1. Creative & Production Feasibility

• Translate creative concepts into practical production solutions.

• Assess production feasibility against briefs, identifying required materials, processes, and equipment.

• Recommend design adjustments to improve manufacturability, efficiency, or cost without compromising quality.

• Proactively identify and resolve potential production challenges early in the development cycle.

2. Graphic Design & Print Production

• Create and adapt production-ready artwork for products, packaging, and printed materials.

• Develop and maintain die-lines, templates, cutting guides, and print specifications.

• Apply expert knowledge of print processes (e.g., digital, lithographic, sublimation, laser cutting).

• Manage pre-press requirements, including colour management, bleed, resolution, and finishing.

• Collaborate with printers and suppliers to resolve technical artwork issues and maintain high production standards.

3. Prototyping & Product Development

• Produce physical prototypes and development samples to validate concepts.

• Test different materials, substrates, finishes, and construction methods.

• Refine designs based on testing feedback and create production-quality samples for approval.

• Document test results, design changes, and production requirements.

4. Production Process Development

• Develop practical, repeatable production methods for new and existing products.

• Determine efficient production sequences and develop templates, jigs, or other production aids.

• Standardize processes to improve consistency and reduce manual intervention.

• Test and refine new methods before implementation, working with Production to resolve challenges.

5. Product Costing & Commercial Feasibility

• Support commercial viability by providing accurate inputs for production costing (materials, print, labour, etc.).

• Compare alternative production methods and materials based on cost and quality.

• Identify opportunities to reduce material usage, production time, and waste.

6. Production Readiness & Implementation

• Ensure all artwork, templates, and technical documentation are complete and approved for launch.

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and visual guides.

• Define quality standards and validate methods through trial or first production runs.

• Support Production teams during the rollout of new products, resolving technical issues as they arise.

7. Training & Knowledge Transfer

• Equip Production teams with the tools and knowledge to manufacture products correctly.

• Create visual training materials and clear work instructions.

• Train teams on new products, techniques, equipment, and quality requirements.

• Provide ongoing technical support and maintain up-to-date production documentation.

8. Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate and resolve recurring production and quality issues.

• Identify root causes and implement practical solutions to reduce waste, rework, and production time.

• Incorporate production feedback into future development to drive continuous improvement.

9. Materials, Technology & Production Innovation

• Research new printing technologies, materials, and production techniques.

• Stay informed on industry trends (e.g., digital printing, laser cutting, sublimation) to identify new business opportunities.

• Test new materials and technologies for commercial application and recommend beneficial new equipment or methods.

10. Technical Asset & Sample Management

• Maintain an organized archive of approved samples, prototypes, artwork, and production files.

• Ensure files are correctly named, version-controlled, and stored.

• Maintain a library of approved materials and production references for easy access by relevant teams.

11. Supplier & Production Collaboration

• Liaise with printers, manufacturers, and suppliers on technical specifications.

• Brief suppliers clearly, review and approve samples, and troubleshoot production issues.

• Evaluate supplier capabilities and build strong relationships to encourage innovation and problem-solving.

• Graphic Design qualification or equivalent practical experience.

• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience in a graphic design role.

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

• Strong understanding of print production, pre-press requirements, and file preparation.

• Experience creating die-lines, templates, and cutting paths.

• Practical understanding of various printing and production processes.

• Hands-on ability to work with physical materials and develop prototypes.

• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and strong problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with creative, development, and production teams.

Advantageous

• Experience in product development or packaging development.

• Experience with manufacturing/production machinery (e.g., laser cutting, engraving, vinyl cutting, sublimation).

• Experience developing jigs, templates, or production aids.

• Basic CAD or 3D design experience.

• Experience with costing and production calculations.

• Experience writing SOPs and training production teams.

• Experience in a fast-paced e-commerce, gifting, retail, or manufacturing environment.