Senior Trend & Design Strategist, Private Brands (Hard Goods)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Trend & Design Strategist, Private Brands (Hard Goods)

Company: Chewy

Location: Minneapolis, MN, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Development & Design / Brand Strategy

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (8+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive future-forward product innovation and brand differentiation for Chewy's Private Brands portfolio, focusing on hard goods.

• Translate macro trends, customer behaviors, and cultural shifts into actionable creative direction and strategic recommendations.

• Develop compelling visual narratives and trend concepts that inspire product development and influence assortment strategies.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product Design, Brand Strategy, and Category Management to shape the aesthetic and strategic vision of private label offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Trend & Design Strategist," its core function within the Private Brands team at Chewy positions it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and Product Development operations, focusing on the strategic front-end of product lifecycle management. The emphasis on translating insights into actionable creative direction and influencing assortment strategies highlights its operational impact on product readiness and market appeal.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor and synthesize trend forecasting services, consumer insights, cultural shifts, and market intelligence to identify emerging opportunities for hard goods.

• Develop and present future-focused trend concepts, aesthetic direction, seasonal stories, and creative frameworks that guide product innovation and assortment planning.

• Create inspirational and actionable trend direction including color palettes, material direction, print and pattern concepts, iconography, and form language relevant to hard goods.

• Partner with Brand Strategy teams to define where brands have permission to evolve and remain culturally relevant, translating these insights into product opportunities.

• Build compelling visual tools such as mood boards, concept stories, inspiration frameworks, and design narratives to effectively communicate future visions to stakeholders.

• Influence innovation and assortment direction by translating future-focused trends into actionable creative opportunities and strategic recommendations.

• Educate and influence cross-functional partners by clearly connecting trend, culture, and customer behavior to tangible business implications and product development.

• Collaborate closely with Product Design, Technical Design, Brand Strategy, Category Management, Marketing, and enterprise partners to bring future-focused opportunities to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic and forward-looking approach, crucial for operations that aim to anticipate market needs and drive product innovation. The role acts as a critical bridge between market intelligence and product realization, impacting the efficiency of the product development pipeline by providing clear, actionable creative direction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Product Design, or equivalent professional experience. Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in Trend Strategy, Trend Forecasting, Creative Strategy, Product Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Brand Strategy, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience leveraging trend forecasting, customer insights, cultural intelligence, and market research to influence product or brand strategies.

• Proven ability to translate future-focused opportunities into actionable creative direction and clear business recommendations. Required Skills:

• Trend Intelligence & Forecasting: Deep understanding of trend forecasting methodologies, ability to synthesize market intelligence, cultural shifts, and consumer insights.

• Visual Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional skills in developing compelling presentations, strategic narratives, trend reports, mood boards, and concept stories.

• Creative Direction: Ability to establish aesthetic direction, including color palettes, material direction, print and pattern concepts, iconography, and form language.

• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to connect trend opportunities with portfolio priorities, customer insights, and business objectives to identify innovation and growth areas.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD, or similar design software for creating visual assets and presentations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders across product development, brand, marketing, and category management teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting consumer products, retail, private brands, pet, home, lifestyle, fashion, or related industries.

• Experience developing seasonal trend strategies, aesthetic frameworks, or innovation roadmaps.

• Familiarity with trend forecasting platforms, consumer research tools, and market intelligence resources.

• Knowledge of color, material, graphic, print, and pattern development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and visual storytelling is critical for roles that bridge creative ideation with tangible product outputs. The requirement for experience in trend forecasting and consumer insights underscores the data-driven nature of modern product operations, where strategic foresight directly impacts market success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear process for identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing trend data into actionable insights for hard goods.

• Showcase examples of translating future-focused trends into distinct creative directions, including mood boards, concept narratives, and aesthetic frameworks.

• Present case studies illustrating how trend insights influenced product innovation, assortment planning, or brand strategy, ideally with measurable outcomes.

