Graphic Designer, Retail Merchandising at e.l.f. Beauty

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Retail Merchandising

Company: e.l.f. Beauty

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Graphic Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-02

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days at home)

🎨 Role Summary

Design and execute retail materials for e.l.f. Cosmetics brand
Translate project briefs into consistent brand visuals based on marketing and business objectives
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success from start to finish
Meet production deadlines and maintain high-quality standards

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio with retail design examples and a proven track record of working in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and excellent organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Read and understand planograms, dielines, and fixture parts
Design within brand and retailer style guides
Translate and apply approved creative compositions and layouts into various sizes and formats for promotional displays, signage, and in-store environments
Execute, build, and package print-ready files for retail signage
Prepare, package, and spec files for print projects with correct dimensions, die-lines, and resolution
Provide timely feedback on print-ready files and proofs
Collaborate with design, copy, and project management teams to ensure project success
Design and execute as-needed deliverables and presentations for retailers' meetings
Create presentations and/or mockups for internal reviews, commenting, briefing, or image retouching
Catalog and organize artwork files on the server for future reference
Ensure all projects are delivered within the deadline

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to work well under tight deadlines. Familiarity with retail planograms and SketchUp or 3D experience is a plus.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred in industrial design, package design, graphics design, or related field

Experience: 5 years of design experience in a fast-paced environment (in-house or agency)

Required Skills:

Expert knowledge in Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
Basic trimming, cutting, and comping skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Ability to learn new workplace applications
Highly organized, timely ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
Excellent eye for detail and a high level of accuracy in artwork and production files
Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and design shifts
Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills for deadline-driven projects
Passion for beauty and experience working on other beauty brands in retail

Preferred Skills:

Prior experience reviewing retail planograms
SketchUp or 3D experience

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in visual merchandising, retail design, or POP display teams are strongly encouraged to apply. A strong portfolio showcasing retail design examples is essential for this role.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

An exceptional portfolio of work with instore, retail, or environment examples
Demonstrate a broad range of design layout and typography skills & execution for print
Showcase the ability to keep a big picture understanding and detail-oriented attention to detail
Display adaptability to know when to switch perspectives with the focus on executing

Process Documentation:

Demonstrate an investigative style that is resourceful and proactive for finding context, files, and information needed to present design solutions
Showcase organization, attention to detail, adaptability, and a high degree of collaboration with cross-function partners and vendors
Present the ability to take direction from Art Directors, Creative, and Sales Teams and provide multiple solutions
Demonstrate the ability to be a positive team player and also comfortable working independently as a self-starter
Display the ability to prioritize with tight deadlines and follow through

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to present their portfolio and discuss their design process, collaboration skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines during the interview.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000 a year

Benefits:

Competitive Pay
Bonus Eligibility (200% of target over the last six fiscal years)
Equity
Flexible Time Off
Year-Round Half-Day Fridays
Hybrid Work Environment (3 days in office, 2 days at home)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job description and is intended to give candidates a general idea of the compensation package for this role. Actual salary may vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and market conditions.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Personal Care Product Manufacturing

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 2004

Team Structure:

Design team is part of the larger creative organization within e.l.f. Beauty
Retail merchandising design team works closely with marketing, sales, and operations teams
Team size and composition vary depending on project needs and workload

Methodology:

Design process involves understanding marketing and business objectives, translating briefs into brand visuals, and collaborating with cross-functional teams
Retail merchandising design requires a consumer-centric mindset and understanding of retail environments
Design team uses a variety of tools and software to create and execute retail materials

Company Website: https://www.elfbeauty.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: e.l.f. Beauty is a fast-growing, inclusive, and accessible beauty company with a strong commitment to cruelty-free and clean beauty products. The design team plays a crucial role in bringing the company's brands to life in retail environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Mid-level to senior graphic designer with a focus on retail merchandising and visual merchandising

Reporting Structure: The graphic designer reports to the Senior Art Director or Creative Director of Retail Merchandising

Design Impact: Designs have a direct impact on in-store customer experience and brand perception

Growth Opportunities:

Senior-level roles within the retail merchandising design team
Opportunities to lead and mentor junior designers
Potential to expand into other areas of design within the company, such as packaging or digital design

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth opportunities at e.l.f. Beauty are based on individual performance, skills, and the company's needs. The company offers a hybrid work environment, competitive compensation, and benefits to support employee growth and success.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: e.l.f. Beauty's headquarters is located in Oakland, CA, with additional offices in New York, NY, and other locations. The retail merchandising design team works in a collaborative, creative environment

