Associate Product Designer (Hybrid)

$59,670 - $79,560/Yr

Claire's - Hoffman Estates, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Hoffman Estates, IL

Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers

About the position

The Associate Product Designer is responsible for supporting the delivery of trend-right and age-appropriate designs, graphics, and production art for their respective department/category. This role involves overseeing the tasks of Assistant Designers and collaborating with design leaders to meet deadlines and achieve the overall brand and product strategy.

Responsibilities

• Support Designer/Design Manager for the assigned category on all day-to-day functions and work with design leaders to achieve deadlines, understand expectations, and calendar deliverables.
• Partner with the Designer and/or Design Managers as well as the Product Development team to create original designs and sketches for assigned categories.
• Support the design team in executing a strategic vision, with a customer-centric approach, achieving overall brand and product strategy and merchandise objectives/roadmap.
• Oversee execution and completion of assistant-level tasks including preparing and maintaining tech packs, line sheets, and style boards; set up and presentation materials for design-led meetings; sample management.
• Own in-season design changes and ensure that all information is accurate and distributed to cross-functional team members as needed.
• Create print and pattern/surface designs for various products.
• Manage and maintain sample process which includes organizing samples, submits and approvals, print library (physical and digital), and other design development materials.
• Maintain style boards and line sheets and distribute to cross-functional partners as needed to maintain clear communication across the organization.
• Communicate with sourcing offices and vendors about approvals, changes, and execution of products prior to bulk shipment and ensure changes hit original delivery.
• Develop and maintain cross-functional relationships with Merchandising, Product Development, Marketing, and Sourcing throughout the development cycle.
• Expert in customer and global competition for the assigned department, understanding other retailers' assortments in comparison to Claire's/Icing; report back findings to incorporate these opportunities and new trends into upcoming seasonal assortments.
• Manage all e-mail correspondence effectively and efficiently, escalating concerns where necessary to the design team.
• Create and facilitate an effective work environment by coaching, developing, and mentoring the team, developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, modeling teamwork, and recognizing and maintaining open communication.

Requirements

• 2-3 years design experience
• Expert knowledge in Adobe Creative Suites: Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign
• Artistic ability a plus: hand sketching, painting, artistic hand, and eye
• Ability to recognize and accurately forecast fashion and cultural trends as they relate to Claire's/Icing target customers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross-functional environment.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; Ability to follow up on tasks
• Design portfolio demonstrating aesthetic and skill alignment to the brand and role requirements.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to follow up on tasks

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Vacation time
• Sick time
• Bonus plan eligibility