Research Development Chef Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

Lifetime Brands is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Senior CMF (Color, Material, Finish) Designer to join our innovative Product Development team. The Senior CMF Designer will be responsible for defining and executing the aesthetic vision for private label clients, primarily in the drinkware category. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Design, Engineering and Marketing to develop compelling CMF strategies that resonate with diverse global client needs and target markets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CMF design, illustration, trend research, and experience working with a variety of materials, finishes, and manufacturing processes.

Hierarchy

• Reports to VP Industrial Design Director

Conceptual

• Works with the VP Industrial Design Director, CMF Designers, Industrial Designers and Marketing teams on multiple projects/brands
• Responsible for translating seasonal direction into art concepts for private label
• Works closely with the VP Industrial Design Director and CMF Designers to create original print, pattern, and color concepts based on given direction
• Illustration skills that reflect current fashion and consumer trends
• Ability to color correct digital artwork and make color correction comments to production samples
• Has knowledge of trend analysis and how findings relate to product and brand development

Tactical

Product

• Creates production files and die-lines for approved concepts
• Ability to translate brand guidelines and develop concepts throughout all projects while ensuring brand guidelines are adhered to
• Assists with technical packs per product that specify color, finish and surface details
• High attention to detail regarding color and finish specifications for multiple products per launch
• Aid in the creation of packaging die lines is a plus, but not required
• Rates highly on the munsell color test
• Proficient in InDesign, Illustrator & Photoshop. Keyshot is a plus.

Presentation

• Works with VP Industrial Design Director and CMF Designers to research and prepare trend assets for customer facing presentations
• Applies knowledge of materials and finishes on existing and new products to highlight appropriately on graphic presentations
• Interprets customer provided design guides and apply to products for presentations
• Researches trend and provides substance and data behind new ideas and concepts
• Assists marketing team with preparing assets for customer facing presentations
• Highly skilled in layout and visual organization
• Presentation layout design skills is a plus, but not required

Strategic

General

• Ability to work in fast paced environment and handle multiple projects
• Strong familiarity with and passion for material trends and culture
• Works closely with VP Industrial Design Director and CMF Designers in design trend and market research to recognize opportunities for new CMF concepts
• Highly organized with great attention for detail
• Self-starter and works well in a team environment
• Flexible with changes in direction
• Collaborative with strong ability to contribute ideas on all projects

Cross-Functional

• Contributes to other areas (Chef'n, Rabbit, LAB, PlanetBox, customer specific, etc.) as needed
• Works with other teams to contribute in best possible manner

Qualifications

• Experience in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Textiles, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in CMF design, preferably in consumer products, drinkware, or housewares industries.
• Proven experience in developing CMF strategies and guiding projects from concept to production.
• Strong portfolio/website showcasing expertise in color, material, and finish design, including examples of successful product launches.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and material properties, including plastics, glass, metal, ceramics, and sustainable materials is a plus.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, KeyShot, and other 3D modeling/rendering tools is a plus.
• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex CMF concepts to both internal teams and external clients.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with private label clients.
• Knowledge of sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
• Familiarity with global color trends and forecasting.

Location: Seattle, WA / Hybrid

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000

Lifetime Brands is a leading global provider of kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home. We offer brands you trust, value without compromise and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Our products make it easier for you to prepare food, serve meals, entertain guests, and decorate your home. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, which includes: *All full-time employees (and family members) are eligible to participate in our Medical, Dental, and Vision plans*Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care*Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability*Company Paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance*Eligibility in the Company's 401K plan, after 90 days of employment*Paid Time Off (vacation/sick) - accrual of 15 days per calendar year for non-warehouse positions; accrual of 10 days per calendar year for hourly based warehouse positions*10 Company Paid Holidays*Employee Product Discounts*Tuition Assistance*Employee Assistance Program*Volunteer Opportunities- 4 hours of paid optional volunteer time (annually)*Seattle, WA based employees are provided with commute trip reduction incentives*Benefits are offered to employees who work 30 hours or more In addition to the above, we offer voluntary benefits. Lifetime Brands, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that Lifetime Brands believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job. Lifetime Brands expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would Lifetime Brands consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.