Packaging Designer

COMPANY 🌱RYZE was founded in 2019 by Andrée Werner and Rashad Hossain, out of a parents' basement, with a mission to change daily health, starting with the morning routine: a nutrient-dense mushroom coffee delivering clean energy, mental clarity, and immune support. Built on a Direct-to-Consumer foundation with a performance marketing engine, RYZE achieved hockey-stick growth and a community of over 1 million active subscribers.

DTC remains the foundation, but RYZE has expanded into mass retail, quickly becoming the #2 items in Target's overall coffee category and is now executing a multi-channel expansion, with a cross-category launch coming in early 2027. RYZE is uniquely positioned to redefine how people think about daily wellness.

We’re a lean, fast-moving, mission-driven team who believe daily rituals create the foundation for living your greatest life, and we’re just getting started!
WHAT YOU'LL DO 🎯

We’re looking for a Packaging Designer to own the design and production of RYZE’s packaging across our full SKU portfolio. As RYZE expands into new products, categories, and retail channels, packaging is one of our most visible brand expressions — and this role is responsible for making sure it’s always excellent.

You’ll work closely with Brand Creative, Brand Marketing, Product, Regulatory, Operations, and Production — taking packaging from concept through production-ready artwork, managing revisions and versioning, and ensuring every file that goes to print is accurate, complete, and brand-consistent.

Responsibilities will include:

Packaging Design & Concepting

• Design primary and secondary packaging across RYZE’s product portfolio, from initial concept through final approved artwork.
• Develop packaging solutions that translate brand identity effectively across different substrates, formats, and retail environments.
• Create concept explorations and design directions for new products, line extensions, limited editions, and seasonal packaging.
• Present design work clearly to internal stakeholders and incorporate feedback efficiently.

Artwork & Production Files

• Prepare complete, print-ready artwork files in Adobe Illustrator: die-lines, construction details, color separations, Pantone callouts, and finishing specifications (varnish, spot UV, emboss/deboss, foil, and more).
• Manage artwork versioning across SKUs — keeping files organized, accurate, and current as formulations, claims, or regulatory requirements change.
• Coordinate with printers and production partners to ensure artwork meets their technical requirements.
• Review printed proofs and production samples against specs; provide clear, actionable revision notes.

Regulatory & Compliance Coordination

• Collaborate with the Regulatory team to incorporate compliance requirements into packaging design — nutrition facts panels, ingredient statements, certifications, claims, and legal copy — without sacrificing design quality.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date files for all active SKUs and ensure design archives are organized and accessible.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the design partner to Regulatory, Operations, and Production throughout the packaging development and revision process.
• Work with Brand Creative and Brand Marketing to ensure packaging is on-brand and aligned with broader creative direction.
• Flag feasibility, cost, or timeline risks early and propose design solutions that keep projects moving.

Professional Qualifications

• 4+ years of packaging design experience, ideally including CPG, food and beverage, or consumer health brands.
• Expert-level Adobe Illustrator; strong Photoshop and InDesign.
• Deep understanding of print production: substrates, finishing techniques, color management, and production file preparation.
• Experience designing for multiple retail environments: DTC, specialty, and mass retail.
• Strong understanding of packaging regulations and on-pack requirements (nutrition panels, ingredient statements, certifications, Prop 65, etc.).
• Experience managing artwork versioning across a multi-SKU portfolio.
• Excellent organizational skills — able to manage multiple projects and revisions simultaneously without losing accuracy.
• Strong communicator with internal teams, printers, and production partners.

Core Compentencies

• Packaging design — Designs primary and secondary packaging that translates brand identity effectively across different formats, substrates, and retail environments.
• Production file mastery — Builds complete, print-ready artwork files correctly the first time. Printers and production partners can work from the files without clarification.
• Regulatory fluency — Incorporates on-pack compliance requirements without compromising design quality. Knows the rules well enough to find the best design solution within them.
• Versioning & file management — Manages artwork updates across a multi-SKU portfolio with accuracy. Nothing falls through the cracks.
• Cross-functional partnership — Keeps Regulatory, Operations, Production, and Creative aligned throughout the packaging process. Flags risks early and proposes solutions.
• Retail environment awareness — Understands how packaging performs on-shelf across DTC, specialty, and mass retail — and designs accordingly.
• Proactive problem-solving — Identifies feasibility, cost, or timeline risks before they become production problems. Brings solutions, not just flags.

WHAT WE OFFER 🌟

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and market benchmarks.
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid time off and company-observed holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
• Access to tools, resources, and training to support success in the role.