Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Twelve NYC

Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of innovative merchandise and packaging for high-profile global brands, leveraging a B-Corp certified, end-to-end methodology.

• Conceptualize and execute visually compelling product renderings, presentations, and final artwork, ensuring adherence to client branding and market trends.

• Drive design projects from initial concept through to final production-ready artwork, maintaining exceptional quality standards and brand consistency.

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, managing multiple projects concurrently while demonstrating strong commercial and financial awareness.

• Contribute to Twelve NYC's marketing efforts by creating engaging materials, mentoring junior designers, and upholding the company's commitment to social responsibility and partnership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Product Design with a strong emphasis on Creative Operations due to the requirement for managing projects from concept to final artwork, including commercial awareness and production file organization. The B-Corp certification highlights a commitment to ethical business practices, which may influence operational workflows and partner vetting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director and Creative + Development Team to produce high-quality product renderings, client presentations, and final artwork.

• Conceptualize and develop unique designs tailored to specific client branding, target market trends, and aesthetic preferences.

• Ensure absolute brand consistency across all design deliverables by thoroughly understanding and meticulously adhering to client brand guidelines.

• Take full ownership of design projects from initial ideation through to final completion, consistently executing and maintaining the highest design standards.

• Effectively balance multiple project priorities and deadlines, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining clear and proactive communication with all internal stakeholders.

• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment and simultaneously work independently on various concurrent projects.

• Possess and apply commercial and financial awareness to project management, including creative time management and understanding product development economics.

• Prepare accurate, factory-ready artwork, ensuring all production files are organized for maximum efficiency and ease of use by manufacturing partners.

• Develop and create marketing content, including newsletters and other collateral materials, to support Twelve NYC's internal and external communications.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior designers, contributing to team skill development and fostering a collaborative design environment.

• Produce comprehensive mood boards to visually articulate design concepts and trends for client presentations.

• Execute sample photography and maintain organized digital asset management for design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and operational management. The requirement for "factory-ready artwork" and "organized production files" points to a need for understanding manufacturing constraints and process efficiency, typical in operations roles. Commercial and financial awareness is a key differentiator for senior roles in this field.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and practical application in graphic design, product design, or a related field is essential.

Experience: Minimum of 7+ years of dedicated experience in product and packaging design, with a proven track record in creating commercially successful designs across various market segments, from mass-market to luxury.

Required Skills:

• Extensive proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Demonstrated expertise in creating commercially viable designs that align with client branding and market dynamics.

• Exceptional layout design skills, with a proven ability to build highly creative and persuasive client-facing presentation decks.

• Proficient experience in creating realistic Photoshop renderings and product mock-ups.

• Strong skills in illustration, printmaking techniques, and advanced typography.

• Thorough understanding and practical application of the Pantone color system.

• Ability to quickly and efficiently execute design tasks to meet project demands.

• Excellent creativity, oral and written communication, listening, and decision-making capabilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in mentoring junior designers and leading design initiatives.

• Familiarity with product development processes, including budget considerations and material limitations.

• Experience in the beauty, lifestyle, and accessories sectors.

• Understanding of B-Corp principles and sustainable design practices.

• Basic knowledge of 3D rendering software could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud, rendering, typography, and Pantone strongly suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail and technical proficiency. The requirement for "commercially savvy" and "financially aware" points to an operations mindset, focused on efficiency and profitability within the creative process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end product and packaging design projects from concept to production-ready artwork.

• Include examples of client presentations and pitch decks, highlighting layout design skills and ability to convey design strategy effectively.

• Feature detailed process documentation for at least two projects, illustrating workflow from initial brief to final asset delivery.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Photoshop renderings and mock-ups, with clear examples of their application.

• Highlight projects that showcase a strong understanding of brand consistency and market trend integration.

Process Documentation:

• For selected case studies, provide a clear outline of the design process, including concept generation, client feedback integration, and revision cycles.

• Document the workflow for preparing production-ready artwork, including file setup, color management, and technical specifications.

• Illustrate how brand guidelines were interpreted and applied to ensure consistency across all design elements.

• Detail the approach to market trend analysis and how it informed design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as a direct demonstration of the candidate's operational capabilities in design execution, project management, and client communication. The emphasis on "factory-ready artwork" and "organized production files" implies a need to showcase process documentation that reflects an understanding of manufacturing constraints and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 per year. This range is determined based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in the New York City metropolitan area, considering the specified experience level (7+ years), the hybrid work environment, and the company's B-Corp status which may influence compensation structures.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Disability and Life Insurance coverage.

• Mental Health Mondays: Offices globally close once a month for additional mental well-being support (12 extra days per year).

