Senior Production Designer - Packaging

Dixon Ticonderoga Company (formerly known as Pacon Corporation) is seeking an experienced Senior Production Designer - Packaging to support the execution, extension, and accuracy of packaging artwork across a portfolio of iconic brands, including Ticonderoga, Prang, Tru-Ray, and ArtKraft.Our mission is to engage, inspire and empower teachers, students and artists to be at their best by providing them superior educational and art products. The Dixon Ticonderoga Company portfolio includes trusted brands across art and education products, including the iconic Ticonderoga #2 pencil, and serves both School and Retail Markets. The Dixon Ticonderoga Company is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin.Position Summary:The Senior Production Designer operates with a high degree of autonomy and is a key owner of production accuracy and packaging execution. The role is execution-focused and responsible for applying existing brand systems to a wide range of products and packaging structures, ensuring production accuracy, regulatory compliance, and print readiness. The ideal candidate brings deep production knowledge, strong attention to detail, and a calm, methodical approach to managing high-volume packaging work.Key Responsibilities:Packaging Production & ExecutionExtend existing packaging designs across multiple package sizes, formats, and structuresApply established brand architecture consistently across SKUs without redesigning or reinterpreting creative intentPrepare, manage, and maintain print-ready production files for manufacturingSupport controlled versioning and SKU proliferation with strong file disciplineProofing, Accuracy & Risk ManagementProof, review, and provide approval or escalation recommendations for first-run and pre-production items for accuracy, completeness, and complianceEvaluate packaging changes with an understanding of downstream production, inventory, and compliance impactsUse structured review and checklist-based approaches to minimize production errorsPrint & Production ExpertiseSupport packaging across a variety of print processes, including offset, flexographic, gravure, digital, and screen printingApply working knowledge of:Spot colors and ink systemsOverprints, trapping, and print specificationsBarcodes and scan-abilityDielines and structural packaging filesRegulatory & Compliance AwarenessEnsure packaging artwork meets retail and regulatory requirements, including:Country of originRequired disclosures and markingsClaims and product descriptorsLanguage considerationsCollaborate with internal legal, QA, and sourcing teams as neededVendor & Cross-Functional CommunicationCommunicate clearly and concisely with overseas vendors and suppliers, many of whom are non-native English speakersProvide unambiguous production instructions and visual markupsPartner closely with internal design, marketing, sourcing, and manufacturing teamsProcess Awareness & Continuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities to improve production efficiency, accuracy, and clarityContribute to documentation, templates, and best practices that support scalable production workflowsQualifications:7+ years of experience in production design, with significant packaging experienceDemonstrated success extending designs across multiple SKUs and packaging structuresStrong understanding of commercial print processes and production workflowsExceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracyProven experience proofing and approving production files and first-run samplesExperience working with global or overseas manufacturing partnersClear, professional written and verbal communication skillsAbility to remain focused and effective in deadline-driven environmentsWorking knowledge of regulatory requirements related to products in retail commerceProficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator required; Photoshop and InDesign strongly preferred) as well as familiarity with project management programs (e.g. monday.com, Trello, Asana, Robohead)Candidates located within approximately 2.5 hours of Appleton, WI are strongly preferred to support onboarding and collaboration. Exceptional remote candidates with demonstrated packaging production expertise will also be considered.Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee and are not be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, abilities and skills required of personnel so classified.BENEFITS:We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:Dixon Ticonderoga Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.Equal Opportunity Employer