We are looking for a creative and skilled Product Development Designer to lead the design process for our product lines. This role will focus on conceptualizing designs, creating mock-ups, and developing technical final artwork for production. The designer will collaborate closely with both the Merchandising Category Heads and the PD Sourcing Supervisor to ensure that product designs align with business objectives, market needs, and manufacturing capabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in graphic design, along with the ability to manage design projects efficiently from concept to execution.

1. Design Leadership (Primary Function)

• Lead the development of product designs and create visual concepts that align with brand identity and market trends.
• Produce high-quality mock-ups and prototypes for new products, ensuring that designs are functional and on-brand.
• Develop technical final artwork for production, ensuring that designs are accurate and ready for manufacturing.
• Set the creative direction for product lines and collaborate with the Merchandising Category Heads to ensure designs meet product requirements.
• Stay informed about design trends and apply new ideas to product concepts to keep the designs fresh and competitive.

2. Project Management and Reporting (Secondary Function)

• Collaborate with the PD Sourcing Supervisor and Merchandising Category Heads to align design timelines with product development schedules.
• Ensure design projects are delivered on time, meeting established deadlines and quality standards.
• Provide regular updates on the status of design projects to the department manager.
• Use tools like shared Google Sheets and Google Slides for project tracking and reporting.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the Merchandising Category Heads to understand design requirements, consumer trends, and product needs.
• Adjust designs based on feedback from the merchandising team to ensure product designs align with business objectives.
• Collaborate with the PD Sourcing Supervisor to ensure design feasibility and assist with material selection for manufacturing.
• Ensure that designs are achievable within manufacturing capabilities and cost constraints.

4. Administrative Support

• Maintain design files and resources, ensuring that all artwork is properly organized and accessible.
• Oversee the management of design software and tools, ensuring they are up to date.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 3-5 years of experience in creative design, illustration, or related fields.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
• A solid portfolio showcasing product designs, mock-ups, and technical artwork.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with both internal teams and external suppliers.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, managing design projects from start to finish.