• Include examples of visual storytelling and presentation materials used to influence cross-functional stakeholders and gain buy-in for new concepts.

• Highlight experience with system-based trend forecasting tools or methodologies, if applicable, and how data was integrated into the creative process. Process Documentation:

• Document workflows for continuous trend monitoring and intelligence gathering, including sources and synthesis methods.

• Outline the process for developing seasonal trend concepts and creative frameworks that align with business objectives and brand guidelines.

• Illustrate how creative direction is translated into actionable guidance for Product Design, Technical Design, and other relevant teams.

• Showcase methods for measuring the impact of trend strategies on product adoption, assortment performance, and overall brand differentiation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on strategy and design, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just creative output but the strategic thinking and operational process behind it. This includes showing how trends are operationalized into product pipelines and how their impact is assessed, which is a core function of effective GTM operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $124,500 - $199,000.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness insurance, Accident insurance, Telemedicine, and Employee Assistance Programs.

• Financial Security: 401(k) with company matching, new hire and annual equity grants, potential annual bonus (for C08+ positions).

• Work-Life Balance & Family Support: Unlimited PTO (subject to manager approval), Paid parental leave, Family services benefits, Backup dependent care, Flexible spending accounts, Pet adoption reimbursement.

• Perks & Discounts: Employee discounts (including 10% off pet insurance and 20% off at Chewy.com), six paid holidays per year, potential paid sick and family leave in compliance with state/local regulations.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected to meet project demands and deadlines. Exempt salary team members have unlimited PTO, subject to manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level strategic role in a major retail and e-commerce company, particularly in a market like Minneapolis. The extensive benefits package, including equity and bonus potential, reflects a total compensation structure that aligns with senior operational and strategic positions. The unlimited PTO, while common for exempt roles, implies a focus on results and output rather than strict time tracking, a characteristic often seen in high-impact operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Pet Supplies Retail, Technology. Chewy operates at the intersection of retail and technology, focusing on providing a comprehensive and convenient experience for pet parents. This industry context implies a fast-paced, data-driven environment where innovation and customer-centricity are paramount.

Company Size: Large (Implied by the workdaysite.com domain and the comprehensive benefits package). A large organization typically means established processes, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for significant impact across a broad range of products.

Founded: Chewy was founded in 2011, indicating a relatively young but rapidly scaled company that has successfully navigated the competitive e-commerce landscape. This suggests a culture of agility, growth, and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The Trend & Design Strategy team is part of the broader Private Brands organization, working closely with Product Design, Technical Design, Brand Strategy, Category Management, and Marketing.

• This structure suggests a collaborative, matrixed environment where influence and strong communication are key to success. The reporting structure likely involves a Director or VP of Private Brands.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as the team acts as a central hub for future-focused creative direction that impacts numerous product development and go-to-market functions. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The team relies heavily on trend forecasting services, consumer insights, cultural shifts, and market intelligence to inform their strategies. This indicates a data-driven approach to identifying future opportunities.

• Strategic Planning & Optimization: The role involves translating long-term business opportunities into actionable trend concepts and creative frameworks, requiring strategic planning and optimization of product assortments.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated for this role, Chewy, as a large e-commerce player, likely employs automation in various operational aspects. This strategist's work directly contributes to the efficiency of product development by providing clear direction, reducing ambiguity, and accelerating time-to-market.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Chewy's focus on pet parents and its rapid growth in the e-commerce space suggest a dynamic work environment. For operations professionals, this means a culture that values data-driven decision-making, customer obsession, and the ability to adapt quickly to market changes. The collaborative team structure emphasizes the importance of clear communication and influencing skills, critical for operational success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Strategic Contributor. This role is positioned at a senior level, requiring significant experience and the ability to operate autonomously while influencing strategic direction. It's a key player in the front-end of the product lifecycle, impacting the long-term vision and differentiation of Chewy's private brands.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports into a Director or VP of Private Brands or a similar senior leadership position within the Product Development or Brand Strategy umbrella. This elevated reporting line indicates the strategic importance of trend and design insights.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing:

• Product Innovation: Identifying and shaping new product opportunities that align with future market demands and customer needs.

