Senior Designer

Senior Designer Kaleidoscope is a creative collective of thinkers, designers and makers that together connect people and brands. Apply Here! ABOUT KALEIDOSCOPE Kaleidoscope is a creative agency specializing in brand packaging design, marketing support, and strategic brand solutions. We partner with both established brands and emerging start-ups to deliver design solutions that are strategically grounded, beautifully crafted, and built to perform across a wide variety of industries. ROLE SUMMARY As a Senior Designer, you lead across all phases of project development—bringing creative vision, elevated craft, and strong systems thinking to packaging and brand identity work. You operate with meaningful autonomy, own complex workstreams, present confidently to clients, and mentor junior team members. Your strategic thinking, clear point of view, and ability to raise the bar on craft and process are central to delivering exceptional creative outcomes. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead concept development and execution for packaging and brand identity work, translating strategy into compelling, on-brief design solutions. • Develop and articulate a clear creative point of view across fidelity levels—from early sketching through final, production-ready artwork. • Lead internal project WIPs and working sessions; frame discussions, interpret feedback, and drive thoughtful iteration while protecting design intent. • Own project priorities, timelines, and budgeted hours; proactively flag risks and coordinate solutions with creative and account partners. • Ensure high standards of craftsmanship, typography, composition, and production feasibility; maintain consistency across systems and portfolios. • Partner with Account and Implementation to support smooth delivery, quality control, and strong client outcomes. • Mentor Designers and Junior Designers through feedback, coaching, and craft development; model strong working practices. • Stay current on trends, tools, and emerging technologies; introduce relevant improvements to team process and output. CORE COMPETENCIES Creative Strategy & Execution • Develop and communicate a diverse range of concepts and BIG IDEAS grounded in strategic objectives and brand needs. • Bring strong systems thinking to project work, ensuring ideas scale cohesively across portfolios and touchpoints. • Lead execution with high finish and consistency, adapting work based on feedback while maintaining a holistic creative vision. Quality & Brand Stewardship • Uphold high standards for creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail across all deliverables. • Maintain organized, production-ready files; reinforce best practices for handoff, print protocols, and feasibility. • Support brand consistency across executions while honoring each client's unique voice. Presentation • Present work with clear rationale that connects design decisions to strategy. • Present to clients with clarity and confidence; read the room and adjust communication to drive alignment and decision-making. Accountability • Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously; communicate early when timelines, scope, or quality are at risk. • Maintain exceptional organization; support team efficiency and on-time delivery. Innovation & Trends • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and design innovations to continuously elevate creative output. • Use AI and automation thoughtfully within everyday workflows; share learnings, best practices, and guardrails with the broader team. QUALIFICATIONS • 5+ years of packaging design experience with brand packaging and/or identity work (agency preferred). • Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and relevant design tools. • Strong strategic and aesthetic sensibility; proven ability to translate objectives into compelling design solutions. • Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills. • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • A strong passion for design and a clear understanding of its role in brand building and market differentiation. • A creative and strategic thinker who develops original solutions, solves problems effectively, and communicates ideas with clarity. • A high standard of craft and attention to detail; ensures all work is polished, brand-aligned, and executionally sound. • A collaborative team player who contributes positively to team dynamics and works effectively across disciplines. • Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to shifting priorities, and perform well in a fast-paced environment. Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 - Hybrid Work & Benefits Employment Terms: Kaleidoscope is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. All new hires participate in a 90-day introductory period designed to ensure mutual fit, provide onboarding support, and align with company objectives. Department Design Locations Chicago Remote status Hybrid