Associate Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Director

Company: e.l.f. Beauty

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative Operations / Brand Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the conception and development of innovative and disruptive package designs across a multi-brand portfolio, focusing on e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. SKIN, e.l.f. Hair, Well People, Naturium, and rhode.

• Lead all aspects of the package design process, from initial brief to final execution, ensuring alignment with brand vision, product promise, and market trends.

• Drive productivity and cost-reduction initiatives through the optimization of the entire packaging lifecycle, from material selection to production.

• Champion sustainability efforts by integrating material reduction, post-consumer recycled resins, and light weighting into package design strategies.

• Foster a creative and collaborative environment, providing leadership and problem-solving expertise to cross-functional teams, including Innovation, Digital, Brand, Packaging Development, Production, and Product Development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Associate Design Director," has significant operational oversight responsibilities related to package design execution, cost management, and sustainability initiatives. It bridges creative direction with tangible product development and supply chain considerations, making it a pivotal role within the GTM and product operations functions. The emphasis on "disruptive package designs" and "cost-effective solutions to achieve premium package designs" suggests a strong focus on balancing aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency and market viability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceive and develop stand-out packaging designs that amplify brand identity and effectively communicate product value propositions.

• Lead and inspire design teams to cultivate an environment of creativity, teamwork, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

• Infuse a deep understanding of current fashion, beauty, design, and digital trends, particularly those relevant to the Gen Z audience, to create compelling designs for new product launches, PR kits, social media campaigns, promotional items, and brand collaborations.

• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality, innovative packaging solutions that meet or exceed brief requirements, customer expectations, manufacturability constraints, retail shelf presence, and overall 360-degree marketing objectives.

• Cultivate and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships with internal teams including Innovation, Design, Packaging Development, Marketing, New Product Development (NPD), and operational departments to ensure seamless project execution.

• Spearhead productivity improvements and cost-reduction initiatives by optimizing the entire packaging process, from conceptualization through to production.

• Drive the company's environmental sustainability agenda by actively incorporating strategies such as material reduction, utilization of post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins, light weighting, and adherence to other corporate sustainability targets.

• Oversee day-to-day collaboration with packaging development teams and the China development team to meticulously track sample development, modifications, and ensure adherence to design specifications.

• Design packaging solutions tailored for maximum impact across both the retail and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, considering unique environmental factors for each.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and operational execution, particularly in ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. The mention of "China development team" implies a need for strong global supply chain coordination and understanding of international manufacturing processes. The focus on "360-degree objectives" and "retail and DTC environment" underscores the role's connection to go-to-market strategies and sales operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Packaging Design, Fine Arts, or a related creative field. Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in package design, with a strong emphasis on the beauty industry.

• Proven track record of success in dynamic, high-volume, deadline-driven environments, managing multiple projects concurrently. Required Skills:

• Exceptional conceptualization and design development skills for packaging, with a portfolio demonstrating innovation and brand amplification.

• Deep and current knowledge of fashion, beauty, design, and digital trends, with a specific understanding of the Gen Z consumer demographic.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Demonstrated experience with AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools in a design context, showcasing forward-thinking application.

• Proven ability to create impactful designs for various applications including new product launches, PR kits, social media assets, promotional swag, and collaborations.

• Experience working effectively with in-house digital teams, visual merchandising, and e-commerce platforms to ensure cohesive brand representation.

• Strong understanding of packaging development processes, materials, and manufacturing constraints.

• Excellent leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving capabilities, fostering an environment of creativity and growth.

• Ability to design for both retail environments and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channels. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in art direction specifically within the beauty sector.

• Familiarity with sustainability best practices in packaging design, including PCR resins and light weighting.

• Experience managing and collaborating with international development teams, such as the China development team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI requirement is noteworthy and indicates a company focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology in its creative processes. The emphasis on "Gen Z audience" and "digital trends" suggests that understanding online consumer behavior and digital-native design principles is critical for success. The inclusion of "sustainability" as a key responsibility implies that candidates with experience in eco-friendly packaging solutions will be highly regarded.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7 years of professional package design work, with a strong emphasis on beauty and consumer goods.

• Demonstrated case studies highlighting the end-to-end design process for at least 3-5 distinct projects, from initial brief and concept development through to final production-ready assets.

• Examples of designs that have successfully amplified brand identity and communicated product value, with clear articulation of the strategic thinking behind each.

• Visual evidence of designs created for PR kits, social media campaigns, collaborations, or promotional merchandise, illustrating versatility.

• Specific examples of how sustainability considerations (e.g., material reduction, PCR use, light weighting) were integrated into the design process and final output.

