Smyths Toys

Smyths Toys is one of the world's largest specialty retailers of children's toys. We operate both online, and via our physical retail stores, with hundreds of stores spread across Europe and the UK. We source our product range from an extensive array of UK, European, and international suppliers.
Are you up for the challenge? Then please apply online today!

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly creative Packaging Designer to join our design team based in Galway City, Ireland. This role will be responsible for developing innovative, engaging, and commercially successful packaging solutions across a diverse portfolio of toy products sold in multiple global markets.

The successful candidate will combine strong creative vision with technical packaging expertise, ensuring all packaging aligns with brand standards, retail requirements, sustainability objectives, and regulatory compliance across international markets.

Cross-Functional Design Support

In addition to packaging design responsibilities, you will work closely with the internal design and marketing teams to support a variety of creative projects across the business. This includes the development of Point of Sale (POS) materials, retail displays, in-store promotional graphics, seasonal campaign assets, signage, and other branded visual communications. Flexibility and a collaborative approach are essential.

Salary: €45,000-€47,000 depending on experience.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualise, design, and develop innovative packaging solutions for a wide range of toy products.
• Create packaging artwork, structural concepts, mock-ups, and production-ready files for retail distribution.
• Collaborate closely with buying teams, product development, marketing and compliance teams.
• Ensure packaging designs effectively communicate product features, brand messaging, and consumer appeal.
• Manage packaging projects from initial concept through to final production and market launch.
• Liaise with international suppliers, printers, and packaging manufacturers to ensure quality standards and production feasibility.
• Maintain consistency across multiple brands and product categories.
• Stay informed of packaging trends, consumer insights, retail merchandising practices, and competitor activity within the toy industry.
• Review proofs, colour accuracy, print specifications, and production samples prior to approval.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• Minimum 5 years' professional experience in packaging design, preferably within consumer products, retail, toys or related industries.
• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Product Design, Visual Communications, or a related discipline.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative packaging design projects from concept through production.
• Advanced proficiency in:
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Acrobat
• Experience preparing artwork and specifications for commercial print production.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, printing processes, finishes, and manufacturing constraints.
• Experience working with international suppliers and production partners.
• Excellent attention to detail and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience within the toy, children's products, entertainment, or retail sectors.
• Knowledge of structural packaging design software such as ESKO Studio Tool Kit or similar.
• Experience working with licensed brands and character properties.
• Understanding of sustainability principles and environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

Key Competencies

• Creativity and innovation
• Commercial awareness
• Consumer-focused design thinking
• Strong visual communication
• Problem-solving skills
• Collaboration with wider design team
• Attention to detail
• Project planning and organization
• Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment

Benefits

• An attractive competitive salary and bonus package
• A benefits package inclusive of:
  • 33 Days Annual Leave (inclusive of public holidays)
  • Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
  • Life Assurance Cover
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • In-store discount
  • Company Maternity and Paternity Payments
  • Special Life-Event Gifts
  • Length of Service Awards
  • Bike to Work Scheme