***This will be a hybrid role that will be on-site three days per week in Hoffman Estates, IL*** Associate Designer - Accessories (Hybrid)About the RoleThe Associate Designer is responsible for supporting the delivery of trend-right and age-appropriate designs/sketches, graphics, artwork, and production art for their respective department/category. The Associate Designer will play a critical role in overseeing the Assistant Designer's tasks and execution.
Main 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 which include 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. 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; Reports 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.
Qualifications- 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.
Competencies- DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Effectively prioritizes daily assignments and plans to work accordingly. Consistently meets deadlines and expectations.
- LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Pushes self by setting challenging goals to continuously improve.
- ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Works collaboratively with other team members. Seeks opportunity to bring positive energy into the workplace.
- CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Embraces new ways of working, has a continuous improvement mindset, and inspires others.
Compensation Range: $59,670.00 - $79,560.00Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as your relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.Benefits for full time employees included medical, dental and vision insurance, voluntary welfare plans, bonus plan eligibility, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time, and more! Benefits for part time employees included voluntary welfare plans, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time, and more!Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.