Design Operations Lead

Design Operations Lead at Karsten International

Are you hands-on, detail-oriented, and ready to streamline the day-to-day operational process of packaging design? If so, this role could be a great fit for you.

Your role

You will be responsible for managing and optimizing the end-to-end operational process of packaging design and creative production for retail clients. This role ensures that creative design, print proofs, coordination, and delivery timelines are aligned and executed with excellence, scalability, and speed. We’re seeking a candidate with a solid background in operational design and a strong drive to deliver maximum commercial value. The ideal person thrives on improving on-time delivery, approval rates, throughput, and average cycle times, all while consistently producing top-quality designs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee the full lifecycle of packaging design operations—from client briefing to final production handoff—ensuring projects are delivered on time, and to spec.
• Workflow Optimization: Ensure an optimal balance between creativity and commercial success. Design and implement scalable workflows internally and externally. Work with the design team, and external partners facilitate on time delivery of deliverables and work collaborative with other departments to remove impediments, reduce friction and increase throughput.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the operational bridge between creative teams, client services, vendors, and production partners to ensure seamless execution.
• Process Standardization: Develop and enforce SOPs, packaging timelines, and QC processes tailored to fast-paced retail environments.
• Resource Planning: Manage team resourcing, capacity planning, and vendor allocation to meet variable project volumes and client demands.
• Tool & System Management: Select and oversee project management and file-sharing tools that support creative operations and ensure transparency.
• Client-Focused Delivery: Ensure that operational design supports speed-to-market, regulatory compliance, and the evolving needs of retail clients (including private label, seasonal launches, and sustainability requirements).

Job requirements

Who are we looking for:

• 10+ years of experience in operational leadership, ideally within packaging design, creative services, or CPG/retail environments.
• Deep understanding of packaging workflows including artwork development, die cuts, compliance reviews, prepress, and print production.
• Proven ability to optimize operations in high-volume, deadline-driven settings.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and external partners, ensuring the creative vision is consistently translated into the final product.
• Experience working with major retail chains or private label packaging programs.
• Background in packaging production or print vendor management.
• Understanding of sustainability standards and packaging compliance (e.g. FSC, EU regulations).
• Familiarity with tools such as Monday.com or equivalent project management systems.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.

What we offer

• A creative, hands-on role with plenty of room for your ideas
• A friendly, collaborative team with an open, no-nonsense vibe
• The chance to work on a huge variety of non-food consumer products
• A flexible, hybrid working model
• Competitive salary and solid secondary benefits

And also:

• A 40 hour contract
• Room for personal growth and professional development
• An excellent pension scheme
• Travel allowance
• 13th month bonus
• 8% holiday allowance
• An extensive lunch
• Fresh fruit
• Freshly ground coffee
• Weekly Boot Camp
• Weekly Yoga
• Lease Bike option
• OpenUp for mental health
• Your own football team
• Massage
• Discount on cool products
• Frimibo and fun parties
• An Instagram-worthy and easily accessible office in Amsterdam
• A great team of colleagues
• Support on HSM visa and 30% ruling application if applicable