• Brand Differentiation: Ensuring private brands have a distinct aesthetic and narrative that sets them apart from competitors.

• Assortment Strategy: Guiding the selection and development of products to create cohesive and compelling collections.

• Customer Engagement: Creating products and experiences that resonate with pet parents, fostering loyalty and driving repeat purchases.

• Revenue Growth: By driving successful product innovation and differentiation, this role contributes directly to the financial performance of Chewy's private brands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership within Trend & Design: Potential to lead the Trend & Design Strategy team, mentor junior strategists, and set the vision for future product aesthetics.

• Expansion into Broader Brand Strategy: Opportunity to move into broader Brand Strategy roles, influencing overall brand positioning and communication.

• Category Management/Product Management: Transition into roles that focus more directly on category P&L, assortment planning, and product lifecycle management, leveraging a deep understanding of market trends.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead cross-functional initiatives related to innovation, product development strategy, or market expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for career advancement within a dynamic e-commerce environment. The strategic nature of the position means that success can lead to broader responsibilities in brand management, product portfolio strategy, and leadership. For operations professionals, this represents an opportunity to leverage analytical and strategic skills in a highly visible and impactful capacity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based in Minneapolis, MN, indicating a requirement for regular presence in a Chewy office location. This suggests a collaborative environment where in-person brainstorming, team meetings, and stakeholder interactions are prioritized.

Office Location(s): Minneapolis, MN. This specific location provides context for the local talent pool and operational considerations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site requirement suggests a workspace designed for collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and spaces conducive to brainstorming and team discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), trend forecasting platforms, and internal communication/collaboration tools is expected. The environment will support the need for visual creation and data synthesis.

• Team Interaction: Close proximity to design, brand, and category management teams facilitates direct communication, feedback loops, and the rapid iteration necessary for trend-driven product development.

Work Schedule: While the core work hours are likely standard (e.g., 40 hours/week), the nature of trend forecasting and product development often requires flexibility to meet deadlines, attend industry events (virtually or in-person), and respond to evolving market dynamics. Exempt team members have unlimited PTO, suggesting a focus on output and results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Minneapolis suggests a commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative culture through direct team interaction. For operations professionals, this means an environment that supports hands-on work, real-time feedback, and the dynamic exchange of ideas crucial for staying ahead in trend-driven markets.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's core requirements. Emphasis will be on trend forecasting, strategic thinking, and visual communication.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion to delve deeper into your experience, approach to trend analysis, creative process, and understanding of the pet consumer market. Expect questions about how you translate macro trends into actionable product concepts.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you will present a curated selection of your work. This should highlight your process for trend identification, concept development, and how you influenced product or brand strategy, with a focus on hard goods. Be prepared to discuss your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product Design, Brand Strategy, and Category Management to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to influence diverse teams.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best represent your expertise in trend forecasting, creative strategy, and product influence for hard goods.

• Show Your Process: Clearly articulate your methodology for trend research, analysis, concept development, and presentation. Use visual aids effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, highlight the business impact of your work. Did your trend insights lead to increased sales, improved brand perception, or successful product launches?

• Tailor to Chewy: Demonstrate an understanding of Chewy's brand, its customer base (pet parents), and the hard goods categories. Show how your insights can specifically benefit their private brands.

• Narrative is Key: Tell a compelling story for each project, focusing on the problem, your approach, your contribution, and the results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios: "How would you identify trends for a new line of interactive pet toys?" or "How would you approach developing a seasonal trend story for pet home goods?"

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of current consumer behavior shifts relevant to the pet industry and how they might translate into product opportunities.

• Think about how you would present a complex trend analysis to a room of busy product managers and designers, ensuring clarity and actionable takeaways.

**📝 Enhancement