Creative Lead (Ref: 188233)

Senior Creative Lead Packaging (Contract, 6–12 Months)

Department: Brand Creative, Retail

Location: Manchester (Hybrid)

Compensation: £300-£400 (Freelance) – DOE

Contact: [email protected]

The Role

We're looking for a Senior Packaging Creative Lead to join our client and elevate packaging to new heights. In this pivotal contract role, you'll bring strategic vision, bold creative direction, and deep technical expertise across materials, print processes, and structural design. This is a hands-on, senior-level role embedded within the company – working closely with brand, product, and supply chain teams to push the boundaries of packaging innovation, sustainability, and design excellence.

Responsibilities - Creative Lead Packaging

• Lead the creative development of innovative, market-defining packaging across the full portfolio
• Oversee creative quality, brand alignment, and print-readiness for all packaging outputs
• Champion packaging innovation, materials sustainability, and cutting-edge structural design
• Collaborate cross-functionally with NPD, Product, Supply Chain, and global print partners
• Guide and approve creative briefs, driving clarity and creative ambition
• Provide mentorship and leadership to the internal packaging design team
• Continually refine packaging processes, improving efficiency and creative output

Requirements - Creative Lead Packaging

• Extensive experience leading packaging design for major FMCG or lifestyle brands
• Deep technical knowledge of materials, print production, and sustainability best practices
• Proven creative leadership, with the ability to inspire and manage high-performing teams
• Strong conceptual thinker able to translate insights and trends into bold packaging solutions
• Familiarity with production realities, quality control, and scaling creative across global markets
• Comfortable in a high-volume, fast-paced creative environment