Graphic Designer, Store Development- Eataly Corporate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Store Development - Eataly Corporate

Company: Eataly North America

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Retail

Date Posted: January 12, 2026

Experience Level: 3+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute print, digital, and environmental design projects for Eataly's new and existing store developments.

• Develop and produce signage concepts, layouts, environmental graphics, and wayfinding systems that align with Eataly's brand identity.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Store Planning, Design & Construction, and Marketing to ensure cohesive brand execution in physical spaces.

• Manage vendor and contractor coordination for print production and installation logistics, ensuring quality and adherence to brand standards.

• Maintain brand consistency across all visual materials and stay informed on industry trends in signage and environmental design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for a visually oriented designer with a strong understanding of physical space design and brand application. The emphasis on "Store Development" and "Environmental Design" suggests a need for practical application of design principles within retail architecture and branding, requiring a blend of creative execution and project coordination.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive signage concepts and detailed layouts based on architectural drawings and established Eataly brand guidelines.

• Produce compelling environmental graphics and intuitive wayfinding systems for new store openings and renovations, ensuring a seamless customer journey.

• Prepare precise design files, mock-ups, and specifications for internal review, production, and vendor submissions.

• Coordinate effectively with external vendors and contractors for print production, material sourcing, and installation logistics, ensuring timely and high-quality execution.

• Create and update a variety of digital and print assets for in-store communication, point-of-sale displays, and promotional materials using the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Identify and clearly communicate appropriate material specifications and installation methods to vendors to prevent errors and ensure project success.

• Ensure unwavering consistency with Eataly's brand standards across all visual materials, from large-scale signage to small-format collateral.

• Actively participate in project meetings, contributing design insights and assisting in tracking timelines, deliverables, and project milestones.

• Meticulously review vendor proofs and installation photos to guarantee design accuracy, color fidelity, and overall quality standards.

• Track project expenses, organize invoices, and facilitate the submission and approval process for budget adherence.

• Proactively research and stay informed on emerging trends in signage, material innovation, and environmental design to bring fresh ideas to Eataly's store development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role that bridges creative design with project management, requiring the candidate to not only conceptualize but also to ensure the practical execution and quality control of design elements in physical retail environments. The inclusion of vendor coordination and budget tracking indicates a need for business acumen alongside design skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, or a closely related field.

Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on environmental graphics, retail design, signage, or architectural visualization. Internship or freelance experience in these areas will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is essential for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Environmental Graphics & Wayfinding: Proven ability to design impactful environmental graphics and functional wayfinding systems for physical spaces.

• Signage Concept Development: Demonstrated skill in conceptualizing and developing effective signage solutions tailored to specific architectural contexts and brand requirements.

• Architectural Plan Interpretation: Familiarity with reading and interpreting architectural drawings, floor plans, and elevations to ensure accurate design integration.

• Material & Installation Knowledge: Understanding of various materials suitable for retail environments and common installation methods for signage and graphics.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Ability to rigorously apply and maintain brand standards across diverse design applications.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision and meticulousness in reviewing designs, specifications, and proofs.

• Organizational & Time Management: Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders, and to receive and incorporate feedback constructively.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Design Experience: Prior experience designing for retail environments, understanding customer flow, and point-of-sale strategies.

• 3D Visualization Software: Familiarity with 3D modeling or rendering software (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino, V-Ray) for visualizing environmental graphics.

• Print Production Management: Experience overseeing print production processes and coordinating with print vendors.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of core graphic design skills with specialized knowledge in environmental and retail design. The requirement to read architectural plans and understand material/installation methods suggests a need for a designer who can think spatially and practically about how designs will be implemented in physical store environments. The "3+ years" experience level, coupled with consideration for internships and freelance work, indicates a role that values demonstrable talent and practical application over solely formal work history.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Environmental Graphics Case Studies: Showcase projects where you designed and implemented signage, wayfinding, or environmental graphics for physical spaces, ideally retail or hospitality.

