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

Assistant Designer (Hybrid)

About the Role

The Assistant Designer is responsible for assisting the design team with trend-right and age-appropriate designs/sketches, graphics, artwork, and production art. The Assistant Designer will play a critical role in the detailed management of the product lifecycle and design development process.

• Support the design team for the assigned category on all day-to-day functions and work with design leaders to achieve deadlines and understand expectations

• Partner with Design Associate/Designer and/or Design Managers as well as Product Development teams to create original designs and sketches for assigned category

• Grow design knowledge by supporting the design team in executing a strategic vision, with a customer-centric approach, achieving overall brand and product strategy and merchandise objectives/roadmap.

• Own multiple administrative tasks such as Preparing tech packs, line sheets, and style boards in a timely manner on a seasonal basis; Owning set up and presentation materials for design-led meetings; Assisting with 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

• Communicate with sourcing offices and vendors about approvals, changes, and execution of products prior to bulk shipment and ensure changes hit the 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.

Qualifications

• Experience 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 to Claire’s/Icing target customers.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross-functional environment

• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; Ability to follow up on tasks

• Design portfolio demonstrating aesthetic and skill alignment to the brand and role requirements

Competencies

• DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Effectively prioritizes daily assignments and plans to work accordingly. Consistently meets deadlines and expectations.

• LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Pushes self by setting challenging goals to continuously improve.

• ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Works collaboratively with other team members. Seeks opportunity to bring positive energy into the workplace.

• CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Embraces new ways of working, has a continuous improvement mindset, and inspires others.

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.