Junior Product Designer Taschen & Softgoods (m|w|d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer - Bags & Softgoods (m|w|d)

Company: Reisenthel Accessoires GmbH & Co. KG

Location: Gilching, Bavaria, Germany

Job Type: Permanent Employment

Category: Product Design / Softgoods Design

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the development of seasonal collections and new bag products through trend analysis, moodboards, and technical drawings.

• Coordinate with international suppliers and internal quality management to ensure product specifications are met.

• Drive product innovation by staying ahead of market, fashion, and bag trends.

• Contribute to the creation of compelling print designs and material selections.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Junior Product Designer, indicating a focus on foundational design tasks and supporting senior team members. The emphasis on "Bags & Softgoods" and "Accessoires" within the job title and responsibilities clearly defines the product category. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collection Development Support: Assist in the creation of seasonal collections and new product concepts by researching and analyzing current market, fashion, and bag trends.

• Concept Generation: Develop mood boards, trend analyses, and color/print concepts to serve as the foundation for collection development and product ideation.

• Design & Technical Documentation: Create initial product designs, technical drawings, and detailed worksheets for suppliers, ensuring all product-relevant information is accurately documented.

• Print Design Creation: Develop original print designs that align with brand aesthetics and seasonal themes.

• Material & Color Coordination: Select and coordinate materials, colors, and approve lab dips in close collaboration with the Product Development team.

• Supplier Communication: Manage and communicate with international suppliers throughout the entire product development process, ensuring timely and accurate execution.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Product Development and Quality Management departments to ensure product quality and adherence to specifications.

• Organizational Support: Provide administrative and organizational support within the design process, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant involvement in the entire product lifecycle, from trend research and concept development to technical documentation and supplier communication. The inclusion of "Lab Dips" and "Technical Worksheets" points to detailed, specification-driven tasks common in softgoods and apparel design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Product Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of product design principles within the fashion and accessories space.

• Trend Forecasting: Ability to research, analyze, and translate market, fashion, and accessory trends into actionable design concepts.

• Visual Design Tools: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for design creation and technical drawing.

• Productivity Software: Solid command of MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, reporting, and presentations.

• Material & Color Acumen: A keen eye for colors, materials, and forms, with the ability to make informed selection and coordination decisions.

• Technical Drawing: Skill in creating clear and precise technical drawings for manufacturing.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both German and English.

• Detail Orientation: A meticulous and structured approach to work with a high standard for quality and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Design Software: Familiarity or proficiency with CLO 3D for 3D product visualization.

• Softgoods Specialization: Prior experience specifically with bags, softgoods, or related accessories.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative design skills and technical execution. The requirement for both German and English proficiency is crucial given the company's international supplier communication responsibilities. The preference for CLO 3D indicates a forward-thinking approach to design and prototyping within the company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of at least 2-3 diverse product design projects, with a strong emphasis on bags or softgoods.

• Clear demonstration of the design process, including trend research, mood boards, concept sketches, and final technical drawings.

• Examples of print designs and material/color palette selections.

• Visualizations of technical specifications or worksheets provided to suppliers.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their individual design process, from initial concept ideation to final production handover.

• Ability to articulate how they manage and document design specifications for international suppliers.

• Understanding of how to collaborate with product development and quality management teams to ensure design integrity throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior design role, the portfolio is less about managing complex operations and more about demonstrating raw design talent, process understanding, and technical output capabilities. The focus should be on the journey from idea to a manufacturable design, showcasing critical thinking and execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Permanent employment contract.

• 30 days of vacation per year.

• Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working (hybrid model).

• Travel allowance.

• Vacation pay (Urlaubsgeld).

• Bonus payments.

• Company pension scheme (betriebliche Altersvorsorge).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility in daily scheduling and the option for mobile work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on aggregated data for similar roles in Germany, adjusted for regional cost of living and experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering standard German employment perks alongside flexibility options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Accessories / Lifestyle Goods / Retail. Reisenthel is a well-established brand known globally for its stylish and functional bags and everyday helpers.

Company Size: The company description implies a mid-sized to large enterprise, with a global presence and established retail channels. The mention of "flache Hierarchien" (flat hierarchies) suggests an agile and collaborative internal structure despite the company's scale.

Founded: 1971. With over 50 years of history, Reisenthel has a strong legacy in design, sustainability, quality, and functionality.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates within a Product Development department, collaborating closely with Product Development and Quality Management.

• Flat hierarchies suggest direct access to decision-makers and a culture of shared responsibility.

Methodology:

• Design process driven by market trends, fashion insights, and a strong brand identity.

• Emphasis on quality, sustainability, and functionality in product development.

• Data-informed decision-making, leveraging market analysis and customer feedback to guide collection development.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Company Website: reisenthel.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Reisenthel's long history and global brand recognition provide a stable yet dynamic environment. The emphasis on flat hierarchies and "Ownership" suggests a culture where individual contributions are valued and encouraged, which is particularly appealing for junior roles seeking growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to early-career position (Junior Designer). It offers a foundational understanding of the product design lifecycle within a reputable brand.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Product Designer or Design Manager, working within a broader Product Development team.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue operations, this role's output directly impacts product appeal, market competitiveness, and ultimately, sales and revenue generation through well-designed, trend-aligned products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in softgoods design, material science, and potentially 3D design (CLO 3D).

• Design Process Mastery: Gain comprehensive experience in the end-to-end product development cycle, from conception to production.