• Brand Application Examples: Include examples demonstrating your ability to apply and maintain brand guidelines across various media, especially within architectural contexts.

• Layout and Signage Design: Highlight specific projects focused on signage concepts, layout development, and the creation of visually compelling communication elements.

• Technical Proficiency Showcase: Demonstrate your skills in Adobe Creative Suite with examples that require complex manipulation, vector illustration, and layout design.

• Process Documentation (Optional but Recommended): If available, include brief explanations or visual aids that outline your design process for a specific project, from concept to execution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Portfolios should ideally illustrate how you approach a design brief, from initial concept generation and research to developing design options and refining them based on feedback and technical constraints.

• Implementation and Automation Methods: For environmental graphics, show an understanding of how designs translate into physical reality, including considerations for materials, production methods, and installation.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: While less direct for a graphic design role, demonstrating how your designs achieved specific goals (e.g., improved wayfinding, enhanced brand visibility) would be a strong asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to clearly showcase the candidate's ability to translate brand identity into physical spaces. Emphasis should be placed on projects that demonstrate an understanding of scale, material, and the practicalities of installation, alongside strong visual design principles. Experience with environmental graphics and wayfinding systems will be a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance to ensure well-being.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave for personal and family needs.

• Retirement Planning: 401K with employer match or RRSP, supporting long-term financial security.

• Performance Incentives: Bonus program for achieving individual and company goals.

• Employee Perks:

  • Free family meal daily, a unique benefit for Eataly employees.

  • Discounts at Eataly stores, encouraging engagement with the brand's products.

  • Opportunities to learn through classes on products and Italian cuisine, fostering personal enrichment.

  • Referral bonus program, rewarding employees for bringing new talent to Eataly. Working Hours: 40 hours per week, full-time, on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like New York City, especially within the retail sector. The benefits package is robust, offering standard health and retirement plans alongside unique perks like free meals and Eataly discounts, which align with the company's brand and culture. The working hours are standard for a full-time, on-site role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Retail / Specialty Foods. Eataly operates as a high-end Italian marketplace, blending retail, restaurant, and educational components. This unique model creates a dynamic environment where design plays a crucial role in shaping the customer experience.

Company Size: Eataly North America is part of a global brand but operates as a significant entity within the US and Canada. The "Corporate" designation for this role suggests it supports the broader organizational strategy and development, implying a structured, professional environment with potential for growth within a larger company framework.

Founded: Eataly was founded in 2004 in Turin, Italy. Eataly North America has since expanded significantly, establishing flagship stores in major cities. This history suggests a company that values quality, authenticity, and a passion for Italian culinary culture.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Department: The role reports to the Director of Marketing, indicating close alignment with marketing strategies and brand messaging.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Designer will work closely with Store Planning, Design & Construction, and potentially operations and merchandising teams. This necessitates strong communication and the ability to translate design concepts into practical applications across different departments.

• Store Development Focus: The team structure is geared towards supporting the expansion and improvement of physical store locations, making design a critical component of the business development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: All design work must adhere to Eataly's established brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and reinforcing the company's premium image.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated for this design role, the broader Eataly culture likely values quality and customer experience, suggesting design choices may be influenced by customer feedback and retail analytics.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: The need to work with diverse teams implies an approach that values input from various stakeholders to achieve the best outcome for store development projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Eataly's culture is built around a passion for high-quality Italian food and culture, combined with a retail and educational experience. For a designer, this means working within a brand that has a strong aesthetic identity and a commitment to authenticity. The "Store Development" aspect implies a focus on creating immersive and functional physical spaces that embody this brand ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer with a specialization in Store Development and Environmental Graphics. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and software, coupled with practical experience in applying design within architectural and retail contexts. The scope extends beyond typical graphic design tasks to include project coordination and vendor management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Marketing. This structure places the role within the marketing function but with significant interaction and influence over physical store development projects, bridging creative marketing with operational execution in a retail setting.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the customer experience and brand perception within Eataly's physical stores. Well-executed environmental graphics and signage enhance brand recognition, guide customers effectively, and contribute to the overall ambiance and appeal of the marketplace. This role is crucial for translating the Eataly brand into tangible, immersive retail environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Potential to become a lead designer or specialist in environmental graphics, retail design, or experiential design within Eataly North America.