• Demonstrations of designs optimized for both retail shelf presence and DTC e-commerce channels. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly outline the project brief, target audience, design objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) or desired outcomes.

• Document the iterative design process, including concept exploration, refinement, stakeholder feedback integration, and final execution stages.

• Detail the collaboration process with cross-functional teams (e.g., Packaging Development, Marketing, Product Development) and how challenges were overcome.

• Showcase the application of Adobe Creative Suite and AI tools in the design workflow, illustrating efficiency gains or innovative outcomes.

• Provide context on how manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability targets were addressed and balanced during the design development phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a robust portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also demonstrate a strategic understanding of brand objectives, market dynamics, and operational constraints. Highlighting projects that involved cost savings, sustainability improvements, or successful DTC launches will be particularly impactful. The expectation of AI tool usage in the portfolio suggests a need to showcase innovative workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $130,000 - $160,000 USD per year. Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: Base salary within the specified range, reflecting experience and qualifications.

• Bonus Eligibility: Annual company-based performance bonus, with a target of up to 200% of the bonus target based on exceeding company performance goals (as achieved over the last seven fiscal years).

• Equity: Participation in the company's equity program.

• Flexible Time Off: Generous paid time off policy.

• Year-Round Half-Day Fridays: Offering enhanced work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or equivalent with company matching contributions.

• Gender Neutral Parental Leave: Supportive leave policies for new parents.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off: A flexible approach to time off that supports employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with the understanding that project demands may require flexibility. The company offers year-round half-day Fridays, contributing to a balanced work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an Associate Director level role in the New York City area, especially within the beauty industry. The comprehensive benefits package, including a high bonus potential (200% of target), equity, and significant work-life balance perks like unlimited PTO and half-day Fridays, positions e.l.f. Beauty as a highly attractive employer for operations and creative professionals. The mention of the bonus reaching 200% of target over the last seven years indicates a history of strong company performance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Beauty and Personal Care, with a portfolio spanning Cosmetics, Skincare, Haircare, and Wellness. e.l.f. Beauty is known for its strong digital presence, direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy, and a commitment to clean, cruelty-free products at accessible price points.

Company Size: e.l.f. Beauty is a significant player in the beauty industry, with net sales of $1.6 billion in Fiscal Year 26. This indicates a large, established organization with substantial resources and market influence.

Founded: The flagship brand, e.l.f. Cosmetics, was founded in 2004. The company has since expanded its portfolio through acquisitions and brand development, demonstrating a growth-oriented and dynamic business strategy.

Team Structure:

• The Design team operates within a matrixed structure, collaborating closely with Brand Marketing, Innovation, Packaging Development, Product Development, Digital, and Project Management teams.

• This role is likely part of a broader Creative or Design department, reporting to a Design Director or VP of Creative.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring strong partnership with both upstream (innovation, marketing) and downstream (packaging development, production) functions to ensure design feasibility and market readiness. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the role is expected to be informed by market trends, consumer insights (especially Gen Z), and performance data from both retail and DTC channels.

• Agile Development: The emphasis on "quick timelines" and managing "multiple projects" suggests an agile approach to design and product development, requiring adaptability and efficient workflow management.

• Integrated Brand Experience: Designs must consider the holistic brand experience across all touchpoints, from physical packaging to digital content and social media.

Company Website: https://www.elfbeauty.com/work-with-us

📝 Enhancement Note: e.l.f. Beauty's rapid growth and expansion into multiple brands suggest a culture that values agility, innovation, and strategic execution. The focus on clean, cruelty-free beauty and value pricing, combined with a strong digital-first approach, indicates a company that is modern, consumer-centric, and responsive to market trends. The mention of significant net sales and consistent growth points to a high-performance environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate Director, indicating a senior individual contributor or team lead role with significant responsibility for project execution, strategy input, and cross-functional leadership within the design and product development lifecycle. This level typically involves managing complex projects and influencing broader team strategies.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director of Design, VP of Creative, or a similar senior leadership position within the creative or brand organization. This position will also have direct reports or manage external agencies and vendor relationships.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the market success of e.l.f. Beauty's diverse brand portfolio. By creating "disruptive package designs," the Associate Design Director influences consumer perception, drives purchase decisions, enhances brand equity, and contributes to sales performance across both retail and DTC channels. Furthermore, their focus on cost-effectiveness and sustainability directly impacts operational efficiency and corporate responsibility goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to a Design Director or VP of Creative role, leading larger teams and broader creative strategy for multiple brands or the entire portfolio.