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including personal days, time off around holidays, and your birthday.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Summer Fridays, allowing for extended weekends during the summer months.

• Discretionary Bonuses, based on company and individual performance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The role operates within a hybrid work environment, offering flexibility in how and where work is conducted, balanced with in-office collaboration days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the listed salary of $85k-$95k and industry standards for senior design roles in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City. Benefits are detailed, with "Mental Health Mondays" and "Summer Fridays" being notable perks that contribute to work-life balance, a key consideration for operations professionals aiming for sustainable productivity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design & Manufacturing (Merchandise & Packaging), with a strong focus on the Beauty, Lifestyle, and Accessories sectors. Twelve NYC operates as a B-Corp, emphasizing a commitment to social responsibility, ethical sourcing, and high-impact partnerships.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of global offices closing simultaneously for "Mental Health Mondays" suggests a company with a significant international footprint and a workforce likely in the hundreds. This size offers opportunities for broad impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's established methodology and focus on global brands imply a mature organization with a proven track record in the design and manufacturing industry.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely comprises a mix of specialized roles, including Art Directors, Senior Designers, and Junior Designers, fostering a mentorship environment.

• Collaboration is expected across departments such as Creative, Development, Supply Chain, and Sales, requiring strong communication and integration skills.

Methodology:

• Twelve NYC employs a "uniquely tested end-to-end methodology" that integrates expert teams and global supply chains to deliver "high-return realities" for clients.

• This approach suggests a highly structured and process-driven environment focused on efficiency, quality control, and measurable results.

• As a B-Corp, there's an inherent focus on ethical practices, social responsibility, and sustainability integrated into operational workflows and partner selection.

Company Website: https://twelvenyc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The B-Corp status is a significant differentiator, indicating that operational decisions and company culture are guided by principles of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, alongside profit. This implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss how they align with these values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, requiring the ability to lead projects independently and contribute strategically to the design process. It involves not just execution but also a degree of mentorship and process refinement.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report to an Art Director or Creative Lead. They will work closely with the Creative + Development Team, indicating a collaborative structure where input from various functional areas is valued.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on client satisfaction and revenue through the design and development of high-quality merchandise and packaging that drives sales and enhances brand perception. The commercial and financial awareness requirement underscores the business impact expected from design decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance to Art Director or lead design initiatives for major client accounts.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories (beauty, lifestyle, accessories) or design disciplines (e.g., sustainable design, advanced rendering).

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining Twelve NYC's end-to-end design and development methodology, potentially leading to operational efficiencies.

• Mentorship: Formalize mentorship of junior designers, developing leadership and training skills.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper insights into supply chain, manufacturing, and business development through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, combined with responsibilities like mentoring and commercial awareness, suggests a pathway toward leadership roles within the creative operations function. Growth opportunities are likely tied to both creative excellence and operational efficiency contributions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within a Hybrid work environment, indicating a blend of remote work flexibility and in-office collaboration. This model is designed to balance individual focus with team synergy.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Brooklyn, New York. Specific details about office amenities and accessibility for hybrid workdays would be beneficial for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid setup necessitates a self-disciplined approach to managing work time and tasks, both remotely and in the office.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, suggesting an office environment designed for teamwork, brainstorming, and client presentations.

• Access to standard design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Cloud, is expected within the workspace.

• The company culture, with "Mental Health Mondays" and "Summer Fridays," suggests an environment that values employee well-being and work-life balance.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with standard working hours likely aligning with the 40-hour work week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, but core collaboration hours will likely be established for team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires strong self-management and communication skills, crucial for operations roles that depend on reliable execution regardless of location. The emphasis on collaboration suggests that in-office days will be highly structured around team activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output. Be prepared to articulate your design philosophy and key achievements.

• Creative/Portfolio Review: A detailed discussion of your portfolio with the Art Director and/or hiring manager. Focus on showcasing your process, problem-solving skills, and commercial acumen. Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your strengths in product and packaging design.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or a discussion around specific technical skills (e.g., rendering techniques, artwork preparation).

• Cultural Fit Interview: An interview to assess your alignment with Twelve NYC's values, B-Corp mission, and collaborative work style. Prepare to discuss your experience with teamwork and your understanding of social responsibility in business.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic contributions and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your 7+ years of experience, focusing on beauty, lifestyle, and accessories if possible. Showcase a range of work from concept to final artwork.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Emphasize how you ensured brand consistency and commercial viability.

• Highlight Commercial Acumen: Include examples where you considered budget, materials, or market trends to achieve a successful business outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "design contributed to a X% increase in sales").

