Frankfort, IL
The Product Development Associate plays a key role in driving innovation and growth within the product line by conceptualizing, designing, and executing new product ideas from initial concept through production. This position requires a highly creative, trend-focused individual with strong technical design skills and the ability to translate market insights into commercially viable products.
The role involves close collaboration with internal teams and overseas vendors to ensure that all product designs meet brand standards, quality expectations, and customer needs while maintaining cost efficiency and production feasibility.
1. Research and analyze current market trends, customer preferences, and competitor offerings to identify new product opportunities.
2. Conceptualize innovative product ideas that align with brand identity and customer demand.
3. Continuously bring fresh ideas to the product line to keep assortments relevant, competitive, and visually appealing.
4. Design a wide variety of products including (but not limited to) ribbon patterns, MDF and metal signs, decorative pots, plush wreath enhancements, fabric or floral picks and sprays.
5. Apply strong knowledge of design principles such as color theory, composition, typography, and layout to create aesthetically compelling products.
6. Ensure all designs meet brand guidelines and maintain consistency across product lines.
7. Understand the limits of AI design and adhere to Company AI Policy.
8. Create detailed digital mockups and visual presentations for internal review, customers, and vendors.
9. Clearly communicate design concepts through professional and accurate renderings that reflect the final product.
10. Adjust designs based on feedback/approval while maintaining design integrity.
11. Prepare and distribute comprehensive design specifications and instructional layouts for overseas vendors/production partners.
12. Communicate product details clearly through written correspondence, including dimensions, materials, color standards, and packaging requirements.
13. Serve as a point of contact for vendors during the product development process to address questions and ensure alignment.
14. Troubleshoot and resolve design or production issues in a timely manner.
15. Review product samples upon arrival to ensure accuracy to original design specifications. Evaluate quality, color accuracy, material and overall craftsmanship. Provide feedback/required revisions to supervisor/vendor to ensure products meet company standards.
16. Partner closely with Product Development Team and other departments to ensure products meet business objectives.
17. Manage multiple design projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
18. Organize files, maintain accurate documentation, and track project progress from concept through production.
19. Adapt priorities as needed based on business demands and timelines.
20. Additional responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Demonstrated creativity with a strong understanding of current design trends, color forecasting, and product aesthetics.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Product Design, or a related field preferred.
3. 2+ years of experience in product design or related creative field (preferred).
4. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator required; experience with Firefly a plus).
5. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word).
6. Strong artistic ability with a solid foundation in color theory, typography, layout, and visual balance.
7. Excellent attention to detail with commitment to accuracy and quality.
8. Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
9. Effective written and verbal communication skills, particularly for vendor interactions.
10. Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.
This job operates in a professional office work environment and warehouse environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, the employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This would include the ability to lift boxes, open filing cabinets and bending/standing as needed.
Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work
Full-Time Position. M-F 8:00 am -5:00 pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
We offer a competitive salary $20-$25 per hour and strong benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, holiday pay, wellness paid time off, vacation packages, and 401k with company match.
