Design Manager

About the role

As Design Manager, you will lead the execution of design work across assigned brands or categories, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and on-strategy delivery across packaging, production, and asset management. This role provides leadership and direction to a team of designers while partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders and external agency partners to bring brands to life and drive business objectives. Reporting into senior design leadership, you will translate design strategy into impactful, consumer-centered creative solutions that elevate brand performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of design initiatives across assigned brands and categories, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, visual standards, and business objectives.
• Manage, mentor, and develop designers by providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and ongoing performance coaching.
• Translate design strategies into actionable briefs, timelines, workflows, and deliverables.
• Partner cross-functionally with Brand, Marketing, Innovation, Operations, and other key stakeholders to deliver effective design solutions on schedule and within budget.
• Provide day-to-day direction and oversight to external agencies, production partners, and vendors.
• Review, evaluate, and approve creative work to ensure quality, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards.
• Oversee production and pre-press activities, ensuring flawless execution from concept through final delivery.
• Support budget management, production planning, and operational processes related to design projects.
• Identify, recommend, and implement opportunities to improve workflows, tools, processes, and team efficiency.
• Ensure all design assets and deliverables meet regulatory requirements, production specifications, and organizational standards.

Who you will work with

• Senior Design Leadership
• Brand Marketing Teams
• Innovation & Product Development Teams
• Operations & Manufacturing Partners
• External Design Agencies
• Production and Pre-Press Vendors
• Photography and Creative Production Partners
• Cross-functional stakeholders throughout the organization

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) design, with food industry experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing design teams and leading creative projects from concept through execution.
• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and strong design concept development and execution capabilities.
• Proven leadership skills with experience guiding teams, managing projects, and influencing stakeholders.
• Exceptional visual storytelling abilities with a strong understanding of brand-building principles.
• Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Deep knowledge of graphic design principles, art production, photography, packaging design, and production processes.
• Strong understanding of packaging regulations and requirements within the CPG industry.
• Working knowledge of typography, photography, print production, proofing, color management, and color separations.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

• Experience within the food and beverage industry.
• Experience working with nationally recognized consumer brands.
• Knowledge of packaging asset management systems and digital workflow tools.
• Experience leading external agency relationships and creative vendor partnerships.
• Exposure to innovation, product launch, and commercialization processes.
• Experience managing production budgets and forecasting project costs.
• Familiarity with sustainability-focused packaging initiatives and emerging packaging trends.
• Experience working in a highly matrixed or global organization.
• Knowledge of consumer insights and their application to packaging and design strategy.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, short and long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance (for individual, families, and domestic partners) beginning on day one.
• Matching 401(k) plan with immediate vesting, eligible from the first day of employment.
• Unlimited sick time along with paid time off and holiday pay.
• Free access to the fitness center (if at WHQ).
• Access to on-site day care (operated by Bright Horizons) and company store.
• “Campbell’s Cares” program matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually.
• Variety of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support employees.

Pay

The target base salary range for this full-time, salaried position is between $105,200-$157,800. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation.