Packaging Development Associate

About the Company

Export Packers Company Limited is a multi-faceted, growth-oriented international food company. Since 1937, this privately owned family company based in Ontario, Canada, has built itself into a global food expert, providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to its industry partners. The company's success is driven by its dedicated employees' professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit. Our Head office is located in Brampton, Ontario.

Role Summary

The Packaging Development Associate is responsible for supporting the creation, coordination, review, and management of packaging artwork across multiple food product lines. This includes coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers/stakeholders to ensure all packaging designs meet brand standards, customer requests, and regulatory requirements while maintaining consistency, artwork accuracy, and timely delivery for new product launches and production runs. The role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and familiarity with packaging processes & packaging regulations within the food industry.

Responsibilities

Artwork Development, Coordination & Management

• Coordinate the packaging artwork process from concept to final print approval.
• Create and oversee artwork for all packaging components in collaboration with marketing and internal stakeholders/customers.
• Ensure designs adhere to brand guidelines, certification requirements, image licensing standards, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Manage artwork timelines and track project progress to ensure on-time delivery.
• Artwork updates and monitoring continue through every new product launch and production run.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (Creative Services, Marketing, QA, Product Development, Regulatory, Procurement, and Operations) and external partners (customers, printers, co-packers, and suppliers).
• Gather all necessary packaging inputs, including dielines, pack copy, regulatory information, and product/packaging specifications.

Artwork Review & Quality Assurance

• Review artwork files to ensure accuracy of product details, claims, barcodes, and labeling information.
• Ensure compliance with CFIA and other applicable food labeling regulations.
• Conduct proof reviews and coordinate stakeholder approvals through established artwork approval workflows.
• Maintain version control of packaging files, accurate filling, archiving, and artwork libraries.

Regulatory & Technical Support

• Collaborate with QA, PD, and Regulatory teams to ensure mandatory information (ingredients, nutrition facts, allergens, bilingual labeling, etc.) is correctly presented.
• Verify that all required certifications and logos (e.g., MSC, ASC, Ocean Wise, Organic, Gluten-Free) are used according to brand and regulatory guidelines.
• Support Private Label and National Brand artwork requests with accurate technical data.

Process Improvement & Documentation

• Maintain organized records/filings of artwork approvals, revisions, and specifications.
• Assist in developing and improving artwork process documentation and templates.
• Maintain the artwork archive, customer codes, and packaging documentation, ensuring all records are organized and up to date for the Packaging Services group.
• Support the implementation of artwork management systems (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Esko, WebCenter, or equivalent).

Continuous Improvement

• Research new packaging technologies and materials suitable for seafood preservation and sustainability.
• Stay current on packaging trends, regulatory updates, and industry best practices through ongoing training, seminars, trade shows, and professional development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Skills

• Previous experience in Packaging Development or similar roles (asset).
• Post-secondary education in Packaging design, Graphic Design, or equivalent experience.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
• Strong command of Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) and Food & Beverage industries (asset).
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• This position is based in a professional office setting, with work primarily performed at a desk using a computer, phone, and other standard office equipment.

Benefits

• Hybrid – 1 day work from home per week
• Summer hours (half day off every Friday between Victoria Day weekend and Labor Day weekend)
• Competitive vacation and Personal day policy
• Employee Discounts on the consumables
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Benefits
• RRSP Match Program

Export Packers is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity of thought, ideas, perspective and people. We create an inclusive environment that attracts, retains and values people of all backgrounds by treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence through inclusion, integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of those who interact with Export Packers in accordance with Federal and provincial laws.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, Export Packers has an Accommodation Policy as part of our hiring process. Should you require accommodation, please advise the People & Culture Department.

Please note: A criminal background check is required for all candidates and will be conducted in the final stages of the hiring process. This will be facilitated by our team, with full details provided during the selection process.