Design Director, Packaging

Req ID: 7112

Department: Marketing

Status: Reg F-T Exempt, Exempt

Location: Napa, California (US-CA)

Workplace Location: On-Site

Job Summary:

The Packaging Design Director leads the ideation, design, and delivery of on-brief packaging concepts for our luxury Wine and Spirits brands, operating with minimal supervision under high-level creative direction. This role owns projects end-to-end, from concept through production, and is held to an uncompromising standard of craft and a discerning eye for detail.

As a category expert, the Director is fluent in the full packaging component set (labels, capsules, closures, shippers) and brings forward new ideas and strategic points of view, influencing key stakeholders to ensure big ideas and brand equity follow through from concept to shelf. They also demonstrate an understanding of how to bring products to life through compelling visual storytelling and polished in-person and remote presentations.

The ideal candidate is adaptable and fluent in consumer facing creative, balancing the refined sensibility of elevated packaging design with the pragmatic reality of shelf visibility and retail performance. This role requires a high level of accountability, comfort facing challenges directly, and a strong collaborative instinct across cross-functional teams, all within a fast-moving environment.

Essential Functions:

The following reflects the essential functions for this job. Leadership may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or the needs of the business.

• Review project briefs and partner with the Creative Director to align on design direction and deliverables
• Ideate, design, and produce agency-caliber creative work
• Curate and retouch imagery to meet brand-specific aesthetic standards as needed
• Stay current on design tools, technologies, and market/category trends
• Partner with the packaging production team to oversee implementation and final execution of packaging mechanicals
• Proof artwork with a keen eye on typography, color accuracy, print specs, client requirements and consistency
• Attend press checks to ensure output meets company production standards
• Meet in person with brand managers to review inks and finishes, providing on the spot alternatives
• Prepare and set up client-facing presentations, printouts and collateral
• Work cross-functionally to gather requirements, align on direction, and secure design sign-off
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• BFA or MFA in Graphic Design, or equivalent professional experience
• 6+ years of professional experience with an emphasis in package design; agency and CPG experience strongly preferred
• Portfolio demonstrating strong design execution and strategic thinking
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Expert-level understanding of brand development, visual systems, and line extensions
• Advanced knowledge of print production and press practices
• Mastery of design fundamentals: typography, composition, color, and layout
• Strong logo development and custom lettering skills; illustration and photography a plus
• Proven ability to interpret and execute a design brief through robust exploration and brand strategy
• Resourceful and proactive — able to work independently under pressure across multiple projects, while also collaborating effectively with a team
• Strong time management, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to prepare focused, compelling presentations for both in-person and remote audiences
• Strong work ethic and can-do attitude

Working Conditions:

• On-site work in office in Napa, CA Mon – Thurs with remote option on Fridays
• Regular travel, both by car and air
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds (case of wine)
• Long and/or irregular hours during peak seasons and special events may be required

• Moderate to heavy physical activity (moving wine cases and retail supplies, setup)

Salary Range: $145,000.00 - $160,000.00

The starting pay will be based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, training, education, and geographic location. TFE offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, PTO, wellness programs and fertility and family building benefits. We also provide a 401(k) plan where TFE may make a discretionary profit-sharing contribution.

Trinchero Family Estates provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Trinchero Family Estates complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.