAs, and cost‑saving initiatives without quality loss.Quality & ComplianceDefine QC checklists, AQL sampling, and incoming inspection standards; resolve NCRs / field issues with CAPA.Ensure safety standards for school environments; adhere to applicable Indian packaging / labeling norms.Project & Stakeholder ManagementPlan timelines, manage change requests, and ensure on‑time launches for admission seasons and academic cycles.Partner with Supply Chain for pack‑out efficiency, palletisation, and warehouse ergonomics.Required Qualifications & SkillsDegree / Diploma from the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) or equivalent in Packaging / Printing / Industrial Design.5+ years hands‑on experience in structural / package design and development (cartons, corrugation, mailers, inserts).Proficiency with ArtiosCAD / Esko, Adobe Illustrator / InDesign / Photoshop; working knowledge of 3D visualization (nice to have).Strong knowledge of paper / board grades, corrugation, print processes (offset / digital / flexo), and finishing.Practical exposure to pre‑press, color management, dielines, and print QA.Data‑driven, detail‑oriented, with excellent vendor coordination and costing skills.