Associate Designer, Collaborations

Claires 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.

Claires 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 Only messages sent for this purpose will be considered.

About the Role

The Associate Designer Collaborations supports the development of compelling graphic and packaging designs from concept through production. Youll work closely with the Design Merchandising Production and Product Development teams to bring creative ideas to life across a high-volume assortment.

This role combines creative design packaging development print production and strong vendor communication. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented highly organized comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of design quality and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Develop Across Graphic and Packaging

Support the development of graphic design and packaging concepts across multiple product categories and seasonal collections.

Create packaging print graphics layouts CADs die lines and color specifications.

Translate creative direction brand guidelines trends and product concepts into engaging graphic and packaging solutions.

Develop production-ready artwork and technical files for packaging and printed materials.

Contribute creative ideas during brainstorming concept development seasonal refreshes and new product initiatives.

Help ensure designs are visually cohesive across products packaging and presentations.

Manage Production & Execute at Scale

Prepare and maintain accurate production files technical specifications die lines and vendor-ready artwork.

Review proofs color matches samples and material submissions to ensure designs meet specifications.

Make revisions and troubleshoot artwork or production issues throughout the development process.

Manage multiple projects and SKUs simultaneously while meeting established deadlines and ship dates.

Maintain organized design files and ensure artwork is accurately updated throughout the development process.

Communicate with Vendors & Overseas Factories

Communicate clearly and professionally with overseas factories packaging suppliers printers and vendors regarding artwork specifications revisions samples and production requirements.

Clearly communicate design intent and technical requirements to vendors and factory partners.

Review and provide detailed feedback on factory and vendor submissions.

Work through production challenges with vendors to identify practical solutions while protecting the integrity of the design.

Follow up proactively on open artwork sample and production issues to keep projects moving forward.

Partner with Production and Product Development teams to resolve issues and meet critical deadlines.

Collaborate Cross-Functionally

Collaborate closely with Design Merchandising Production Product Development and other cross-functional partners.

Support the Designer across projects from initial concept through final production.

Participate in design reviews presentations and packaging development meetings.

Prepare presentation boards packaging decks and other visual materials as needed.

Communicate project updates timelines revisions and potential issues clearly to internal teams.

Contribute to Trend & Market Research

Conduct competitive packaging graphic design and product research.

Monitor emerging graphic packaging color material and unboxing trends across retail and social platforms.

Bring relevant trends and visual inspiration to the team to inform future design development.

Help identify opportunities to keep the assortment visually fresh and relevant.

Who You Are

Detail-oriented and highly organized you notice the small things and take ownership of getting them right.

Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple projects priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

A creative problem-solver who can find thoughtful design and production solutions when challenges arise.

A strong team player who collaborates effectively and contributes positively to a cross-functional environment.

An excellent communicator who can clearly communicate design concepts revisions specifications and production requirements.

Comfortable communicating directly with overseas factories and vendors and following projects through from artwork to production.

Able to balance creative thinking with strong attention to production details.

Comfortable receiving creative direction while also bringing your own ideas and perspective to the design process.

Proactive accountable and able to identify issues before they become larger production problems.

Comfortable working within tight timelines and a high-SKU-volume environment.

Passionate about graphic design packaging product and visual storytelling.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in graphic design Packaging Design Visual Communication or a related field or equivalent experience.

24 years of experience in graphic design packaging design product design or print production.

Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator Photoshop and InDesign.

Working knowledge of packaging production including die lines print specifications color separation proofing and production artwork.

Experience developing production-ready artwork and communicating with printers manufacturers factories or vendors.

Experience working with overseas vendors/factories is strongly preferred.

Strong understanding of typography layout color composition and graphic design fundamentals.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

Required Experience:

IC