• Brand Portfolio Expansion: Opportunity to gain experience and leadership across a diverse range of brands (e.g., e.l.f. Cosmetics, Well People, Naturium), deepening expertise in different market segments and product categories.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable packaging innovation, digital-first design strategies, or art direction for global campaigns.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into roles within Brand Management, Product Innovation, or Marketing leadership, leveraging a deep understanding of product design and go-to-market execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title might suggest a step towards leadership, but the responsibilities and experience requirements point to a role with significant autonomy and impact, often seen at a Director level in other organizations. The company's rapid growth and multi-brand strategy offer numerous avenues for career progression and skill diversification within the operations and creative functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. This is typical for a company valuing both in-person collaboration and employee flexibility.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. This major metropolitan hub offers access to a vast talent pool, industry events, and a dynamic business environment. Specific office details regarding amenities and accessibility would be available upon inquiry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The 3-day in-office requirement is designed to foster in-person collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and team building, crucial for creative roles like package design.

• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to modern design software, hardware, and potentially advanced visualization tools to support the creation of premium package designs. The mention of AI integration suggests a forward-thinking tech stack.

• Brand Immersion: Working within a leading beauty company provides opportunities to be immersed in the latest product launches, industry trends, and creative discussions, fostering a stimulating and inspiring work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with the significant benefit of year-round half-day Fridays, promoting a strong work-life balance. Flexibility will be required to meet project deadlines and critical launch dates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of e.l.f. Beauty's employee value proposition, aiming to balance the need for in-person synergy with the desire for remote flexibility. This setup is common for roles that benefit from collaborative ideation sessions while allowing for focused individual work at home. The New York City location places the role at the heart of a major commercial and creative center.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and alignment with company values.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Design Director or VP) to evaluate design philosophy, leadership style, and project management capabilities.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This is an opportunity to demonstrate strategic thinking, creativity, and operational awareness. Expect to discuss the rationale behind design choices, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Brand Marketing, Packaging Development, and Product Development to assess collaboration skills, understanding of business needs, and ability to integrate feedback.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: Potentially a meeting with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate a range of skills and experience, with a focus on beauty and packaging.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the problem you solved, your creative process, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable results or impact. Use visuals effectively to guide the narrative.

• Highlight Operations Integration: Emphasize how you considered manufacturability, cost, sustainability, and DTC/retail channel requirements within your designs. Showcase any process optimization or efficiency improvements you implemented.

• Showcase AI Proficiency: If applicable, include a project where AI tools played a significant role in your workflow or design outcome, explaining the benefits and how it enhanced the creative process.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, problem-solving strategies, and how you handle feedback and tight deadlines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study, which might involve developing concepts for a new product or redesigning existing packaging based on a specific brief.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to think strategically, respond to constraints (budget, timeline, sustainability), and present a clear, well-reasoned solution.

• Practice articulating your thought process concisely and confidently, as if presenting to a cross-functional team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the cornerstone of this application process. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase creative talent but also to articulate the strategic, operational, and business impact of their design work. Demonstrating an understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from concept to shelf, and integrating considerations like cost and sustainability, will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for all design deliverables.

• AI Tools: Experience with Artificial Intelligence tools in a design context is explicitly required, suggesting tools for ideation, asset generation, or workflow automation. Specific tools may vary, but a willingness to explore and integrate AI is crucial.

• 3D Design Software (Potential): While not explicitly listed, proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software (e.g., Keyshot, Blender, Cinema 4D) could be beneficial for visualizing packaging concepts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Analysis Tools: Ability to research and synthesize industry trends using various online resources, trend forecasting platforms, and competitor analysis.

• E-commerce Platforms: Familiarity with how designs perform on e-commerce sites, understanding the impact of visual merchandising and digital asset requirements.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar for managing project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with DAM systems for organizing and distributing creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tools is a significant differentiator for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have leveraged AI in their design workflow, whether for ideation, rapid prototyping, or enhancing efficiency. Beyond creative software, an understanding of project management and digital asset management systems is important for seamless integration into the company's operational processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, driving the creation of "disruptive" and "thumb-stopping" designs that set e.l.f. Beauty brands apart.

• Clean Beauty & Cruelty-Free: Deep commitment to ethical product development and sourcing, which should be reflected in design choices where applicable (e.g., material sourcing).

• Value & Affordability: While aiming for premium design, the company's ethos is rooted in providing high-quality products at accessible price points. Designs must balance aesthetics with cost-effectiveness.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging consumer insights, market trends, and performance data to inform creative strategy and design execution.

• Sustainability: A growing focus, encouraging designers to integrate eco-friendly practices into their work.

• Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced environment with quick timelines and evolving project scopes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Emphasis on working collaboratively with diverse teams (Marketing, Packaging Development, Product Development, Digital, Production) to ensure holistic product success.

• Transparent Communication: Open dialogue and feedback exchange are essential for navigating complex projects and tight deadlines.

