Assistant Design Manager. in Irvine, California at Eterna Management, LLC

ASSISTANT DESIGN MANAGER
Department: Marketing [confirm]
Reports To: [confirm, e.g., Design Manager or Marketing Manager]
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt [confirm FLSA status and salary threshold]
Location: Santa Ana, CA (2901 Daimler Street)

Position Summary
The Assistant Design Manager supports the Design Manager in leading Eterna and All 3 Industries' creative and design work, including product packaging, labels, marketing collateral, digital content, and internal communications. This role oversees day-to-day design workflow, reviews work for quality and brand consistency, and makes sure that all materials are accurate and compliant with labeling requirements for hemp-derived products. The role also helps develop and mentor members of the design team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee design projects from brief through final approval, setting priorities and timelines with the Design Manager and cross-functional partners.
Review and approve design work for brand standards, accuracy, and regulatory labeling compliance before print or release.
Coordinate with production, quality, and regulatory teams to verify label content, lot information, and required warnings before print runs.
Provide direction, feedback, and coaching to graphic designers and other creative team members.
Assist in hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation of design team members.
Manage relationships with external vendors, printers, and agencies, including proofs, color accuracy, and production schedules.
Maintain and improve design standards, templates, and the library of approved brand assets and final artwork.
Track project status and resource needs, and report progress to the Design Manager and leadership.
Stand in for the Design Manager as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Professional design experience, including years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Strong portfolio demonstrating packaging, label, and multi-channel design work.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and familiarity with Figma or similar tools.
Thorough understanding of print production, including color management (CMYK, Pantone), die lines, and file preparation.
Demonstrated ability to review, critique, and improve creative work while maintaining brand and compliance standards.
Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience designing packaging or labels for regulated products (cannabis, hemp, CBD, supplements, or similar).
Experience in manufacturing, consumer products, or a 3PL environment.
Experience developing or supervising a design team.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods and work on a computer for most of the workday. Occasional lifting of up to pounds. [confirm with production if the role involves visiting the production floor]
Work Environment
Primarily office-based in Santa Ana, with regular visits to production areas as needed. Standard office conditions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Eterna is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
At-Will Employment
Employment with Eterna is at-will. Either the employee or the company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.