Graphic Designer - Temp - VTech Electronics

VTech is the global leader in electronic learning products from infancy through toddler and preschool. Since its establishment in 1976, VTech has been the pioneer in the electronic learning toy category.

Our mission is to design, manufacture and supply innovative and high-quality products in a manner that minimizes any impact on the environment, while creating sustainable value for our stakeholders and the community.

Our culture comes largely from the great group of employees we have at VTech. They're friendly, yet professional. We embrace and value all of our employees and strive to foster a positive, collaborative work environment.

VTech believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties; qualification and job scope, but not limit the incumbent or the organization to only the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Graphic Designer will support the Graphics Manager and Marketing department in developing packaging, retail signage, in store displays, and trade show graphics that adhere to VTech and LeapFrog brand standards for the North American market. This job is a mix of production and design.

The responsibilities for this role encompass a high volume of print development for both VTech and LeapFrog brands across the holistic product line portfolio.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development and execution of marketing assets for the VTech Toys and LeapFrog brands in the North American market.
• Work with an overseas production team to localize toy packaging for the US market. Ensure that the designs follow style guides and meet US strategic goals and market norms.
• Work with the US Product Development, Marketing and Sales teams to ensure accuracy of product information, messaging hierarchy, brand voice, box size and structure.
• Design or review designs from overseas team members for retail signage, POPs, pallets, displays, and other retail advertising needs
• Make large-scale packaging and signage mock-ups
• Manage requests for placeholder box samples to send to retailers for planogram sets and retailer meetings
• Assist with PR and trade show design and production by designing large-scale graphics, setting files up for print, producing signage and on-location show set up
• Design print pieces including cross sells and ad layouts
• Attend and assist lifestyle photo shoots. Resulting images to be used on packaging and other marketing materials.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of graphic design principles including layout, hierarchy, balance, typography and color
• Able to follow established brand guidelines
• Excellent grasp of proper file set up for print
• Able to create box and signage mock-ups by hand using wide format printer, spray mount and cutting tools
• Good project management and organizational skills
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, juggle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adjust to changes in schedules and assignments
• Strong attention to detail especially when completing multiple or repetitive tasks
• Actively participate in project discussions and offer solutions to challenges
• Perform creative brainstorming and mock-up design ideas to illustrate concepts
• Strong computer skills in the following platforms
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • FTP software

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field, and 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in the area of Graphics Arts with a focus on print design; or any combination of experience and education that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to perform assigned tasks.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position currently does (not) require direct report management.

POSITION COMPETENCIES

The individual in this position must possess the following job competencies:

• Creativity/Innovation: Generates new ideas, challenges the status quo, takes risks, supports change, encourages innovation, solves problems creatively.
• Decision Making: Recognizes problems and responds, systematically gathers information, sorts through complex issues, seeks input from others, addresses root cause of issues, makes timely decisions, can make difficult decisions, uses consensus when possible, communicates decisions to others.
• Dependability: Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements.
• Initiative: Tackles problems and takes independent action, seeks out new responsibilities, acts on opportunities, generates new ideas, practices self-development.
• Organizational Savvy: Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others' roles and perspectives
• Problem Solving/Analysis: Breaks down problems into smaller components, understands underlying issues, can simplify and process complex issues, understands the difference between critical details and unimportant facts.
• Results Focus: Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, accepts accountability, sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation.
• Productivity: Manages a fair workload, volunteers for additional work, prioritizes tasks, develops good work procedures, manages time well, handles information flow.
• Teamwork: Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
• Strategic Thinking: Creates and communicates a long-term vision, balances short and long term goals, keeps own and team's work aligned with overall goals, understands the market and can predict change, understands the industry and the competition, creates and adjusts strategic plans.