Role: Senior Packaging & Branding Operations Manager
Team: Product Packaging & Branding
Scope: Individual Contributor, P4
Years of Experience: 5+
Location: Ventura, CA / Hybrid
The Senior Packaging & Branding Operations Manager will lead the end-to-end lifecycle of packaging and branding initiatives—from creative development through production execution. We’re looking for someone passionate about this role and excited to join our team, bringing energy and commitment to every project. This is not a people manager position, but it requires strong leadership in driving processes and collaboration. The role combines strategic project management with hands-on graphic production expertise to ensure all packaging and branding assets meet global standards, deadlines, and quality expectations. You will partner with cross-functional teams, vendors, and global factories to deliver high-volume seasonal output while driving process improvements and operational excellence.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership & Project Management
- Oversee seasonal creative development for packaging and branding across multiple product categories.
- Set agendas for scoping, kickoffs, and creative reviews; communicate next steps and milestones.
- Manage routing for legal, proofing, translations, and compliance reviews.
- Develop and maintain SOPs, internal manuals, and process improvements for efficiency.
- Own internal and external communications regarding costing, timelines, and status updates.
Creative Production & Print Expertise
- Partner with Art Directors and creative teams to ensure production-ready files for packaging and branding assets.
- Define and maintain internal specifications, templates, and branding standards.
- Manage digital asset libraries, compliance manuals, and factory mockups.
- Organize and maintain physical samples and digital archives for streamlined retrieval.
- Apply deep knowledge of print production processes, including color management and systems, line weights, and material compatibility.
- Ensure graphics translate accurately across diverse substrates and packaging formats.
- Collaborate with vendors and factories to troubleshoot print challenges and maintain quality standards.
- Drive sustainable material choices and innovative packaging solutions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, contractors, and global factories.
- Align cross-category teams to meet seasonal deadlines and brand objectives.
- Partner with compliance teams to ensure global standards are met.
Who You Are
- A strategic thinker with strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Comfortable managing complex projects and creative workflows in a fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and results-driven.
- A communicator with the finesse to build trust, influence stakeholders, and align cross‑functional teams around shared goals.
- Able to handle pressure with grace and maintain a positive, approachable demeanor—someone who is likeable and fosters trust across teams.
- Eager and open to learning and growing.
- Humble and collaborative attitude.
- Passionate about saving the environment and how this role contributes to Patagonia’s mission.
Experience You Bring
- 5+ years of experience in creative project management and/or print production, and graphic production roles.
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office.
- Expert-level knowledge of project management tools such as Smartsheet, Miro, and Ziflow —able to build dashboards, automate workflows, pull reports, and track milestones effectively.
- Knowledge of PLM systems
- Strong understanding of print and packaging design processes and production standards.
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Graphic Production, Project Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Hiring Range: $125,000 - $145,000 USD Annual
At Patagonia, pay ranges are assigned to a job based on the location specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget. Note the full pay range for this role ranges from: $105,000 - $158,000 USD Annual. The Hiring Range reflects where in the range we intend to hire for this role.
Workplace Location Overview
This position is Hybrid, with a standard schedule of Tuesday - Thursday on-site and remote work on other days. Occasional additional office visits may be required for team.
Employee Conduct
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.
