Creative Packaging Designer - Galway

About the Company

Smyths Toys is a major international specialist retailer focused on children's toys. The business sells through both online channels and a large network of physical stores across Europe and the UK, sourcing products from a wide range of suppliers in the UK, Europe, and other global markets.

About the Role

We are looking for a skilled and imaginative Packaging Designer to join the Galway City design team in Ireland. The role centers on creating commercially effective and visually engaging packaging for a broad mix of toy products that are sold in multiple international markets.

You will need to balance strong creative thinking with practical packaging know-how, making sure every design meets brand guidelines, retail needs, sustainability goals, and regulatory expectations across different countries.

Cross-Functional Design Support

Alongside packaging work, you will partner with internal design and marketing teams on a range of creative outputs. These may include point-of-sale materials, retail display assets, in-store promotional graphics, seasonal campaign artwork, signage, and other branded communication pieces. A flexible mindset and a cooperative working style are important.

Compensation

The salary for this position is €45,000 to €47,000, based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop fresh packaging concepts and complete design solutions for a varied range of toy products.
• Produce packaging artwork, structural ideas, mock-ups, and print-ready files for retail use.
• Work closely with buying, product development, marketing, and compliance teams throughout the process.
• Make sure the packaging clearly presents product benefits, brand messages, and consumer appeal.
• Oversee projects from the first idea stage through final production and release to market.
• Coordinate with overseas suppliers, printers, and packaging vendors to confirm quality and production practicality.
• Keep visual consistency across multiple brands and product lines.
• Monitor packaging trends, shopper behaviour, retail display approaches, and competitor activity in the toy sector.
• Check proofs, colour matching, print details, and samples before final approval.
• Support broader creative and marketing design tasks when required.

Essential Requirements

• At least 5 years of professional packaging design experience, ideally in consumer goods, retail, toys, or a related field.
• A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Product Design, Visual Communications, or a similar subject.
• A strong portfolio showing packaging work from concept stage through to production.
• Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience creating artwork and specifications for commercial print production.
• Good understanding of packaging materials, printing methods, finishing options, and manufacturing limitations.
• Background working with international suppliers and production partners.
• Excellent attention to detail and solid project management ability.
• Comfort managing several projects at once while working to tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Previous exposure to toys, children's products, entertainment, or retail environments.
• Knowledge of structural packaging software such as ESKO Studio Tool Kit or similar tools.
• Experience working with licensed brands and character-based properties.
• Awareness of sustainability principles and environmentally responsible packaging approaches.

Key Competencies

• Creative thinking and innovation
• Commercial understanding
• Consumer-led design approach
• Clear visual communication
• Problem-solving ability
• Team collaboration
• Detail orientation
• Planning and organisation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving retail setting

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus opportunity
• 33 days of annual leave, including public holidays
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Life assurance cover
• Employee assistance programme
• In-store discount
• Company maternity and paternity payments
• Special gifts for life events
• Length of service awards
• Bike to work scheme

Additional Information

Smyths Toys is an equal opportunities employer.