Product Designer II

About FOCO

FOCO is a worldwide leading manufacturer of sports and entertainment merchandise, including products ranging from collectibles and novelty items to promotional memorabilia. With all the major sports licenses at our fingertips, along with a powerful infrastructure and broad variety of products, our company is reaching new heights every day.

The success of FOCO's expansion is directly related to our ability to bring fresh designs and manufacturing techniques to categories in need of innovation. We are constantly searching for dedicated and driven professionals to join and help grow our team.

This family-owned business was built on the hard work and dedication of our employees. The creativity, innovation, and passion our teams of people around the globe bring every day have made FOCO what it is today.

About the Role:

The Sr. Designer is responsible for creating on-trend, commercial designs in accordance with the strategic plans of the Product Development department and in alignment with business objectives. The Design team is responsible for the headwear design and creative execution of our licensed sports and brand partner initiatives. This team understands all design touch points in the development process and is focused on driving commercial results.

Responsibilities:

• Design execution of specific projects in relationship to product plans.
• Translate consumer trends into color, silhouette, and graphic executions for seasonal programs, official/authentic programs, key account customs, etc.
• Collaborate with Advanced Concept Design, Product Line Management, Product Operations and Sourcing teams to design product that aligns to cost, pricing, and margin framework.
• Maintain an active understanding of trends in sports apparel and sports/pop culture, consumer insights, new business opportunities, and competitors in the market to influence design aesthetics and strategy through the development of mood, trend, and ideation boards.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of presentation decks, and collection boards, supporting brand and league systems administration.
• Confidently share fresh perspectives that will enhance creativity and promote new ideas through written and verbal communications with internal partners.
• Manage and execute custom design sessions with key accounts and special retail partners.
• Manage and execute special design project needs and lead partner communication processes as appropriate.
• Meet or exceed timelines associated with merchandising calendars.
• Serve as a mentor to junior designers.
• Keep all sensitive matters confidential.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Understands the licensed sports marketplace and headwear consumer, and can transform those insights into commercial product design.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills. Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize workload, adapt to change, and maintain composure under pressure. Maintains a positive and professional attitude towards team, vendors, and clients.
• Advanced-level knowledge using Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.
• Demonstrates a strong graphic ability in custom logo and wordmark design.
• Demonstrate intermediate-level knowledge of color theory, composition, and concept development, adhering to brand guidelines.
• Production art knowledge.
• Proficient in individually managing multiple projects daily while meeting established deadlines.
• Familiarity with working within project management systems.
• Intermediate-level use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; should be able to deliver ideas and decisions in a professional manner.
• Must be detail-oriented.
• Must be able to work effectively and cross-functionally across all teams and departments.
• Can manage projects individually or as a part of a team.
• Results-driven and solutions-focused.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Sports fans are a MUST.
• Occasional travel possible.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in arts or related field or the equivalent combination of education, training, or work experience. 10 years of experience in retail, Licensing, or Sports related experience is a plus. Must reside in New Jersey and travel to FOCO Headquarters located in Piscataway, NJ (REQUIRED) Must provide a strong professional portfolio showcasing a wide range of design skills/abilities

Travel Requirement:

0% - 40%; domestic and international travel

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity. We provide opportunities for growth and development, offer an inclusive environment that encourages diverse perspectives and ideas, deliver challenging and unique opportunities to contribute to the success of a transforming organization, and offer comprehensive benefits globally.