Description

Job Summary: Designer is a full time position specifically responsible for all aspects of the MacKenzie-Childs product design process from conception, to drawings, to prototypes, to final samples. Rooted in the brand history, the designer is responsible for evolving the products to surprise and delight existing customers, while keeping the aesthetic relevant to today’s marketplace. The designer will confidently mix colors, patterns and textures, sometimes bordering on the preposterous, to both maintain and refresh the brand identity in a commercial field otherwise awash with sameness.

Job Responsibilities:

Work as an integral member of the design team, as it relates to the whole MacKenzie-Childs collection. Responsibilities include the following:

• Conceptualize and design new products based upon inspirations provided through creative briefs, individual research and discussions with creative director and design team
• Create designs digitally, sketch designs by hand when necessary, incorporate MacKenzie-Childs signature patterns and textures when necessary, create or complete prototype samples, and construct in-house prototypes as needed
• Create manufacturing development packets in collaboration with Product Managers and product instructionals for each new product with an eye to specificity and detail
• Communicate with vendors through telephone and emails, if needed
• Collaborate with the other designers, members of production and quality control for product approval
• Manage work-load and ensure that personal work areas are organized, efficient and tidy
• Interface with design, production and vendors to maintain quality and open lines of communication
• Maintain an awareness of market trends and materials to support innovative and unique design initiatives appropriate to the brand and always be pushing commercial opportunities forward.
• Create artwork to support the design cycle each season and as needed
• Understand different materials and production processes, and continue to build on that knowledge
• Have an interest in the way people choose and use products, taking time to research classifications to understand customer’s preferences
• Follow the deadlines as planned in the Design & Development Cadence Calendar and manage work flow accordingly
• Order samples or working models when necessary
• Travel on occasion, if needed, to manufacturing resources to train or oversee designs in progress
• Concisely and courteously offer critiques for products and samples in a timely manner

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• B.F.A. or B.A. in Fine Arts or Design recommended, but not required, based on experience
• Apparel, fashion, Décor and home furnishings product designers especially invited to apply
• Three to five years previous design experience required

Qualifications needed:

• Must be a creative individual
• Must be an independent self-starter
• Must be able to follow design direction
• Must maintain a positive attitude under pressure
• The ability to design into an established brand aesthetic, while finding new ways to interpret and evolve it
• The ability to identify areas of need to improve processes
• The ability to identify market trends
• High quality standards
• The ability to communicate design ideas clearly translating visual ideas verbally and in writing
• The ability to sketch
• The ability to paint artistically
• Adobe Creative Suite required and 3-d experience preferred (AutoCad 3D, SketchUp)
• Ability to communicate with overseas vendors with precision and grace
• Must be able to work successfully in a team environment, both collaborating as a Design Team at key moments throughout the process and with Product Development and Creative Director
• A playful and wholesome imagination and a working knowledge of a broad range of material
• A strong understanding of key design concepts: color, pattern mixing, and historical design preferred
• The ability to multi-task, pro-actively trouble shoot, and problem solve quickly
• Organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail required

Training Required:Onboarding will be needed to become familiar with the product lines, beyond the website and to build a familiarity with MacKenzie-Childs branding, design aesthetic and DNA.

Position will report to:Design Director

Key Performance Indicators:

• Product Sales
• Teamwork / collaboration
• Time managent / meeting deadlines
• Creative brand interpretation within meaningful design constraints

Location: Aurora, NY

MacKenzie-Childs is an EEO employer.