Package Graphic Designer

In 1977, when Harbor Freight Tools was started as a small family-owned business, we made a commitment to provide working people with great quality tools at the lowest prices. And for over 35 years, Harbor Freight Tools has done just that. From hand tools and generators, to air and power tools, from shop equipment to automotive tools, Harbor Freight offers more than 7,000 tools and accessories at quality levels that match or exceed competing brands, but at prices that are up to 80% less.

The Packaging Designer is responsible for the design and production of all packaging and related materials, as well as creative input for retail graphics and trade show exhibits. This position is responsible for creating, understanding, and maintaining the brand architecture standards of Harbor Freight Tools private brands.

* Understand the value of the creative brief and the style guide as a road map with the ability to lead others through the guide and gain buy in. * Research competitive brands and products to better inform and attract our customers by emulating the success, and avoiding the failures, of common product packaging in the market place. * Develop, create and execute compelling high-impact designs for a variety of materials including product badge, labels, packaging and supporting brand and retail branding material. * Develop innovative and competitive product packaging art, establishing design direction and delivering design solutions, all with a solid understanding of brand architecture. * Partner and assist leaders of the Harbor Freight Category Team in achieving their business objectives by analyzing information, strategizing solutions and translating all to strong visual concepts appropriate for the brand, audience, market, culture and business context. * Collaborate with Merchandising teams with regard to photography requests to feature a product in the best light and context to excite our customers. * Communicate design recommendations, identifying new design opportunities in a clear and compelling manner to all levels of management as well as in executive presentations * Proven project management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects and organize workload to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. * Know the difference between packaging types, such as blister packs, clamshells, color boxes, etc., Experience choosing correct corrugate for weight, shipment and durability a plus. **Scope** * Supervises staff - no * Financial Scope - no * Organized all working materials based on clear standards and naming conventions of Manager of Brand and Packaging * Decision Making required with regard to brand to market strategy with key personnel in merchandising and global sourcing departments * May travel to trade shows no more than once per year, domestic travel only.

* Associates Degree in Graphic Arts or Design or Bachelors in Design * 2- 5 years experience as a graphic designer in-house, or graphic/ad agency * Experience working with foreign, and primarily Asian, manufacturers and packaging solutions a plus * Highly skilled in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, and MS Office in a Macintosh environment * Extensive knowledge of digital and PDF workflows * Knowledge of various packaging materials and processes, i.e. corrugate, plastics, clamshells, blow molding, etc. * Strong Background in digital photography and conventional photography methods * Artistic and creative talents with ability to visualize finished product * Very organized and able to prioritize; good time management practices * Sense of urgency and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines * Good eye for color and attention to detail * Ability to work effectively as a team member * Must be able to present and sell design ideas with articulate approach * Consistently meets deadlines and handles workload * Provides high quality finished work * Ability to work overtime to meet business needs * Ongoing supply of fresh design ideas **Physical Requirements** General office environment requiring ability to: * stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time * speak and listen to others in person and over the phone * use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports * lift up to 15 lbs.