Associate Product Designer - Kids Home

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Product Designer - Kids Home Company: Target Location: 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2542, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / Creative Operations Date Posted: October 29, 2025 Experience Level: Early Career (1-3 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product design strategy and development for Target's Kids Home owned brands, focusing on innovation and market trends.
• Collaborate closely with merchandising and sourcing teams to ensure product alignment with brand cohesion, assortment strategies, and price points.
• Translate design concepts into tangible product specifications and visual representations using CAD and hand sketching.
• Maintain a kid-centric point of view to create unprecedented products in the marketplace for design, quality, and value.
• Support the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from initial trend research to final product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled 'Product Designer', its emphasis on owned brands, merchant partnership, and product development within a retail context positions it within a broader "Creative Operations" or "GTM Design Operations" sphere, focusing on the operational execution of design strategy to bring products to market efficiently.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support Home Owned Brand Product Design and Development under the guidance of design leaders to meet overall product design strategy and merchant objectives.
• Conduct thorough product and trend research, identify emerging concepts, and contribute to color palettes and design development for hard goods (dinnerware, décor, lighting, storage) and soft goods (bedding, soft home, bath).
• Prepare detailed product specifications, including trim, print, embellishment, and hardware packages.
• Translate design ideas into technical sketches and professional presentation boards/materials for internal meetings and external vendor partners.
• Collaborate effectively with the Technical Design department to communicate fit and construction details accurately.
• Maintain a diligent, self-directed approach to workload management, ensuring accurate and timely communication with all internal and external partners.
• Assimilate product feedback and apply market/trend information to refine designs and product offerings.
• Build strong partnerships across cross-functional teams, including merchandising, sourcing, and technical design, to ensure successful product launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operational execution within the design process, including spec development, vendor communication, and cross-functional alignment, which are critical in a large retail environment like Target.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Four-year degree in Design, Fine Art, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of relevant product design experience, preferably within the hard goods or soft goods categories for home or children's markets.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in computer design systems, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Experience with CAD illustration or 2D/3D software for design visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of industry trends, fashion, and relevant market shifts.
• Understanding of textiles, garment construction/fit, or raw materials and product production processes.
• Proven ability to assimilate product feedback and incorporate it into design iterations.
• Strong market and trend research capabilities, with the ability to apply findings effectively.
• Excellent communication skills for clear articulation of design concepts and technical details.
• Ability to build and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships in a team-oriented environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail in design execution and documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically with kids' home product categories (e.g., décor, bedding, dinnerware).
• Familiarity with Target's owned brands and design aesthetic.
• Experience in developing design concepts for hard goods and soft goods.
• Skills in preparing professional presentation boards and materials.
• Basic understanding of technical sketching and construction details.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 1-3 years, combined with the specific software and understanding of production processes, indicates a role focused on executing design directives rather than setting high-level strategy. The emphasis on CAD and illustration skills points towards a need for strong visual communication and technical design documentation capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating the product design lifecycle from concept to final product for hard and/or soft goods.
• Include examples of trend research, mood boards, color palettes, and initial concept sketches.
• Provide visual representations of designs using CAD or other relevant software, clearly illustrating technical details.
• Demonstrate an understanding of product specifications, including materials, construction, and potential embellishments.
• Highlight projects where feedback was incorporated to refine designs and improve market viability.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of how design concepts were translated into actionable product specifications for manufacturing.
• Illustrate the process of collaborating with merchandising, sourcing, or technical design teams on product development.
• Showcase experience in preparing presentation materials for design reviews or stakeholder meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate Product Designer role, the portfolio should emphasize the candidate's ability to execute design tasks, translate concepts into technical formats, and collaborate effectively within a product development pipeline. It's less about strategic ownership and more about proficient execution of design processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $56,400.00 - $101,500.00 USD per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Employee discount on Target purchases.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid national holidays.
• Paid vacation time.
• Additional benefits covering financial, educational, and well-being aspects are available.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement allows for a blend of onsite and remote work based on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is broad, reflecting the potential for growth and varying levels of experience within the 1-3 year requirement. The hybrid model suggests a need for flexibility and self-management of work schedules.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (General Merchandise) Company Size: Large (Target employs over 400,000 people globally) Founded: 1902 Company Description: Target is a Fortune 50 company and the third largest retailer in the United States. It is known for its commitment to affordability, style, and convenience, offering a wide range of products across diverse categories, including apparel, home goods, electronics, and groceries. Target's mission is to help families discover the joy of everyday life.