• Leadership Development: With proven success and expanded project scope, opportunities may arise to lead design initiatives or mentor junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of store planning, construction, and retail operations can open doors to roles in visual merchandising management or brand experience management.

• Industry Exposure: Contributing to new store openings and renovations provides valuable experience in large-scale project execution within the dynamic retail and food industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for a designer to specialize in the unique intersection of branding, architecture, and retail experience. The opportunity to contribute to physical store development provides tangible results and significant impact, which can be a strong foundation for future career growth within Eataly or the broader retail design field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in New York City, implying a professional office setting within Eataly's corporate structure. This environment is likely designed to foster collaboration and provide access to necessary resources.

Office Location(s): The provided address is 43 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, placing the office in a vibrant, accessible part of Manhattan. This location offers convenience for commuting and access to the city's cultural and professional resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely supports interaction with the marketing team, store planning, and construction departments, fostering a collaborative approach to design projects.

• Design Resources: Access to necessary software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially print-making facilities or connections for prototyping.

• Brand Immersion: Working within the Eataly corporate office means being surrounded by the brand's ethos, products, and culture, which can be inspiring for design work.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical for on-site corporate roles. While the role emphasizes on-site presence, the nature of design projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines for store openings or renovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a prime New York City location underscores the importance of in-person collaboration and direct engagement with project teams and stakeholders. This environment is conducive to the hands-on nature of the role, particularly in coordinating with construction and vendor teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting relevant projects (environmental graphics, retail signage, brand application). A design challenge may be assigned to assess problem-solving skills, creativity, and application of brand guidelines under timed conditions.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Meeting with the Director of Marketing to discuss design philosophy, project management approach, and alignment with team objectives.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Potential interviews with members of Store Planning or Construction teams to assess collaboration and understanding of technical constraints.

• Final Round: May involve a discussion with senior leadership or a final review of the portfolio and design challenge.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 projects that best demonstrate your experience in environmental graphics, retail signage, and brand application within physical spaces. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, your process (concept to execution), the solutions you implemented, and the impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Showcase your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Include examples that demonstrate complex layouts, vector work, and image manipulation.

• Demonstrate Understanding of Constraints: If possible, include projects where you had to work with specific architectural constraints, material limitations, or production budgets. Explain your design decisions in light of these.

• Tailor to Eataly: If you have any projects related to food, retail, or creating immersive brand experiences, be sure to feature them prominently. Show you understand Eataly's brand and aesthetic.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Eataly: Thoroughly understand Eataly's brand identity, aesthetic, store layouts, and target audience.

• Study Store Development: Familiarize yourself with common signage types, wayfinding strategies, and environmental graphics used in retail environments.

• Practice Adobe Suite: Ensure you are highly proficient and can execute tasks efficiently within Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Develop a Process: Be ready to articulate your design process clearly and concisely, from brief interpretation to final delivery.

• Think About Materials and Installation: Consider practical aspects of design implementation in physical spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and problem-solving skills. A design challenge is highly likely, testing practical application and brand understanding. Candidates should be prepared to discuss not just the visual aspects but also the functional and collaborative elements of their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed line art for signage and environmental elements.
  • Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, creating textures, and mock-ups of graphics in situ.
  • InDesign: Critical for layout design, creating multi-page documents, spec sheets, and preparing files for print production.

• Architectural Software Familiarity: While not a primary tool, familiarity or ability to interpret files from software like AutoCAD or SketchUp is highly beneficial for understanding architectural plans.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be used for tracking project timelines, deliverables, and task management.

• Budget Tracking Tools: Standard spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for tracking project expenses and invoices.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Communication Platforms: Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for day-to-day team collaboration and communication.

