Senior Graphic & Packaging Designer

Department: Marketing
Location: Dubai, UAE
Reports To: Global Marketing Director
Contract Type: Full-time

Role Purpose:

GTI, a global tobacco manufacturer, is seeking a Senior Packaging Designer with proven expertise in packaging and POS materials for tobacco and FMCG brands. This in-house role is focused on delivering high-impact packaging solutions and POSMs to support our international brand portfolio. The ideal candidate is highly experienced, trend-conscious, technically strong, and fully capable of operating under marketing-driven creative direction.

Key Responsibilities:

• To create packaging designs and graphic adaptations for existing and new tobacco product lines (line extensions, variant adaptations), and new product creation under existing brand names.
• To design POSM materials for in-store promotions and trade marketing purposes (headers, wobblers, shelf strips, etc.).
• To prepare high-res digital final artworks fully compliant with pre-press and print production standards.
• To execute design tasks within brand guidelines and regulatory constraints.
• To collaborate with marketing, product development, and legal teams to ensure projects meet brand and compliance expectations.
• To work under strong marketing-led art direction, understanding commercial priorities, deadlines, and visual brand strategy.
• To stay informed of Western FMCG design trends, colour psychology, pack formats, and material innovations.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum BA degree in Visual Design from recognized university.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in packaging and print design, including at least 5 years premium FMCG categories.
• Strong portfolio of real-life packaging (not just concept visuals).
• Mastery of Mac OSX and full proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Practical knowledge of print substrates, embossing, foil stamping, spot varnish, and packaging production specs.
• Fluent in English and outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Must demonstrate strong awareness of Western aesthetic and premium design codes.
• Self-starter, reliable, efficient, and highly structured in time and task management.
• Arabic or Russian or Pashto language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.

Cultural and Creative Fit:

• We are seeking individuals who are visually and professionally aligned with international creative standards, especially those with experience in Western or premium global brand design.
• Candidates whose background is primarily in digital media, social media, or app/UI design will not be considered unless at least 60% of their portfolio reflects packaging design work.