Team Structure:

• The Design team operates within Target's Owned Brands division, working closely with merchandising, sourcing, and technical design departments.
• This role is part of the Kids Home business unit, indicating specialization within a specific product category.
• As an Associate Designer, you will report to design leadership within the Home division and collaborate with a cross-functional team responsible for bringing products to market.

Methodology:

• Product development at Target is driven by a combination of market trend analysis, consumer insights, and merchant line plans.
• The design process emphasizes creating products that offer strong value, quality, and aesthetic appeal, aligning with Target's brand positioning.
• Collaboration is key, with frequent interaction between design, merchandising, and sourcing to ensure products meet business objectives and creative direction.

Company Website: https://corporate.target.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Target's culture is known for its focus on guest experience, operational excellence, and a strong sense of community. For a designer, this translates to a fast-paced environment where innovation must be balanced with commercial viability and brand consistency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate Designer (L4) - This is an early-career role focused on executing design tasks and supporting senior designers and cross-functional teams. It requires foundational design skills and an understanding of the product development process.

Reporting Structure: This role reports to design leadership within the Kids Home division. Collaboration will be extensive with merchandising, sourcing, technical design, and potentially other creative teams.

Operations Impact: The Associate Product Designer directly influences the product assortment and aesthetic of Target's owned brands in the Kids Home category. Their work contributes to brand cohesion, customer appeal, and ultimately, sales performance by ensuring products are innovative, well-designed, and competitively priced.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific product categories (hard goods, soft goods) and design disciplines.
• Process Mastery: Gain comprehensive experience in the end-to-end product development lifecycle within a large retail organization.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhance collaboration and communication skills by working with diverse teams like merchandising, sourcing, and technical design.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Product Designer, Senior Product Designer, or lead design roles within Target's extensive owned brand portfolio.
• Learning & Development: Access to Target's extensive learning resources, workshops, and mentorship programs focused on design and retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Associate Designer level is a crucial stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in retail product design. Growth here is typically measured by increasing responsibility, design complexity, and the ability to independently manage design projects within established frameworks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement. This means the role requires a blend of onsite work at the Minneapolis HQ and remote work, dictated by the needs of the role, team, and specific tasks.

Office Location(s): 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2542 (Target Headquarters)

Workspace Context:

• The Minneapolis HQ is a central hub for design, merchandising, and corporate functions, fostering a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.
• Access to design labs, material libraries, and cross-functional team members will be available when working onsite.
• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions or key meetings in the office.
• Expect a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment typical of large retail organizations.

Work Schedule:

