The Product Development Designer is responsible for the concept and design of a wide variety of hard and soft goods across various gift, décor and apparel categories for the company’s proprietary brands and exclusive partnerships. Key to this role is working closely with the Merchant/Buying Team ideas and translating their concepts into marketable, on-trend designs. You will develop strong working relationships with internal and external strategic partners to produce product designs, patterns, labeling, and packaging, focusing on aesthetics, quality and value.
The Product Development Designer reports directly to the Director of Private Label Product Development with regular input from the Chief Merchandise Officer.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Be a TPS brand ambassador.
- Design consistently branded, high-quality designs across a variety of hard and soft goods categories for existing and new proprietary brands for The Paper Store.
- Interpret Buyers’ design concepts and develop them into new product collections, securing buy-in via presentations to appropriate parties using concept boards, sketch libraries, photography vignettes, text treatments, and trend and color services.
- Design on-trend custom patterns via sketches, paintings and Illustrator work. Source and edit purchased patterns to achieve design goals while staying on budget.
- Utilize trend services, social media, and competitor shopping to ensure designs and patterns are always on trend.
- Create and maintain tech packs for overseas factories; look for opportunities to provide templates to factories to streamline workflows.
- Regularly evaluate additional resources to accomplish design projects, including but not limited to freelance and external design resources, outsource of pattern development or purchasing of original designs and stock imagery services. Provide clear directions to external freelancers to achieve effective results in a timely and on-budget manner.
- Manage multiple deadlines for product design and concepts according to Time & Action calendars.
- Establish criteria and work procedures to achieve a high level of quality, productivity and speed
- Contribute to elevating the overall brand aesthetic by communicating design projects to the Marketing Team to ensure a cohesive brand push for proprietary brand projects.
- Work collaboratively with members of The Paper Store Marketing team, Design team, Photo Studio and Buying Department
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Portfolio required for consideration.
- 4+ years of experience in a Graphic Design role with a key focus on product development, custom patterns and packaging design.
- BA with a key focus on Graphic or Fashion Design.
- Must be comfortable design for both Hardlines and Softline products.
- Experience with a variety of product design categories within the Giftware, Home Décor or Fashion industries.
- Experience working with suppliers overseas, knowledge of apparel and gift manufacturing a plus.
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, teamwork-based environment.
- Strong communication skills to present concepts and secure buy-in.
- Strong technical skills, CS5 or above – Expert in Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
- A self-started able to effectively manage their time with little direction.
- Positive, collaborative, flexible and energetic attitude a must.
- Ability to work 3+ days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA.
- Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance.
Skills Required
- Portfolio
- 4+ years of experience in a Graphic Design role with focus on product development, custom patterns and packaging design
- BA in Graphic or Fashion Design
- Comfortable designing for both hardlines and softlines products
- Experience with product design categories in Giftware, Home Decor or Fashion industries
- Experience creating and maintaining tech packs for overseas factories
- Experience working with overseas suppliers and knowledge of apparel and gift manufacturing
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, teamwork-based environment
- Strong communication skills to present concepts and secure buy-in
- Expert-level skills in Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator (CS5 or above)
- Self-starter able to effectively manage time with little direction
- Positive, collaborative, flexible and energetic attitude
- Ability to work 3+ days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA
- Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance
The Paper Store Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Paper Store and has not been reviewed or approved by The Paper Store.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Employee discount and occasional appreciation events are seen as meaningful lifestyle perks that add tangible value. These perks can make roles feel more appealing for part‑time or entry‑level employees.
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Retirement Support — Access to a 401(k) plan with a company match is available to eligible staff. This provides a baseline for long‑term savings despite mixed views on overall compensation.
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Healthcare Strength — Full‑time roles include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, and life/disability insurance, with company‑paid short‑term disability noted. The breadth of coverage reflects a standard, comprehensive retail benefits offering.
The Paper Store Insights
What We Do
The Paper Store is a family-founded, privately-held American specialty gift retailer based in Acton, Massachusetts. It operates over 100 stores across the Northeast, Florida, and Illinois, offering a curated selection of on-trend brands and products. The company provides a unique, boutique-style shopping experience catering to contemporary suburban families with a diverse range of items, including apparel, accessories, jewelry, stationery, and other unique gifts.
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