- Location
- Kansas City, MO
- Department
- IT
- Seniority
- Senior
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Source
- ApplicantStack
Description
At Russell Stover, not only do we love chocolate, but we love our jobs! Every day we go to work exhibiting our values of excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and collaboration. Working at Russell Stover you’ll be part of the leading manufacturer of boxed, seasonal, and sugar-free chocolates. For over 100 years, Russell Stover Chocolates, Whitman’s, and Pangburn’s have been crafted with the finest ingredients to bring happiness to generations. Today, we produce over 55 million pounds of chocolate annually, and our legacy brands can be found in 13 company-owned stores and over 9,000 wholesale accounts. Join our team and let’s continue making chocolate lovers happy!
A day in the life…
As the Senior Designer, Print Production, you will oversee the execution of print production and packaging initiatives across our portfolio of brands. You will oversee the daily workflow and priorities of the print production design team, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards while balancing internal and external resources to meet business needs.
In this role, you will develop production-ready artwork, manage proofing and approval processes, lead prototype development, and collaborate with packaging vendors to ensure quality and execution standards are met. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to deliver impactful creative work that enhances brand presence and supports business growth.
What you will be doing…
If visiting our manufacturing plants, you will be expected to:
Do you have what it takes?
(Basic Qualifications)
Do you stand above the rest?
(Preferred Qualifications)
We provide equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Employment by Russell Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.
A day in the life…
As the Senior Designer, Print Production, you will oversee the execution of print production and packaging initiatives across our portfolio of brands. You will oversee the daily workflow and priorities of the print production design team, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards while balancing internal and external resources to meet business needs.
In this role, you will develop production-ready artwork, manage proofing and approval processes, lead prototype development, and collaborate with packaging vendors to ensure quality and execution standards are met. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to deliver impactful creative work that enhances brand presence and supports business growth.
What you will be doing…
- Oversee team workflow, project prioritization, timelines, and deliverables, balancing workload across the print production design team to ensure efficient execution, balanced capacity, and the on-time delivery of high-quality work across multiple concurrent initiatives.
- Manage relationships with freelance resources supporting packaging updates and new packaging initiatives to balance workload, meet project demands, and align with business priorities.
- Manage the implementation, adoption, and ongoing optimization of WebCenter workflows, coordinating testing, training, and cross-functional and vendor collaboration to drive efficiency, consistency, and operational excellence.
- Own the company Prototype Program, including intake, artwork coordination, specification verification, vendor management, fulfillment, proof approvals, production oversight, and delivery of executive Marketing and Innovation prototypes.
- Create and prepare production-ready artwork, line extensions, and print files that meet technical specifications, brand standards, and press requirements to ensure accurate and efficient production.
- Manage the proofing process by coordinating, reviewing, and obtaining approvals for color tests, drawdowns, press proofs, and other production samples to ensure quality, accuracy, and readiness for commercialization.
- Attend press checks as needed to ensure quality and accuracy.
If visiting our manufacturing plants, you will be expected to:
- Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines during plant visits to support product quality and uphold food safety standards.
- Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the company’s food safety and quality objectives.
- Promptly report any observed or suspected issues that may impact food safety, quality, or compliance to the designated plant personnel, to support timely corrective actions and maintain compliance.
- Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.
Do you have what it takes?
(Basic Qualifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in Print, Graphic Design, Packaging, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in print production or packaging.
- Proficient in Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Acrobat and PowerPoint.
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
- Ability to travel up to 20%
Do you stand above the rest?
(Preferred Qualifications)
- Experience in CPG, retail, or agency environments.
- Experience managing print production processes, vendor relationships, and cost negotiations.
- Strong background in printing and printing process.
- Familiar with embellishments and specialty finishes.
- Excellent knowledge of color management.
- Solid understanding of substrates (carton board, corrugate, flexible film, labels).
We provide equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Employment by Russell Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.
Make Happy. Work Happy.
Skills
ExcelGMPGraphic DesignComplianceFood SafetyProject Management