Associate Designer - Events (Hybrid)

***This will be a hybrid role that will be on-site three days per week in Hoffman Estates, IL*** ​

Associate Designer - Events (Hybrid)

About the Role

The 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

• 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, 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 …