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of Photoshop renderings, mock-ups, and factory-ready artwork. Ensure files are well-organized and demonstrate your understanding of print and production requirements.

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of your career, highlighting your growth, problem-solving abilities, and passion for product design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a practical exercise is given, focus on understanding the brief, managing your time effectively, and presenting a clear, well-reasoned solution that balances creativity with commercial realities.

• Hypothetical Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for a new brand or solving a specific packaging challenge, referencing your experience and operational knowledge.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions and process to both creative and non-creative stakeholders, demonstrating clarity and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio review, which serves as the primary "operations portfolio" for this role. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not just creative skill but also an understanding of the business impact and operational execution of their designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential for all design work.

  • Photoshop: For renderings, mock-ups, and image manipulation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and detailed artwork.
  • InDesign: For layout design, client presentations, and marketing collateral.

• Pantone Color System: Crucial for accurate color matching in print and production.

• 3D Rendering Software (Beneficial): Tools like Keyshot, Blender, or similar may be advantageous for creating advanced product visualizations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with project management tools used for workflow tracking and task management would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is a non-negotiable requirement, forming the core of the technical "operations stack" for this role. The mention of Pantone highlights the need for precision in output that impacts manufacturing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A commitment to pushing boundaries and developing unique, inspiring designs.

• Partnership & Collaboration: Working closely with clients and internal teams to achieve shared goals.

• Social Responsibility & Ethics: Upholding B-Corp values in all business practices, from sourcing to design execution.

• Quality & Excellence: Maintaining high standards in design execution, production, and client service.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding the business impact of design and making financially aware decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Seamless collaboration between design, development, and art direction teams to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Client-Centric Approach: Actively listening to client needs and translating them into effective design solutions.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing feedback to foster continuous improvement and design refinement.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to guide junior designers and share expertise across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The B-Corp certification and emphasis on partnership and social responsibility suggest a culture that values integrity, impact, and collaborative problem-solving, extending beyond pure creative output to encompass ethical business operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Successfully translating unique creative concepts into designs that are both aesthetically appealing and commercially viable, meeting client budgets and manufacturing constraints.

• Managing Multiple High-Profile Client Projects: Juggling diverse client needs, brand guidelines, and fast-paced timelines across several concurrent projects.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously monitoring and integrating the latest trends in beauty, lifestyle, accessories, fashion, and typography to keep designs relevant and innovative.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency Across Diverse Projects: Meticulously adhering to various brand guidelines for global clients, maintaining integrity and recognition.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops or pursue training in specialized design software or rendering techniques.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Access to industry events, trend reports, and internal knowledge sharing to stay at the forefront of design innovation.

• Project Leadership: Taking on more complex projects and leading design initiatives, developing project management and strategic thinking skills.

• Mentorship: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers, honing leadership and communication abilities.

• Exposure to Global Supply Chains: Gaining deeper understanding of international manufacturing processes and material sourcing through close collaboration with the development team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in senior design roles that bridge creative and operational functions. The growth opportunities align with advancing within a creative operations framework, focusing on leadership, specialization, and process enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's strong brand identity with emerging market trends. How did you approach the design process and ensure both were met?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and commercial awareness.)

• "Walk us through a complex product or packaging design project from concept to final artwork. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them, particularly regarding production readiness?" (Highlight your end-to-end execution and operational understanding.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does being a B-Corp mean to you, and how do you see that influencing your design approach or project management?" (Showcase your understanding of ethical business and social responsibility.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective communication and project alignment?" (Highlight your adaptability and teamwork skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through your chosen projects from start to finish.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a collaborative effort.

• Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: For each case study, explain your thought process, the challenges you encountered (e.g., material limitations, budget constraints, client feedback), and how you arrived at your solutions.

• Emphasize Impact: Where possible, quantify the success of your designs (e.g., client satisfaction, market reception, production efficiency).

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss specifics of your artwork preparation, rendering techniques, and understanding of color systems like Pantone.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also operational rigor, commercial awareness, and alignment with Twelve NYC's unique B-Corp culture. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing these integrated skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Twelve NYC careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating 7+ years of experience in product and packaging design, with a strong emphasis on beauty, lifestyle, and accessories. Ensure it includes examples of client presentations, Photoshop renderings, and factory-ready artwork.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, rendering, typography, and commercial awareness. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of B-Corp values. Prepare to present 2-3 key portfolio projects in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Twelve NYC website (twelvenyc.com) to understand their methodology, client portfolio, and B-Corp mission. Identify specific aspects of their work that resonate with you and prepare to discuss them.

⚠️ 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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