Packaging Designer

We’re a production driven creative team working across a wide and fast moving range of retail products. Our focus is on delivering well crafted, print ready packaging that meets both creative and commercial needs.

While this isn’t a traditional agency setting, we value designers who combine creativity with precision, structure, and reliability, bringing strong ideas to the table while working within real world production timelines and requirements.

We’re looking for a highly skilled Packaging Designer to join our in-house team. This is a key role in the development of packaging across a broad portfolio of consumer products. We’re specifically looking for someone with a deep understanding of print production, DTP, and packaging legislation, who can take ownership of their projects from concept to completion.

This is not a junior role. Candidates must bring a strong portfolio, relevant experience in packaging design, and a solid grasp of what it takes to create retail ready work in a high volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging across multiple retail categories, from concept through to final production.

• Prepare accurate, print-ready artwork using professional DTP standards.

• Work closely with suppliers and printers to ensure specs, materials, and execution are aligned with expectations.

• Translate product and brand information into functional, consumer friendly, and visually appealing designs.

• Collaborate with cross functional teams (Project Managers, Buyers, Product Development, Marketing, and Procurement) to deliver successful product launches.

• Ensure design consistency within product lines and across categories.

• Proactively identify next steps in the design lifecycle, work independently with minimal supervision.

• Stay informed on design trends, sustainability, and innovation within packaging.

• Understand and correctly apply legal warnings, claims, and regulatory packaging requirements (EU/international).

• Perform or support in-house photography, when required, for packaging assets, mockups, or internal reference.

Requirements

Education

• MBO or HBO degree in Graphic and Packaging Design (preferred), Communication & Multimedia Design, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience as a Packaging and Graphic Designer within retail or FMCG.

• Proven experience designing across multiple product categories.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Strong DTP capabilities and experience creating print-ready files.

• Solid understanding of packaging production techniques, materials, dielines, and color proofing.

• Working knowledge of branding and marketing principles within a commercial/retail environment.

• Good understanding of international packaging legislation (e.g., icons, warning labels, claims).

• Detail oriented and structured in your design approach.

• Able to handle feedback and work on multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Creative thinker with the ability to bring new concepts and ideas forward.

• Strong communication skills, comfortable aligning with both creative and non-creative teams.

• Proactive, self-managing, and solution oriented.

Bonus Skills (Highly Desired)

• Experience using automation tools or plugins within Adobe (e.g., scripts, actions, or AI-based tools) to streamline workflow.

• Experience with AI tools such as Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, KREA and similar software.

• Affinity with consumer behavior and how design influences purchasing decisions.

• Interest in sustainable packaging practices and new material developments.

• Strong organizational skills and a proactive mindset.

Language Requirements

English: Required

Dutch: Strong advantage (but not mandatory)

If you’re confident in your packaging experience, understand the level of precision needed for retail work, and are ready to contribute to a fast-paced studio with a broad product range, we’d love to hear from you.

What you can expect from us:

A great job within an enthusiastic team with an informal corporate culture. In addition to hard work, fun and collegiality are of paramount importance. Karsten International is in a phase of strong growth and development, so you have every opportunity to contribute to this.

We offer:

• A 40-hour contract

• Room for personal growth and professional development

• An excellent pension scheme

• Travel allowance

• 13th month bonus

• 8% holiday allowance

• An extensive lunch

• Fresh fruit

• Freshly ground coffee

• Weekly Boot Camp

• Weekly Yoga

• Lease Bike option

• Your own football team

• Massage

• Discount on cool products

• Frimibo and fun parties

• An Instagram-worthy and easily accessible office in Amsterdam

Are you the candidate we are looking for? Then we would like to receive your motivation with CV short motivation via the application link.

Questions? Ask our Recruiter Febraneila f.kusuma@karsten.nl 06 - 27 46 74 80 / +31 20 261 4883  

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.