• Email & Calendar: Standard professional tools for communication and scheduling (e.g., Outlook, Google Workspace).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The role also requires an understanding of how design integrates with architectural plans, suggesting a need for basic familiarity with architectural drawing conventions or the ability to collaborate effectively with architects and designers who use such tools. Project management and communication tools are standard for corporate environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Quality: A deep appreciation for high-quality food, ingredients, and customer experiences, mirroring Eataly's core brand promise.

• Authenticity & Tradition: Respect for Italian culinary heritage and a commitment to authentic representation in all brand touchpoints.

• Excellence in Execution: A drive to produce high-quality work, ensuring that designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally sound and perfectly executed in physical spaces.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in collective effort, where diverse perspectives are valued to achieve common goals in store development and brand representation.

• Customer-Centricity: An understanding that design decisions ultimately serve to enhance the customer experience within Eataly's unique marketplace setting.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless collaboration with marketing, store planning, construction, and potentially operations teams, requiring clear communication and a shared vision for store development projects.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An openness to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project success.

• Proactive Communication: A style that involves keeping team members informed about project progress, potential challenges, and design decisions.

• Brand Alignment: A shared commitment to upholding and advancing Eataly's brand identity and aesthetic across all physical touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Eataly is likely vibrant, fast-paced, and deeply rooted in a passion for food and Italian culture. For a designer, this means working in an environment that values creativity, quality, and a collaborative spirit, with a strong emphasis on how design contributes to an exceptional customer experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Architectural Constraints: Ensuring Eataly's brand identity is maintained while adhering to the specific requirements and limitations of different store spaces and architectural plans.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Coordinating design approvals and feedback from various departments (Marketing, Store Planning, Construction) and external vendors, each with potentially different priorities.

• Translating Digital Concepts to Physical Spaces: Effectively bridging the gap between 2D design files and the 3D reality of store environments, ensuring accurate material selection and installation.

• Staying Ahead of Retail Design Trends: Continuously evolving design approaches to keep Eataly's store environments fresh, engaging, and competitive in the retail landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in environmental graphics, wayfinding systems, and retail experiential design.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from conception through completion.

• Material and Construction Knowledge: Gaining practical insights into building materials, fabrication processes, and installation techniques relevant to retail environments.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Learning the intricacies of store planning, construction, merchandising, and retail operations to inform design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges lie in the practical application of design within a complex physical development process. Growth opportunities are significant for a designer who can master these challenges, moving into more senior roles focused on brand experience and store development strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a design concept to fit specific architectural constraints. How did you maintain brand integrity?" (Focus on problem-solving, brand adherence, and compromise.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing environmental graphics or wayfinding systems for a retail space." (Highlight your methodology, research, concept development, and execution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Eataly's brand and our approach to retail?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest in the company's mission and aesthetic.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback from non-designers, such as construction or marketing teams?" (Demonstrate collaboration skills and understanding of diverse perspectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your design process, the solution, and the outcome.

• Emphasize Environmental Design: Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to design for physical spaces, including signage, wayfinding, and interior graphics.

• Showcase Brand Application: Demonstrate how you applied brand guidelines rigorously and creatively.

• Discuss Technical Aspects: Be prepared to talk about materials, production methods, and installation considerations.

• Be Ready for a Design Challenge: Practice creating design concepts quickly based on a brief, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet and apply brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing practical design application, collaborative skills, and a deep understanding of Eataly's brand and the retail environment. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design choices and articulate their process with confidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 4-6 strong projects that best showcase your experience in environmental graphics, retail signage, and brand application within physical spaces. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF).

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Environmental Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Signage," "Wayfinding," "Retail Design," and "Brand Guidelines." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, your experience with architectural plans and materials, and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams. Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing specific projects.

• Research Eataly: Understand Eataly's brand, its stores, its products, and its overall mission. Be prepared to discuss why you are a good fit for their culture and this specific role.

⚠️ 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.