Associate Creative Director

Classic Westchester - White Plains, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

White Plains, NY

About the position

The Associate Creative Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the creative vision of the brand across various product categories. This position involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop innovative designs and manage creative projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with the company's vision and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the VP of Creative and Product Management to develop and execute product designs that align with the company's vision and objectives.
• Assist the VP of Creative and Product Management in leading a team of designers in the conceptualization, development, and execution of product designs and packaging across home decor, kids, and fashion categories.
• Develop trend boards to guide the creative direction of new product collections and stay abreast of global trends in design, fashion, and lifestyle.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute fresh ideas for product concepts, themes, and collections.
• Design inventive and marketable home decor and gift items that align with seasonal trends.
• Assist in managing creative projects from concept to completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Provide creative input to ensure designs meet quality standards, brand guidelines, and market trends.
• Work closely with the product development team to translate creative concepts into viable product prototypes and samples.
• Review and provide feedback on design concepts, sketches, and prototypes, ensuring alignment with brand vision and market expectations.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences to inform creative decisions and strategies.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and design tools to enhance team productivity and creativity.
• Support the VP of Creative and Product Management in other creative initiatives and projects as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, Fashion, or related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in product design and development, focusing on home decor and gift products.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of creative projects, including trend books, product designs, packaging design, and product collections.
• Excellent design skills with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other design software.
• Solid understanding of design principles, color theory, typography, and visual aesthetics.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for creativity, innovation, and trend-spotting.
• Demonstrated experience in trend forecasting and analysis, with a strong understanding of color theory, pattern design, and emerging design trends.
• Proven track record of successfully translating trend insights into commercially viable product designs that drive sales and customer engagement.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and production techniques is desirable.