Team & Position Description:
We are on a mission to bring learning to life! We are Learning Resources®, and we have been helping parents and teachers build generations of amazing kids since 1984. Voted among the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces for the last five consecutive years, we’re a family-owned company on a mission to bring learning to life with our award-winning products, including Toy of the Year winners Tumble Trax®, Botley® the Coding Robot, and Coding Critters™. From ABCs and 123s to fine motor and STEM skills, our educational toys offer kids the building blocks they need to succeed in school and develop a lifelong love of learning. We pride ourselves on being committed to our employee’s personal and professional development, a thriving culture and a diverse, creative atmosphere. Along with our culture and competitive benefits package, we offer opportunities for training and development by in-demand, motivating external speakers. We are looking for professionals who are truly just kids at heart! We hope you’ll come join our award-winning team today!
What we’re looking for (Key Performance Objectives):
- Packaging Design and Development
- Lead the design and development of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for a diverse range of toy products, ensuring adherence to brand aesthetics and functional requirements.
KPI: Complete 100% of packaging designs within project deadlines, maintaining a 95% approval rate from design and marketing teams.
- Sustainability Initiatives
- Drive efforts to incorporate environmentally friendly materials and practices in packaging design, aiming to reduce waste and improve recyclability.
KPI: Increase sustainable material usage by 15% year-over-year, with a 100% implementation rate for all new product lines.
- Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
- Work closely with product designers, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure packaging meets branding, cost, and manufacturing requirements.
KPI: Ensure 100% of packaging solutions align with product and brand guidelines, maintaining open communication with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones.
- Prototype Development and Testing
- Develop prototypes of new packaging concepts and oversee testing for durability, ease of use, and product protection during transportation.
KPI: Achieve a 90% success rate for packaging prototypes passing durability and transport tests on the first attempt.
- Cost Optimization and Process Improvement
- Continuously evaluate and improve packaging processes to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and ensure product quality.
KPI: Identify and implement at least three cost-saving packaging improvements annually, contributing to overall production efficiency.
- Compliance with Industry Standards
- Ensure all packaging designs comply with global safety and environmental standards for toy packaging, including labeling requirements and child safety regulations.
KPI: Achieve 100% compliance with international toy packaging standards and regulations across all product lines.
Other duties for this role will be assigned as necessary/appropriate.
Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience in packaging design, development, and testing, preferably in consumer goods, toys, or a similar industry.
- Experience with materials selection, structural packaging design, and packaging production processes (e.g., die-cutting, thermoforming, injection molding).
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks) for creating 3D packaging designs and dielines.
- Knowledge of packaging testing protocols (e.g., ISTA standards) to ensure durability and compliance.
- Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials and practices.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain impacts on packaging.
- Experience working with vendors and suppliers to develop and source packaging components.
Ideal Attributes:
- Motivational communication skills: excellent presentation and interpersonal skills
- Ability to think strategically and creatively, with a keen eye for detail
- Drives change for the better: offers ideas to increase efficiencies and adds to bottom-line results.
- Connects inside and outside the team: shares information, transfers knowledge and seeks diverse input from others within the team and across the organization.
- Takes Action: proactive and resourceful in solving problems, making solid decisions, and executing on goals.
- Owns Results: follows through on commitments, takes responsibility for actions and produces quality results.
We are a drug-free workplace and an EEO employer.
Please note: This role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time.
#LI-hybrid
