Graphics Manager, Corporate

About The Company

Carl Buddig and Company is a renowned leader in the meat manufacturing industry with a legacy spanning over 80 years. Originally established as a family-owned enterprise, the company has grown into a prominent producer of high-quality meat products, including popular lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under the Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin. Our success is rooted in our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,500 employees across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand our reach and influence, driven by a vision for excellence and a keen responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences. At Carl Buddig and Company, we cultivate a culture that emphasizes teamwork and innovation. We are committed to fostering an environment that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our efforts extend beyond business operations; we actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through donations, volunteer activities, and strategic partnerships. Our goal is to make a meaningful positive impact on the communities we serve, reflecting our core values of integrity and social responsibility. Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation. We are passionate about delivering quality meat products and equally dedicated to our people and communities, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders.

About The Role

The Corporate Graphics Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of graphics and labeling programs for Carl Buddig and Company, including CBC, CBQ, and Old Wisconsin. This role involves ensuring compliance with USDA and Canadian labeling regulations, managing label submissions, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners such as consultants, printers, and regulatory agencies. The Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for all graphics-related inquiries, ensuring that packaging designs meet regulatory standards and align with brand guidelines. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The Manager will be responsible for reviewing and approving packaging samples, maintaining accurate records of approvals, and updating packaging specifications within the company's systems. Additionally, the role involves creating and maintaining documentation related to packaging changes and ensuring smooth communication across departments and external partners to facilitate timely product launches and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience working with government labeling processes, particularly USDA and Canadian regulations, and possess a thorough understanding of packaging graphics. They should be proficient in relevant software tools and possess excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the entire graphics and labeling program from concept to implementation.
• Handle all USDA and Canadian label submissions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with USDA and Canadian consultants to verify packaging meets all legal requirements.
• Proof all package labels to ensure adherence to regulations and company policies.
• Finalize signoff on supplier and customer approval proofs via online platforms and manual processes.
• Approve live packaging samples prior to release for production.
• Serve as the primary contact for customer inquiries related to claims and sourcing issues.
• Distribute film and label samples for graphic updates and review.
• Create and maintain documentation related to packaging changes and updates (Management of Change).
• Update and maintain packaging specifications within the company's system, including pallet patterns and images.
• Maintain accurate records of all USDA and graphics approvals.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Pre-Press) and external vendors (printers, agencies, suppliers) to ensure smooth communication and project execution.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of college education.
• At least 2 years of experience working with packaging graphics and government labeling submissions.
• Experience with USDA and Canadian labeling approval processes and regulations preferred.
• Graphics and regulatory certifications are a plus.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize and manage multiple projects across brands and facilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Availability to work 40 or more hours per week.
• Knowledge of printing techniques and Adobe Creative Suite is advantageous.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Life Insurance coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid Vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Tuition Reimbursement program.
• Potential discretionary bonus based on personal and company performance.