• Trend Forecasting Acumen: Develop advanced skills in market trend analysis and translating them into commercially viable designs.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Progress to managing specific product lines or leading design initiatives within the team.

• International Exposure: Enhance experience in global supplier communication and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, growth is typically through mastering core responsibilities and expanding knowledge within the product domain. The "Ownership" culture mentioned in the company description suggests that individuals who demonstrate initiative can quickly take on more responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a modern office setup that accommodates both in-office collaboration and remote work. Offices are likely designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Gilching, Bavaria, Germany, with potential for other Reisenthel offices or design hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace where teamwork and idea-sharing are encouraged, facilitated by flat hierarchies.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially CLO 3D) and necessary hardware.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with design peers, product developers, and management, fostering a learning and supportive atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The mention of "flexible Arbeitszeitgestaltung" (flexible working hours) and "mobiles Arbeiten" (mobile working) indicates a modern work environment that values work-life balance and autonomy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flexible hours are key attractive points for this role, suggesting a company that trusts its employees and prioritizes a healthy work-life balance, a significant factor for creative professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• First Interview: Likely with HR or a hiring manager to discuss experience, motivation, and cultural fit.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: A practical exercise or a detailed walkthrough of your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to translate trends into functional designs. This is where your understanding of softgoods and technical drawing will be evaluated.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior design leadership or department heads to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in bag/softgoods design, trend analysis, and technical execution.

• Showcase Your Process: Clearly outline your thought process from initial brief/trend research to final design. Use mood boards, sketches, and technical drawings to illustrate this.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Emphasize your ability to create clear technical drawings and specifications. Include examples if possible.

• Demonstrate Trend Awareness: Show how you interpret and apply current fashion and market trends.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs have gone into production, mention the outcome or your role in their success.

• Tailor to Reisenthel: Research Reisenthel's current collections and brand aesthetic. Show how your style and skills align.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to creating a specific type of bag or accessory based on a given trend or target audience.

• Practice articulating your design decisions, material choices, and technical considerations clearly and concisely.

• Prepare to discuss your familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with CLO 3D.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge highlights the practical, skill-based nature of this role. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate tangible design output and process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for creating mood boards, sketches, print designs, and technical drawings (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• CLO 3D (Preferred): Valuable for 3D product visualization, prototyping, and presentation.

Productivity & Collaboration Tools:

• MS Office 365: For documentation, presentations, and general office productivity.

• Potential Project Management Tools: (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) - While not explicitly mentioned, it's common for design teams to use these for tracking tasks and projects.

Communication Tools:

• Email, potentially internal chat platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams) for team and supplier communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement. CLO 3D is a significant advantage, indicating a modern approach to design and a desire for candidates who can adapt to evolving digital design tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to create unique, stylish, and functional products that resonate with the market.

• Quality & Detail: A commitment to high standards in design execution, material selection, and technical documentation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with colleagues across different departments and with international partners.

• Ownership & Initiative: An attitude of taking responsibility for one's work and proactively contributing ideas and solutions.

• Passion for Product: Genuine enthusiasm for bags, accessories, and the Reisenthel brand.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with Product Development and Quality Management are crucial for successful product launches.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages direct communication and feedback, facilitated by flat hierarchies.

• Shared Vision: Working towards a common goal of developing successful and iconic Reisenthel products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "Ownership, eigenständiges Handeln und Mitgestalten" (ownership, independent action, and co-creation) are central to their culture and directly influence how employees are expected to contribute.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend & Brand Identity: Effectively translating fast-moving fashion trends into designs that align with Reisenthel's established brand aesthetic and functional requirements.

• Global Supplier Management: Navigating communication and quality control with international suppliers, potentially across different time zones and cultural nuances.

• Technical Accuracy: Ensuring precision in technical drawings and specifications to prevent production errors and maintain product quality.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to seasonal collection cycles and potentially tight deadlines in a dynamic retail market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and product developers within the team.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining a deep understanding of the softgoods and accessories market through direct involvement.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to develop advanced proficiency in design software, including potential training in CLO 3D.

• Product Lifecycle Experience: Comprehensive exposure to the entire product development process from concept to market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong learning curve for aspiring designers in the competitive accessories market, providing practical experience that is highly transferable.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new bag design from initial trend research to final technical specifications." (Focus on structured approach, tools used, and collaboration points).

• "How do you ensure your designs align with a brand's established identity while still incorporating new trends?" (Demonstrate brand awareness and creative balance).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Reisenthel, and why are you interested in designing for our brand specifically?" (Research the brand, its products, and values).

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially if it's critical?" (Show openness to feedback and a collaborative mindset).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of your design journey for each project.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clean, well-organized, and visually appealing.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you arrived at your final designs, not just the final output.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your drawings and specifications.

• Reisenthel Alignment: Explicitly connect your work and skills to Reisenthel's product offerings and brand values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, technical capability, and a collaborative, proactive attitude suitable for a junior role in a structured yet agile company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Reisenthel career portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest bag/softgoods design projects, clearly showcasing your process from trend research to technical drawings. Tailor your selection to align with Reisenthel's aesthetic and product range.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant design education, any internship or professional experience in accessories/bags, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office. Include any CLO 3D experience.

• Prepare for the Interview: Practice articulating your design process, understanding of trends, and enthusiasm for Reisenthel. Be ready to present your portfolio and potentially discuss a design challenge.

• Research Reisenthel: Familiarize yourself with their product lines, brand history, sustainability efforts, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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