Senior Packaging Production Specialist

In accordance with Whole Foods Market product brand design standards and applicable printer specifications, the Sr. Print Production Specialist (Sr. PPS) is responsible for working with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate creation of packaging graphics according to printer specifications and substrate best practices. The Sr. PPS is also responsible for conducting file reviews focused on color station use within package design files, as well as review of contract proofs for color accuracy and acceptability of prepress techniques.This role is based in Austin, TX, with an expectation of being in the Store Support office 5 days a week.

Responsibilities: 

• Review all printer specifications and dieline files to ensure accuracy and utility of files, obtaining clarification on any details regarding dieline files and printer specifications. 

• Work with a variety of packaging substrates and printing processes to ensure successful production of printed product design graphics. (flexography/offset)

• Communicate with suppliers, printers, and internal teams regarding print capability-related questions or concerns. Schedule calls/meetings, as needed, to discuss questions regarding file-set up, balancing successful print production with cost considerations. 

• Receive and review pre-press/contract/printer proofs for accuracy, consistency and brand standards against files originally supplied. 

• Compile, organize and communicate all issues, revisions, questions, or cautions pertaining to the printer proofs and return to designated printer as needed. 

• Execute limited mechanical revisions to graphic files for product packaging.  

• Attend periodic press checks to ensure print quality of packaging. 

• Ensure working design and support art files are current and properly archived upon project completion, including archiving of PDF proofs with electronic files (when applicable). 

• Review first production of all product packaging for print quality expectations and follow up with all printers as necessary to correct/improve print quality for subsequent press runs.  

• Identify any opportunities for improvement in process, efficiency, speed to market, work quality and timeliness of activities involving Print Production Specialists. 

• Facilitate print production and quality control audit processes and ensure programs are well-documented and maintained for both reference and training.

• Assists in resolution of project work barriers (as needed) pertaining to proofing, print station optimization, substrate challenges and/or cost.

Qualifications: 

• 3+ years of CPG (or similar) experience in printing, prepress or production art for offset and/or flexographic printing. 

• Knowledge / familiarity with food packaging and requirements a plus.

• Ability to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 

• Excellent listening skills, attention to detail and ability to interpret and incorporate detailed feedback on food packaging graphics. 

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat Pro. 

• Highly-effective collaboration with clear and effective communication skills. 

• Flexible - able to take direction well and adapt to timeline developments and reprioritize.  

• Project management skills or WorkFront experience a plus. 

Education & Experience:

• BA/BS degree and 4-6 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in CPG.

The wage range for this position is $77,111.00-$131,089.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.