Carding/Packaging Designer (Hybrid)

***This will be a hybrid role on-site 3 days per week in Hoffman Estates, IL*** ​

About the Role

The Carding and Packaging Designer is responsible for designing and creating carding and packaging solutions for all product categories, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.  This role involves collaborating with production, merchandising, as well as design and trend to deliver innovative design ideas that meet brand guidelines, consumer preferences, and regulatory standards.  Work closely with director and manager of design to create branding concepts, new carding/packaging ideas, and innovate our current packaging aesthetic.

• Design and create original and proprietary carding/packaging solutions that are functional, visually appealing, and cost-effective.

• Manage the creation of prototypes, mockups, and samples, ensuring all packaging meets both aesthetic and functional expectations.

• Ensure that all packaging designs comply with relevant legal regulations, labeling standards, and environmental guidelines.

• Conduct quality control checks on prototypes and final samples to ensure design integrity.

• Maintain strong knowledge of production processes, including print production, die-cutting, folding, and assembly.

• Keep organized records of all design files, assets, and project notes.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and other relevant design software.

• Strong understanding of production processes, print techniques, and materials.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Manage the workflow across all departments, from initial print/graphic designs to production artwork, ensuring timely execution and communication with overseas offices.

• Ensure design sketch reviews are met on time, providing artwork for each department in a timely manner.

• Work closely with production, merchandising and marketing to understand product needs, target audience, and packaging requirements.

• Meet all calendar deadlines, ensuring comments on color, art, and production art are provided to overseas offices as per schedule.

• Attend all working meetings as needed to ensure smooth project flow.

• Oversee the preparation and production of packaging files, ensuring they are print-ready and meet technical specifications for materials, print processes, and manufacturing standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in design required, from Art/Design college or university in illustration/art/graphics.

• 7+ years of experience

• Expert knowledge and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Miro.

• Extensive experience in packaging design and branding.

• Strong artistic ability, including hand sketching, painting, and a background in fine arts, with an eye for design beyond just digital experience.

• Proficient in creating die-lines and setting up production-ready files.

• Elevated sense of style and taste in prints, with a keen attention to design details.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Solid background in project management, coordinating across various departments and meeting multiple deadlines.

• Able to work collaboratively in a team environment, contributing to cross-functional success with significant impact.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling clear and effective interactions with both internal teams and external partners.

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 Benefits@claires.com. Only messages sent for this purpose will be considered.