Associate CMF Designer

Who We Are

As one of the fastest-growing on-the-go drinkware companies in America, we’ve got a reputation for doing great things. Our vision is simple - bring delight to eating and drinking.

Delight is different to everyone. Whether it’s the perfect cup of coffee, or a water bottle that helps you crush your workout, our mission is to make it look great, function perfectly and cost less than you’d expect.

Delivering on this promise takes extraordinary efforts and exceptional people. Through our teams’ ingenuity and grit, we’ve created a place where the best ideas win, and they can come from anyone. Our culture combines the scrappy spirit of a startup with the perks of a market leader.

We believe the right way to design products starts and ends with two key ingredients: process people. Process is the path that takes us from ideas to products that are on brand, on time and on budget. People are the secret sauce that adds ingenuity every step of the way.

Together, we navigate each day with optimism, curiosity, a healthy sense of humor and a strong allergy to the word “no.” This desire for better, coupled with a deep understanding of consumers’ daily lives, gets us to meaningful delight.

About the Role

Are you a creative minded designer with a passion for staying up to date on industry trends? This role involves developing CMF palettes and specifications for new and existing products, collaborating with designers and engineers, and staying updated on trends across industries like fashion and technology. You'll create samples, conduct trend analysis, and ensure the durability and manufacturability of materials, while troubleshooting production issues. The ideal candidate should have a relevant degree, an eye for branding/design, and a keen understanding of consumer preferences.

What You’ll Do

• Develop CMF palettes and specifications for new and existing products.
• Create digital and physical color/material samples to communicate design intent.
• Collaborate with product designers and engineers to ensure feasibility and manufacturability.
• Communicate proactively with factory partners.
• Stay updated on color, material, and finish trends in relevant industries (fashion, automotive, technology, home goods, etc.).
• Conduct competitive market analysis to identify emerging trends in consumer preferences.
• Create and present mood boards and CMF trend reports to guide product development.
• Troubleshoot CMF-related issues in production and suggest improvements.
• Conduct material and color validation tests to ensure durability and performance.
• Maintain detailed records of color, material, and finish specifications, and ensure CMF data is clearly documented for production handoffs.
• Create CMF decks, swatch libraries, and material databases for team reference.

Who You Are

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design, CMF, Textile Design, Graphic Design, or a related field
• Proven interest in CMF design, preferably in the consumer goods or fashion space
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, 3D rendering tools (KeyShot preferred), and familiarity with CMF specification software preferred (e.g., Pantone Connect)
• Strong understanding of consumer preferences and their impact on product aesthetics with the ability to translate trend research into market-relevant CMF strategies
• Familiarity with color matching and texture development for different materials
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization
• Keen eye for details and accuracy across a wide range of products and brands.
• Ability to embrace transparency and adapt to shifting priorities, while learning from each decision and maintaining focus on progress.

Application must include a visual portfolio. Applications without an included portfolio will not be considered.

Benefits at Leapfrog

• 15 days Paid Time Off your first year, and an additional day each year thereafter (up to 25 days), as well as company paid sick days, holidays and parental leave options
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as commuter benefits and additional voluntary benefits
• Annual bonus payouts for all salaried employees, and up to a 5% 401k match with no vesting period
• Summer Fridays - from Memorial Day to Labor Day enjoy half days every Friday

Learn more about life at Leapfrog and our benefits by visiting us at www.leapfrogbrands.com

Leapfrog is currently operating under a hybrid work model, and this position will report on site to our Lincoln Park office 3 days per week based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not comfortable with a hybrid work model.

Leapfrog Brands is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship or relocation for this position, and all new hires will be required to verify their employment eligibility through the DHS E-Verify program.

Salary Band

$50,000 - 60,000, full-time, salaried, exempt, hybrid

Please note: Most candidates can expect to be positioned within the low to mid-range of the designated compensation band. This approach is designed to set realistic expectations while providing employees with the opportunity for growth and development within their roles. Placement toward the higher end of the band may be considered based on relevant experience, specialized skills, and other qualifications.