Graphic Designer - Fort Lee - Overseas Food Trading Ltd.

Description

The Graphic Designer is responsible for executing high-quality packaging, print, and digital design initiatives that support Overseas Food Trading's expanding global product portfolio. This role combines creative development with technical production expertise to ensure visually compelling, production-ready materials that align with brand standards, regulatory requirements, and commercial objectives.

The position supports cross-functional departments, including Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Compliance, and Logistics, ensuring that all creative assets are delivered accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines. The Graphic Designer plays a key role in maintaining brand consistency, supporting product launches, and contributing to the company's continued growth in both retail and foodservice sectors.

This role requires effective collaboration with internal stakeholders and external print vendors. The individual must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift and must respond with flexibility, professionalism, and structured follow-through.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Creative Development & Design Execution

• Develop compelling packaging, product labels, marketing collateral, and digital assets that effectively showcase the company's global product portfolio.

• Execute design projects from initial concept through final production, ensuring alignment with brand standards and commercial objectives.

• Translate product positioning and sales strategies into visually engaging creative solutions.

• Maintain consistency across multiple brands while adapting designs to category-specific requirements.

• Contribute creative ideas during team brainstorming sessions and design reviews while remaining receptive to direction and feedback.

Packaging Production & Technical File Preparation

• Prepare production-ready artwork files in accordance with printer specifications, dielines, and regulatory labeling requirements.

• Ensure proper setup of bleeds, color profiles, trapping, typography, and layout accuracy for print production.

• Create accurate mockups and renderings for internal review, sales presentations, and customer approvals.

• Coordinate proof reviews and revisions to maintain quality control prior to final release.

• Communicate directly with print vendors and external production partners to confirm technical specifications and production timelines.

Project Management & Workflow Coordination

• Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining high standards of quality and meeting established deadlines.

• Proactively prioritize workload based on shifting business needs and launch timelines.

• Support Senior Graphic Designer and team members during peak periods to ensure departmental efficiency.

• Maintain organized digital file structures, version control, and archived assets for long-term accessibility.

• Track project progress and follow through to completion with structured organization and accountability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and Compliance to ensure design solutions align with regulatory standards and commercial objectives.

• Incorporate stakeholder feedback efficiently while maintaining design integrity and visual clarity.

• Support product launches by ensuring all creative materials are completed accurately and delivered on schedule.

• Assist in resolving design-related production issues through clear communication and solution-oriented problem solving.

Continuous Improvement & Brand Support

• Stay current with packaging trends, print technologies, and food industry design standards.

• Identify opportunities to enhance workflow efficiency and creative processes within the Design Department.

• Contribute to the ongoing elevation of brand presentation across retail and foodservice channels.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability for assigned design projects from concept through production release.

• Consistently deliver high-quality, production-ready artwork that meets brand standards, regulatory requirements, and technical specifications.

• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail, minimizing revisions caused by preventable errors.

• Effectively manage multiple concurrent projects while meeting established deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Exhibit professionalism and flexibility when priorities shift or urgent requests arise.

• Maintain organized digital file systems and documentation to support team efficiency and long-term asset management.

• Communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with internal departments and external vendors.

• Contribute positively to team morale by supporting colleagues during high-volume periods and participating constructively in feedback sessions.

• Demonstrate initiative in identifying workflow improvements and creative enhancements.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field required.

• A minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably in packaging, print production, or food/CPG industries.

• Demonstrated experience preparing production-ready artwork files for commercial print.

• Experience collaborating cross-functionally within a structured business environment preferred.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements/Specialized Courses and/or Training:

• Strong foundation in design principles including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

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

• Advanced Photoshop capabilities, including photo manipulation, retouching, and product renderings.

• Solid understanding of packaging mechanics, dielines, labeling requirements, and print production processes.

• Knowledge of color management, prepress preparation, and technical file setup for commercial printing.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities with structured organization and attention to detail.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot production-related issues.

• Working knowledge of FDA labeling standards or food packaging compliance requirements is a plus.

Language and Communication Skills:

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to clearly articulate design concepts, creative rationale, and technical requirements to internal stakeholders and external vendors.

• Effective collaboration with cross-functional departments including Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Compliance, and Logistics.

• Ability to interpret and incorporate feedback efficiently while maintaining professionalism and design integrity.

• Clear and professional communication when coordinating with print vendors regarding specifications, proofs, revisions, and production timelines.

• Strong listening skills and openness to constructive critique in a collaborative team environment.

Physical, sensory, and motor demands:

Frequent standing and sitting. Intermittent squatting, bending, twisting, lifting. This position requires excellent visual acuity and auditory sense. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.