Artwork Production Specialist

About the Role

As an Artwork Production Specialist, you will be the linchpin managing the entire artwork process from the moment a design is finalized to the final print proof. This pivotal role involves close collaboration with various internal departments (Product Development, Brand, Quality & Regulatory, Sourcing) and external partners (agencies, suppliers, printers) to guarantee that all packaging artwork is technically accurate, legally compliant, and production-ready.

About You

You are someone who deeply understands the nuances of packaging artwork, including dielines, print specifications, color management, barcodes, overprint, bleed, legal copy, and supplier requirements. You possess the ability to communicate effectively with printers and agencies using technical language while adeptly managing internal stakeholder expectations, especially under tight timelines. You are comfortable managing multiple packaging projects across various formats (boxes, labels, tubes, gift sets, etc.) in parallel, proactively identifying risks, structuring feedback, managing approvals, and preventing last-minute issues.

Key Responsibilities

Artwork Production & Prepress Coordination

• Translate approved packaging designs into accurate, production-ready artwork.
• Work with dielines, technical drawings, print specifications, and supplier requirements.
• Perform detailed checks on artwork files, including layout, separations, barcodes, overprint, bleed, color setup, legal text placement, and version accuracy.
• Coordinate proofing rounds with agencies, suppliers, and printers, including color checks and production validations.
• Ensure final files are complete, correct, and ready for print.

Artwork Project Management

• Own and manage the artwork timeline from design handover to final approval and production release.
• Simultaneously manage multiple artwork projects across different categories and markets.
• Develop clear and concise briefs for external agencies and suppliers.
• Collect, structure, and follow up on feedback from Brand, Product Development, QA, Regulatory, and Sourcing teams.
• Proactively manage approval workflows and escalate potential risks related to deadlines, technical constraints, or compliance requirements.
• Maintain meticulous version control, documentation, and project tracking.

Stakeholder Alignment & Quality Control

• Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams and external artwork agencies, suppliers, and printers.
• Collaborate with Quality & Regulatory teams on legal copy, claims, translations, and essential packaging information.
• Critically assess and challenge unclear input, ensuring all decisions are properly documented.
• Uphold consistency, quality, and technical execution standards across all packaging launches.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of artwork management processes and tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Graphic Design, DTP, Packaging Technology, Print Production, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in packaging artwork production, artwork project management, prepress, or packaging production.
• Experience within FMCG, beauty, cosmetics, food, pharma, or another regulated packaging environment is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and comfortable working with packaging artwork files.
• Solid understanding of dielines, print specifications, color management, barcodes, overprint, bleed, and preflight checks.
• Proven experience coordinating artwork approval rounds with agencies, suppliers, and/or printers.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple artworks, deadlines, and stakeholders effectively.
• Comfortable communicating technical packaging language and asking pertinent questions to suppliers or printers.
• Detail-driven, structured, and pragmatic approach to work.
• Strong English communication skills, with experience working with international stakeholders.

Note: This role focuses on artwork execution, production, and project coordination, not creative concept development. Your primary responsibility is to ensure approved designs are translated into correct, compliant, and technically printable files.

Location & Working Conditions

• Based at the Central Head Office in Amsterdam.
• Hybrid work model: 80% office / 20% work-from-home, emphasizing close collaboration.