Location: Minnetonka, Minnesota
Department: Creative / Marketing
Reports To: Creative Director
$60,000 - $70,000 - Full-Time
About the Position
We’re looking for a detail-driven Packaging Designer / Production Artist to join our creative team. This role is a blend of hands-on production work and conceptual packaging design — ideal for someone who can move seamlessly from refining dielines and managing print-ready files to concepting bold new packaging solutions that stand out at retail.
You’ll collaborate closely with our creative director and product development teams to bring innovative packaging ideas to life, from initial concept through to print-ready artwork.
Who we are:
Rapala USA believes in selling fun. We work hard to maintain our legacy in a competitive market, but don’t take ourselves too seriously. Afterall, it’s just fishing.
We are passionate about our products, from the legendary Finnish fishing lures started in 1936, to the new innovative Crush City soft plastics. We approach all functions of our business with the same passion by valuing exceptional knowledge and innovative ideas. We bolster a culture that invests in employees, fosters growth and internal promotion, and believe in improving all facets of our business.
We are the US affiliate of the Finnish based parent company, Rapala VMC OYJ. In the US, we are a mid-sized wholesaler centralized in Minnesota where we focus on US sales and product innovation with a distribution center located in Eagan, MN.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Design Updates
- Updating current packaging; layout, text, logos, and legal, ensuring all updates meet brand and legal standards.
- Coordinate with other departments for proof approvals as needed.
- Prepare final print-ready files and distribute to the project coordinator, factory,
- or supplier.
Packaging Concept Development
- Create new packaging concepts and refresh existing designs.
- Gather project information, product samples, and direction from project coordinators.
- Research packaging structures (box, blister, trap clam, strap, etc.) and collaborate with creative and product development teams.
- Build mockups and digital visual prototypes to present design directions.
- Develop creative design concepts, researching color, layout, and trend inspiration.
- Refine designs based on feedback from the creative director, product development, and sales teams.
- Write or refine packaging copy as needed.
- Manage revisions through to final approval and print production.
- Occasionally, communicate directly with suppliers or vendors to clarify artwork or specs.
- Distribute final files to relevant teams and suppliers.
Instruction Manuals & Support Materials
- Update or create new manuals from new information, supplied files, or from scratch, maintaining brand consistency and clarity.
- Route proofs for approval with the creative and product development teams.
- Distribute final files to relevant teams and suppliers.
- Retouch product images, assist with catalog production and proofing, and jump in on other creative opportunities within the department.
Qualifications
- 3–5 years of professional experience in packaging design and production artwork, preferably in consumer goods or manufacturing.
- Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator with strong skills in Photoshop and InDesign. Other modeling applications is a plus.
- Solid understanding of packaging structural design, print production, dielines, color management, and packaging materials.
- Hands-on mockup creation and presentation to visually communicate a design concept.
- Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail. Proofreading your work and others.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments and with external vendors.
Why Join Us
You’ll be part of a creative, collaborative team that takes pride in producing industry-leading packaging for some of the most trusted brands in the fishing industry. Here, your ideas move from the screen to retail worldwide — and every project is a chance to innovate, refine, and make an impact.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