Office Location(s): 570 10th Street, Oakland, CA 94607, US (Headquarters) and 1234 Street, New York, NY 10001, US (New York Office)

Design Workspace Context:

Design team works in a collaborative, open-plan office space with access to design tools and software
Team members have the opportunity to work on various projects and brands within the company
Design team members have the chance to travel to retail stores and events to install and review retail materials

Work Schedule: Hybrid work environment with 3 days in the office and 2 days at home

📝 Enhancement Note: e.l.f. Beauty offers a flexible work environment that allows employees to balance their work and personal lives. The company provides the necessary tools and resources for employees to work effectively both in the office and remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Phone or video screen with the HR team to discuss the role and qualifications
In-person or virtual portfolio review with the design team to assess design skills and process
In-person or virtual interview with the Senior Art Director or Creative Director of Retail Merchandising to discuss career goals, experience, and fit within the team
Final interview with the hiring manager to discuss the role, company culture, and next steps

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight retail design examples and explain the design process, collaboration, and attention to detail
Showcase the ability to take direction, adapt to changing priorities, and meet tight deadlines
Present a strong portfolio with a diverse range of design layout and typography skills & execution for print
Demonstrate the ability to work well with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Challenge Preparation:

Prepare for design challenges that may involve creating retail materials, signage, or in-store environments based on given briefs and planograms
Practice presenting design ideas and options to various levels of management
Be prepared to discuss design decisions, rationale, and the ability to adapt to feedback

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Retail Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Adobe Creative Suite, Planograms, Retail Design, Print Production, Time Management, Communication, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Organization, Consumer-Centric Design, Presentation Skills

📝 Enhancement Note: e.l.f. Beauty uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Candidates are encouraged to tailor their resumes and portfolios to include relevant design keywords to improve their visibility in the application process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
SketchUp (or willingness to learn)
Basic trimming, cutting, and comping tools

Collaboration & Handoff:

Microsoft Office programs
Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
File sharing and collaboration tools (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)

Research & Testing:

Retail planograms and dielines
Retailer-specific style guides and brand guidelines
Consumer research and market trends

📝 Enhancement Note: e.l.f. Beauty uses a variety of design tools and software to create and execute retail materials. Candidates should be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and willing to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Creativity and innovation in retail merchandising design
Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
Attention to detail and high-quality standards
Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
Passion for beauty and commitment to e.l.f. Beauty's mission and values

Collaboration Style:

Open and transparent communication within the design team and with cross-functional partners
Regular design critiques and feedback sessions
Shared ownership and responsibility for project success
Recognition and celebration of individual and team achievements

📝 Enhancement Note: e.l.f. Beauty fosters a collaborative and inclusive design culture that values creativity, innovation, and attention to detail. The design team works closely with cross-functional partners to ensure the success of retail merchandising projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Meeting tight deadlines and production schedules
Adapting designs to various retail environments and brand guidelines
Collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
Managing multiple projects and priorities

Learning & Development Opportunities:

On-the-job training and mentorship within the design team
Attending industry events, conferences, and workshops
Access to online learning resources and courses
Opportunities to work on diverse projects and brands within the company

📝 Enhancement Note: e.l.f. Beauty offers learning and development opportunities to support the growth and success of its employees. The company encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe your design process for creating retail materials and signage
How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure project success?
Can you provide an example of a retail merchandising design project from start to finish, including any challenges and how you overcame them?

Company Culture Questions:

How do you stay organized and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines?
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to changing priorities or design shifts?
How do you ensure high-quality standards and attention to detail in your work?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight retail design examples and explain the design process, collaboration, and attention to detail
Showcase your ability to take direction, adapt to feedback, and make revisions as needed
Present a strong portfolio with a diverse range of design layout and typography skills & execution for print
Demonstrate your passion for beauty and experience working on other beauty brands in retail

📝 Enhancement Note: e.l.f. Beauty values candidates who can think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to feedback. The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit within the company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic designer, retail merchandising position:

Submit your application through this link
Customize your portfolio to highlight retail design examples and showcase your design process, collaboration, and attention to detail
Tailor your resume to include relevant design keywords and highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications
Prepare for design challenges and interviews by practicing your design process, presentation, and communication skills
Research e.l.f. Beauty's design culture, values, and mission to ensure a strong cultural fit

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

Graphic Designer, Retail Merchandising