• The role involves a standard 40-hour work week.
• Flexibility is inherent in the Hybrid/Flex arrangement, allowing team members to manage their workdays based on task requirements, with core office presence expected for collaboration and strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Hybrid/Flex model at Target signifies a modern approach to work, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and brand immersion with the flexibility of remote work. This requires strong self-management and communication skills from the team member.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.
• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, highlighting 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your design process, technical skills, and ability to execute on project requirements. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and outcomes.
• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess your teamwork, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and understanding of trends and product development.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with members of merchandising, sourcing, or technical design teams to evaluate your collaboration skills and understanding of the broader product lifecycle.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a design leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with Target's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that directly showcase skills relevant to kids' home products, hard goods, and soft goods if possible. Emphasize your process from research to final design.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Clearly demonstrate your CAD skills, hand sketching abilities, and understanding of design specifications.
• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include projects where you worked closely with cross-functional teams and discuss your contribution to their success.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, discuss how your designs contributed to product success, sales, or market reception.
• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, and the final outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies that might involve analyzing a product, identifying trends, or sketching out design concepts for a given brief.
• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.
• Understand Target's brand aesthetic and its relevance to the kids' home market.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate Product Designer role, the portfolio review will heavily focus on the candidate's execution capabilities, technical skills, and understanding of the product development process within a retail context. Demonstrating an ability to learn and adapt is also crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, technical sketches, and detailed illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, mood boards, color manipulation, and rendering.
  • InDesign: For creating presentation boards, layouts, and visual communication materials.
• CAD Software: Proficiency in CAD illustration or general 2D/3D design software for translating concepts into technical formats. Specific software may vary, but the ability to create detailed product visuals is key.
• Hand Sketching: Ability to translate ideas quickly and effectively through manual sketching.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding how to interpret sales data, trend reports, and market research will be beneficial for informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Less directly applicable to the core design function, but familiarity with project management tools or internal systems used by Target for product development tracking may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and CAD software is standard for product designers. The ability to translate concepts into technical formats using these tools is critical for communicating with manufacturing partners and internal teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Guest Obsessed: A deep understanding of the customer (in this case, parents and children) and a commitment to meeting their needs through thoughtful design.
• Drive for Progress: A continuous drive to innovate, improve products, and stay ahead of market trends.
• Simplify: Streamlining processes and designs to create clear, effective, and valuable products.
• Be You: Embracing diversity and individuality, fostering an inclusive environment where unique perspectives are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Strong emphasis on working collaboratively with merchandising, sourcing, and technical design to achieve shared goals.
• Data-Informed: Designs are informed by market research, trend analysis, and consumer feedback, balancing creative vision with commercial viability.
• Feedback-Rich: An environment where constructive feedback is exchanged to refine designs and ensure product quality and market fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: Target's values are deeply embedded in its culture. For a designer, embodying "Guest Obsessed" and "Drive for Progress" will be crucial for success, ensuring designs are both customer-centric and innovative within the retail landscape.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Commercial Viability: Creating unique and trend-forward products that also meet Target's price points and manufacturing capabilities.
• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating the complexities of working with diverse teams (merchandising, sourcing, technical design) to ensure cohesive product development.
• Translating Trends to Mass Market: Adapting high-fashion or niche trends into accessible and appealing products for a broad consumer base.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting Workshops: Access to internal resources and potentially external trend forecasting services to stay ahead of the curve.
• Materials & Production Seminars: Deepen understanding of hard and soft goods manufacturing processes, materials, and sustainability.
• Design System Training: Learn about Target's proprietary design systems and workflows.
• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and leaders within Target's extensive design organization.
• Exposure to Diverse Product Categories: Gain experience across a wide range of kids' home products, broadening design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a large retail setting. The growth opportunities focus on deepening technical skills, expanding product category knowledge, and understanding the operational aspects of bringing products to market at scale.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Product Innovation: "Describe a time you identified a market gap or trend and developed a product concept to address it. What was your process?" (Focus on research, concept generation, and design execution.)
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "How do you approach working with merchandising and sourcing teams to ensure a design meets both creative and business objectives?" (Highlight communication, compromise, and understanding of their roles.)
• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for developing a new product from initial brief to final design specifications, using a specific project from your portfolio." (Emphasize research, sketching, CAD, feedback integration, and documentation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Trend Awareness: "How do you stay current with trends in kids' home décor and products?" (Mention specific sources like industry publications, social media, competitor analysis, etc.)
• Target's Aesthetic: "What do you admire about Target's owned brand design, particularly in the Kids Home category? How would your design approach fit?" (Research Target's brands and demonstrate an understanding of their aesthetic.)
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a challenge you faced during a design project and how you overcame it." (Focus on your problem-solving skills and resilience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, ideally by project. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, challenges, solutions, and the final outcome.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images of your work, including sketches, CAD renderings, mood boards, and any final product photos if available.
• Narrative: Be prepared to tell a compelling story about each project, explaining your design decisions and the impact of your work.
• Technical Detail: Clearly articulate your technical skills, particularly with CAD software and design documentation.
• Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight projects most relevant to kids' home products, hard goods, and soft goods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong foundation in design principles, technical execution, and an understanding of the retail product development lifecycle. Highlighting adaptability and a customer-centric approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Target Careers.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight relevant experience in product design, particularly for home goods or children's products. Emphasize your proficiency in CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and your ability to conduct market and trend research.
• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description such as "Product Design," "Kids Home," "CAD," "Adobe Illustrator," "Trend Research," and "Soft Goods/Hard Goods" into your resume. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Contributed to the design of X product lines resulting in Y sales").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, showcasing your portfolio with clear narratives, and preparing for behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and trend analysis. Research Target's owned brands and their design philosophy.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Target's brand values, its approach to owned brands, and its position in the retail market. Understand the "Guest Obsessed" and "Drive for Progress" values and how they translate into design.

⚠️ 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.

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