• Teamwork & Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages collective effort to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.

• Inclusivity: As demonstrated by their multi-brand portfolio and focus on diverse audiences (e.g., Gen Z), e.l.f. Beauty likely fosters an inclusive and respectful work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply intertwined with its brand identity and business strategy. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and professional approach align with e.l.f. Beauty's commitment to innovation, ethical practices, and consumer value. The emphasis on collaboration is critical, as this role acts as a nexus between creative vision and operational reality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Developing truly "disruptive" designs while adhering to strict budgets, timelines, manufacturability requirements, and sustainability targets.

• Multi-Brand Portfolio Management: Effectively managing design direction and execution across 2-3 distinct brands simultaneously, each with its own identity and target audience.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Staying ahead of fast-moving fashion, beauty, and digital trends, particularly for the Gen Z demographic, and translating them into impactful packaging.

• Global Production Coordination: Overseeing sample development and modifications with international teams (e.g., China development) requires strong communication, cultural awareness, and attention to detail.

• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Effectively leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity and efficiency without compromising design integrity or brand authenticity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cross-Brand Expertise: Gaining in-depth experience with a diverse portfolio of beauty brands, from mass-market e.l.f. to premium wellness brands.

• Advanced Design Technologies: Opportunity to pioneer the use of AI and other cutting-edge technologies in packaging design workflows.

• Sustainability Leadership: Playing a key role in driving the company's sustainability initiatives through innovative packaging solutions.

• Strategic Design Influence: Contributing to broader brand strategy and product innovation discussions, moving beyond execution to strategic input.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Developing leadership skills by guiding junior designers, agencies, and cross-functional partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of creativity, operations, and market strategy within a high-growth beauty company. The challenges are directly tied to opportunities for significant professional development and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a highly creative design vision with significant cost or manufacturing constraints. How did you achieve a successful outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, compromise, and operational awareness).

• "Walk us through your process for developing packaging for a new product launch, from initial brief to final artwork. How do you ensure alignment with brand strategy and consumer appeal?" (Demonstrate structured thinking, project management, and brand understanding).

• "How do you stay current with fashion, beauty, and digital trends, particularly those relevant to Gen Z? Provide an example of how you've applied a trend to a design project." (Showcase market awareness and creative application).

• "Discuss your experience using AI tools in your design workflow. What benefits did it bring, and what are the potential challenges or limitations?" (Highlight technical proficiency and forward-thinking approach).

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as packaging development, marketing, and production? Describe a situation where collaboration was critical to project success." (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and stakeholder management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about e.l.f. Beauty's brand portfolio and its mission?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and alignment with company values).

• "How does your design philosophy align with e.l.f. Beauty's commitment to clean, cruelty-free beauty and providing value?" (Connect your approach to company ethos).

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you thrive in a hybrid setting?" (Showcase adaptability and understanding of the work model).

• "How would you contribute to our company's sustainability goals through packaging design?" (Demonstrate commitment to environmental initiatives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context is Key: For each project, clearly define the brand, the target audience, the business objective, and your specific role and contribution.

• Show the Process, Not Just the Polish: Include sketches, mood boards, early concepts, and iterations to illustrate your thinking and problem-solving journey. This demonstrates depth beyond just final execution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., sales lift, social media engagement, cost savings achieved, sustainability improvements).

• Highlight Operational Considerations: Explicitly discuss how you addressed manufacturability, material choices, cost targets, and channel-specific requirements (retail vs. DTC) in your designs.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about software usage, file preparation for production, and specific design techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative excellence, strategic thinking, operational awareness, and strong collaborative skills. Candidates need to prove they can not only design beautiful packaging but also execute it effectively within business constraints and contribute to the company's broader goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 7+ years of experience in package design, specifically within the beauty industry. Highlight achievements related to brand amplification, innovation, cost savings, sustainability initiatives, and successful product launches. Use keywords such as "package design," "art direction," "Adobe Creative Suite," "AI," "beauty trends," "cross-functional collaboration," and "DTC/retail strategy."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Ensure each project clearly articulates the brief, your role, the design process, challenges overcome, and demonstrable results. Include examples of PR kits, social media assets, and designs optimized for both retail and DTC channels. Explicitly showcase any use of AI tools and sustainability considerations.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and compellingly. Be ready to discuss your design rationale, problem-solving approach, and how you integrate operational considerations (cost, manufacturability, sustainability) into your creative process. Rehearse answers to potential interview questions, focusing on strategic thinking and collaborative experience.

• Research e.l.f. Beauty: Familiarize yourself with the company's multi-brand portfolio, mission, values, and recent performance. Understand their commitment to clean beauty, value, and their target audience, especially Gen Z. This research will inform your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.