Associate Product Designer-Dotcom (Hybrid)

Uniek brand, Kate & Laurel is looking for a creative, high-energy, trend-obsessed designer ready to grow their career in home décor. You’ll need an amazing eye for design, command of design software, strong organizational skills and a genuine passion for beautiful products. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Graphic Design, Product Design, or Industrial Design. 2-5 years of design experience, including internships or academic projects. Home décor design experience a plus but not required.

As an Associate Product Designer, you will gain hands-on product development experience, collaborating with our Product Management, Engineering, Sourcing, and Quality Teams. You will be mentored in the product development lifecycle and required to contribute during each product design cycle. You will support and add value as we bring product to market via major retailers and eCommerce partners – Amazon, Wayfair, Target, Home Depot, Overstock, etc. Continued growth is encouraged, and responsibilities are intended to increase as experience builds.

Purpose and Objectives:

• Responsible for the design, development, and introduction of new products that meet the needs of the Uniek business and our consumers.
• Responsible for following the product pathway from concept through sampling.
• Responsible for recognizing current and future design trends via social media, market observations, and trend research.

Essential/Specific Duties and Tasks:

• Understanding of and accountability for designing new products while hitting determined price points, retail margin, and trade profit.
• Working with internal and external teams to provide all requested deliverables for assigned projects including hand sketches, 3D renderings and design briefs.
• Product design and development for the following categories are on trend and meet the needs of our Retail and Dotcom partners and our end consumers:

· Accent Furniture

· Cabinets

· Mirrors

· Photo Frames

· Shelving

· Pinboards, Chalkboards

· Dec Accents

· Assist with trend research and present findings.

· Continually investigate new product ideas, design features and attributes to provide Uniek with product distinction and a competitive advantage.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Held Accountable For:

• Partnering with Design Director on the development and execution of product concepts.
• Preparing detailed project specifications within project timelines.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of current and future décor trends.
• Preparing detailed communication with all teams on project status and next steps.

Qualifications:

· Tech or College degree in Graphic Design, Product Design, or Industrial Design.

· Exceptional knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. SolidWorks and/or Keyshot 3D rendering programs a plus.

· Experience with hand sketching.

· General knowledge of the design process.

· Proven time management skills - ability to prioritize and deliver multiple projects on time.

· Proven critical thinker – asks relevant questions and makes logical decisions.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Flexibility to adapt quickly to project changes and desire to work in a fast-paced environment.

· Interest in working with overseas suppliers.

Key Performance Indicators:

· On-time and on-cost completion of assigned projects.

· Recognized by team members as creative, energetic and passionate about design.

We offer an excellent benefits package to include: paid vacation; paid sick time; holiday pay; health, dental, and vision insurance; paid Short Term Disability, Basic Life, and AD&D insurance; Flexible Spending Account (medical & dependent); supplemental life and AD&D; Long Term Disability and 401K with company match.

Interested and qualified candidates should send their resume and link to their portfolio for consideration.

Please note this is not an IT or Engineering role.

This position is not remote.

No relocation assistance or visa sponsorship is provided for this role.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• design and development: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Waunakee, WI 53597 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waunakee, WI 53597