Hybrid Creative Lead Designer presso Innomark/RWOB

INNOMARK/RWOB delivers Visual Marketing solutions that attract attention, engage shoppers, and convert sales. Our mission is to create retail experiences that connect brands and consumers through effective visual communication. In-house design, engineering, printing, manufacturing, and fulfillment guarantee excellence from concept to completion. Visit www.innomarkcom.com to learn more about our work, history, and culture.

Innomark/RWOB is seeking an experienced Creative Lead Designer specializing in Retail Experiences, Brand Expression, and In-Store Displays to drive forward-thinking design solutions that elevate brand presence and engage consumers. This role requires a blend of creative vision, strategic thinking, and technical expertise, ensuring high-quality execution and impactful retail experiences. As a Creative Lead Designer, you will lead conceptual development, ideation, and design execution, creating immersive environments that resonate with customers and align with business goals.

As a Creative Lead Designer, you are a visionary who blends creativity with technical expertise to bring displays to life in immersive retail environments. They go beyond traditional sketching, deeply considering the use of materials, structural integrity, and the practicality of fabrication. With a hands-on approach, they bridge the gap between design and production, spending time to understand and optimize the methods of construction. Their role involves not just envisioning the aesthetic of a display but translating design intent through knowledge of material usage and building fabrication, ensuring that every element is both functional and impactful. This holistic approach allows them to push the boundaries of retail design, creating compelling brand expressions that captivate and engage consumers.

Who You Will Work With

• Reporting to Brian Botta, The Executive Creative Director for the Design Department.  
• You will work closely with the Creative Leads, the Design Team, Account Directors, and Engineering to execute on-brand projects across various retail channels.
• You’ll collaborate to elevate client brands through compelling design solutions, ensuring project success in terms of design continuity, budget adherence, and creative impact.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

1. Creative Conceptualization:
   • Ability to generate innovative and visually compelling concepts that align with brand identity and enhance the consumer experience.
   • Strong visual storytelling skills to translate brand values into engaging retail displays and spaces.
2. 3D Design and Visualization:
   • Proficiency in 2D /3D modeling software such as the Entire Adobe Creative Suite, 3D Studio Max, SketchUp, Rhino, or to create detailed models and visual renderings.
   • Expertise in crafting immersive, consumer-centric environments and visual merchandising layouts.
3. Material Knowledge:
   • In-depth understanding of various materials and their properties, ensuring both aesthetic and functional integrity.
   • Familiarity with sustainable and innovative materials that can elevate design impact.
4. Technical and Structural Understanding:
   • Strong grasp of structural design, engineering principles, and fabrication techniques to ensure stability and durability of installations.
   • Ability to design for manufacturability.

5. Project Management:
   • Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, from initial concept to final production, while maintaining attention to detail.
   • Expertise in developing timelines, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and adhering to project budgets.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
   • Effective communication skills to work with design teams, engineers, model shop technicians, and clients, ensuring alignment of design intent.
   • Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to both creative and non-creative stakeholders.
7. Brand and Consumer Insight:
   • Deep understanding of brand strategy and consumer behavior to design experiences that drive engagement and loyalty.
   • Ability to interpret client goals and consumer needs into actionable design solutions.
8. Problem-Solving and Adaptability:
   • Strong problem-solving skills to overcome design and technical challenges creatively.
   • Adaptability to changing project requirements and ability to pivot quickly when needed.
9. Attention to Detail:
   • Precision in every aspect of the design process, from sketching and rendering to material selection and final execution.
   • Commitment to ensuring the smallest design details are executed to the highest standard.

What You Bring

• Minimum of 7+ years in retail experience design, focused on store environments, fixture design, and brand storytelling.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, interactive Design, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of retail environments and how to create impactful, consumer-driven experiences.
• Expertise in 3D design software (3D Studio Max, Keyshot, Unreal Engine), Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and both digital and physical sketching.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale to clients and internal teams.

Competencies and Skills

• Strategic Thinker: Able to translate client needs into creative solutions that align with broader business strategies.
• Collaborative Leader: Fosters a positive studio culture and works seamlessly across functions.
• Innovative Problem Solver: Pushes design boundaries and thinks creatively to address complex challenges.
• Adaptable and Open-Minded: Thrives in dynamic environments, able to pivot quickly and incorporate feedback.
• Client-Focused Mindset: Understands the importance of delivering high-impact designs that drive brand engagement.

Education/Certification

• Degree in Industrial Design, Retail Design, or Interactive Design.
• Minimum of 7+ years in a professional role or equivalent experience in retail and experiential design.

Core Values

• Creative Visionary
• Collaborative Communicator
• Strategic Problem Solver
• Client-Centric
• Adaptable and Agile
• Results-Driven

This role is Hybrid in our Pittsburgh RWOB Location with flexibility for travel as needed. We are looking for a forward-thinking designer who embraces change, values teamwork, and is excited to shape the future of retail experiences.

Innomark/RWOB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital statis, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.