Design Associate

Position Summary
This individual will assist/support staff design managers with project management and creative direction throughout the design development process. He/she must work as a team with the DM, taking both initiative and direction as appropriate. Essential job skills include: a keen sense of design, strong organizational and project management skills, exceptional verbal and written communication skills, and a working knowledge of the production process.

This individual will also be responsible for initiating and coordinating project management within the BLUE On-Line artwork and brand asset management system. The candidate for this position will be in daily contact with brand development/marketing managers, external design vendors, and varied internal customers such as R&D, Manufacturing, Package Development, Sales & Purchasing groups. The position will report to the assigned design manager.

Responsibilities
1. Manage design development for activation/marketing projects, and support the DM on innovation work as required. Initiate Design Projects in PaRTS and manage initial phases involving design using the system.
2. Participate in development of the design portion of project timelines. Insure that work is completed and approved on time. Report timing issues to the Design Manager and Process Leader.
3. Manage outside vendors to solicit proposals and estimates; insure projects stay on budget.
4. Work closely with the production assistant to insure a seamless transition between design development and production/execution.
5. Attend project management meetings as required (PERT, innovation meetings, etc). Participate in pre-production meetings as required.
6. Review and approve proofs, and attend Press runs as needed.

Skills and Competencies
1. Be able to work independently, but still consult with the Design manager on all projects and outstanding design issues.
2.  Maintain a high level of organization, in order to manage and track a large number of projects for multiple brands. Work as a team with the DM to manage workload.
3. Work closely with brand development/marketing to solicit feedback and design approvals, provide recommendations, and gather necessary information in order to keep all assigned projects on schedule and on budget.
4. He/she will need to juggle and multitask well in order to stay on top of many projects for several brands, often working towards extremely tight deadlines that are critical to the success and growth of the business.
5. He/she must be able to work as a team with many different groups and individuals both internally and externally, and must possess the communication skills to function effectively in all situations.
6. Minimum of 5-7 years experience in graphic design (i.e. package design, structural design, brand identity, merchandising, print, web), package design experience preferable
7. Strong project management experience
8. Working knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, MS Office


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