The Design Associate is responsible for supporting in the delivery of trend right and age-appropriate designs/sketches, graphics, artwork, and production art for their respective department/category The Design Associate will play a critical role in overseeing Design Assistant tasks and execution.
Main Responsibilities:
- Support Designer/Design Manager for assigned category on all day-to-day functions and work with design leaders to achieve deadlines and understand expectations and calendar deliverables.
- Partner with Designer and/or Design Managers as well as Product Development team to create original designs and sketches for assigned category
- 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 distribute to cross-functional team members as needed.
- Create print and pattern/surface design 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 product prior to bulk shipment and ensuring 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 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 team, developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, modeling teamwork, recognizing and maintaining open communication
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design required
- 2-3 years design experience
- Experience in Product Development is a plus
- Expert knowledge in Adobe Creative Suites: Illustrator, Photoshop, Artistic ability a plus: hand sketching, painting, artistic hand and eye
- Experience with mid-level skills in Microsoft Office
- Ability to recognize and accurately forecast fashion and cultural trends as they relate to the Claire’s/Icing target customer.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross functional environment
- Strong organizational, time management and written and verbal communication skills
- Design portfolio demonstrating aesthetic and skill aligning to the brand and role requirements
Claire’s is committed to adhering to all applicable company policies and federal, state, and local laws and regulations. All positions will be compensated at or above the legally mandated minimum wage for the location in which work is performed. The final compensation will be determined by various factors such as 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 paid leave.
Benefits for part-time employees included voluntary welfare plans, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time* and paid leave in required states.
*Sick Time: For the State of Washington, all employees will accrue paid sick time at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
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.
Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. To request accommodation, please email [email protected]. Only messages sent for this purpose will be considered.
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What We Do
For more than 60 years, Claire’s has opened the door to self-discovery for people of all ages. We’re dedicated to encouraging this through each experience and product discovery. As a global brand powerhouse for self-expression, we’re passionate about our purpose and our people.
Trusted by consumers around the world, our Claire’s and Icing brands deliver immersive experiences through more than 2,300 company-operated Claire’s and Icing stores in North America and Europe, more than 300 Claire’s franchise stores primarily in the Middle East and South Africa, and over thousands of concessions globally across our trusted retail partners.
Behind each consumer experience, is a team of truly inspirational people who show up as they are and encourage others to do the same every day. Supporting our team members as they grow, change and reinvent themselves is how we get stronger and more innovative as an organization, creating an inclusive and diverse culture that inspires us all to dream and achieve.
Learn more about us and our company values @Claire'sValues
