Designer (Hybrid)
clairesinc

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

About the Role

The Designer is responsible for creating and driving the design process of trend right and age-appropriate designs/sketches, graphics, artwork, and production art for their respective department/category that meets or exceeds overall company financial goals and ties back to the merchant's seasonal roadmaps. This position collaborates closely with the Design Manager, as well as cross-functional partners to capture and align the needs of the seasonal design process for a given department/category.

• Partner with Design Manager and Merchandising team to create original/proprietary artwork, sketches, designs and products in multiple lifestyle accessories categories that correlate back to overall company and financial goals, and merchant's seasonal roadmap. Ensure that seasonal assortments tie back to stories/trend boards presented by Product Development team
• Support Design Manager for assigned category on all day-to-day functions and work with design leaders to achieve deadlines and understand expectations
• Prepare for all sketch review and design led meetings with Senior Leadership teams, which includes preparing for online digital reviews, as well as live in-house meetings.
• Partner with Merchandising team to design and cost engineer product to hit financial AUC targets and overall financial goals, while maintaining brand appropriate design aesthetic
• Oversee execution and completion of assistant and/or associate 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
• Oversee management of 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; Incorporate white space 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
• 5-6 years design experience
• Expert knowledge in Adobe Creative Suites: Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign
• Design portfolio demonstrating aesthetic and skill aligning to the brand and role requirements
• 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 the Claire's/Icing target customer.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross functional environment
• Strong organizational, planning, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate effective leadership skills, being able to run business and work autonomously
• Sense of urgency with demonstrated success in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Flexibility and the ability to prioritize multiple deliverables
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting
• DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Accurately translates strategy into execution. Sets clear expectations and achieves results through others.
• LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Finds ways for team members to leverage their strengths and understands what skills re needed to be successful.
• ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Engages team members by sharing ownership and effectively aligns work based on what motivates and inspires team members.
• CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Embraces new ways of working, has continuous improvement mindset and inspires others.
• DEVELOP ORGANIZATIONAL TALENT: Identify, attract and develop talent and creates organizational capability for current and future business needs.

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.

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