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Job Purpose
- The R&D Print & Production Designer is responsible for transforming creative and product concepts into production-ready, commercially viable and repeatable solutions.
- Working closely with Product Developers, Suppliers, Production, Marketing and Creative, the role combines graphic design, print production, prototyping and technical problem-solving to develop products, packaging, printed elements and production solutions that can be manufactured efficiently, consistently and cost-effectively.
- The role bridges the gap between creative design and physical production by assessing production feasibility, developing artwork and production files, creating die-lines, templates and prototypes, testing materials and production methods, establishing specifications and supporting accurate costing.
- The R&D Print & Production Designer is also responsible for ensuring that new products and production processes are successfully implemented by Production through clear technical documentation, production samples, standardised processes and training.
- The role drives continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve production methods, reduce waste, improve quality and introduce new materials, technologies and production capabilities.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Creative & Production Feasibility
- Translate creative concepts into practical production solutions.
- Review Product Development and Creative briefs to assess production feasibility.
- Identify the materials, printing processes, machinery, equipment and production techniques required to produce concepts.
- Assess whether existing production capabilities can achieve the required design, quality and finish.
- Recommend design changes where required to improve manufacturability, efficiency or cost without compromising the customer experience.
- Identify potential production challenges early in the development process.
- Work closely with Product Developers and Creative to ensure designs are technically achievable.
- Research alternative production methods, materials and finishes where required.
Graphic Design & Print Production
- Develop production-ready artwork and technical files for products and printed components.
- Create and adapt artwork for production across a range of products, packaging and printed materials.
- Prepare print-ready artwork and ensure files meet production requirements.
- Create and maintain die-lines, templates, cutting guides, print specifications and production layouts.
- Apply knowledge of print processes including digital, lithographic, large-format, sublimation, vinyl, laser cutting, engraving and other relevant technologies.
- Specify appropriate substrates, materials, finishes, inks and production techniques.
- Check artwork for technical accuracy before production.
- Manage colour, dimensions, bleed, resolution, finishing requirements and other pre-press requirements.
- Work with printers and suppliers to resolve technical artwork and production issues.
- Develop artwork standards and templates that improve production consistency.
Prototyping & Product Development
- Develop physical prototypes and samples to validate product concepts before production.
- Produce prototypes and development samples using appropriate materials and production techniques.
- Test different materials, substrates, finishes and construction methods.
- Develop and refine designs based on testing and production feedback.
- Create production-quality samples for Product Development, Marketing, Photography and supplier approval.
- Compare alternative production methods and recommend the most effective solution.
- Document test results, design changes and production requirements.
- Work collaboratively with Product Developers to move concepts from initial brief through to production approval.
Production Process Development
- Develop practical, repeatable production methods for new and existing products.
- Develop production methods for new products, printed components and product enhancements.
- Determine the most efficient sequence of production steps.
- Develop templates, jigs, guides, cutting layouts and other production aids where required.
- Standardise production methods to improve consistency and reduce variation.
- Identify opportunities to simplify production and reduce unnecessary manual processes.
- Test and refine production processes before implementation.
- Support the introduction of new production techniques, equipment and technologies.
- Work with Production to identify and resolve practical manufacturing challenges.
Product Costing & Commercial Feasibility
- Support the development of commercially viable products and production solutions.
- Support Product Developers with accurate production costing.
- Calculate or provide inputs for material usage, print costs, labour, machine time, consumables, wastage and finishing.
- Compare alternative production methods and materials based on cost and quality.
- Identify opportunities to reduce material usage, production time and waste.
- Evaluate the commercial impact of design and production decisions.
- Maintain accurate technical and costing information for developed products.
Production Readiness & Implementation
- Ensure products and production processes are fully prepared before being released to Production.
- Confirm that final artwork, templates, samples, specifications and production requirements are complete before launch.
- Prepare production-ready files and technical documentation.
- Develop SOPs, work instructions, visual guides and production specifications.
- Define quality standards and acceptable production tolerances.
- Validate production methods through trial or first production runs.
- Support Production during the implementation of new products.
- Identify and resolve technical issues during initial production.
- Confirm that products can be produced consistently to the approved quality standard.
Training & Knowledge Transfer
- Equip Production teams with the knowledge and tools required to manufacture products correctly.
- Develop visual training materials and production guides.
- Create clear work instructions using photographs, diagrams and examples where appropriate.
- Train Production teams on new products, production techniques, equipment and quality requirements.
- Demonstrate correct production methods and finishing techniques.
- Support Production during the initial rollout of new products.
- Provide ongoing technical support when production issues arise.
- Maintain current production documentation and training material.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Improve product quality, production efficiency and consistency.
- Investigate recurring production and quality issues.
- Identify root causes and recommend practical solutions.
- Test alternative materials, artwork approaches and production methods.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste, rework and production time.
- Improve product consistency through better templates, specifications and processes.
- Review production feedback and incorporate learnings into future product development.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across Product Development and Production
Materials, Technology & Production Innovation
- Identify new materials, technologies and production capabilities that can create product and commercial opportunities.
- Research new printing technologies, materials, substrates, finishes and production techniques.
- Stay informed about developments in graphic production, digital printing, laser cutting, engraving, sublimation, cutting and other relevant technologies.
- Identify new production capabilities that could expand the company's product offering.
- Test new materials and technologies for potential commercial application.
- Work with suppliers to understand new capabilities and production opportunities.
- Recommend new equipment, technology or production methods where there is a clear business benefit.
- Build and maintain knowledge of available internal and external production capabilities.
Technical Asset & Sample Management
- Maintain accurate and accessible technical resources supporting Product Development and Production.
- Maintain organised records of approved samples, prototypes, artwork, die-lines, templates and production files.
- Ensure files are correctly named, version controlled and stored.
- Maintain approved master artwork and production templates.
- Maintain a library of approved materials, substrates, finishes and production references.
- Ensure current production specifications are easily accessible to relevant teams.
- Manage the technical archive of developed products and production solutions.
Supplier & Production Collaboration
- Work closely with internal and external production partners to achieve the required product outcome.
- Liaise with printers, manufacturers and suppliers regarding artwork, materials, production methods and technical specifications.
- Brief suppliers clearly on production requirements.
- Review and approve samples against agreed specifications.
- Troubleshoot technical production issues with suppliers.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities and recommend suitable production solutions.
- Support Product Developers in evaluating new suppliers and production capabilities.
- Build strong working relationships with suppliers that encourage innovation and problem-solving.
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