Senior Manager Illustration and Graphic Design, Private Label Brands

Some of what you will do: This role is responsible for developing and designing research-driven trend boards that serve as a guide for the execution of a cohesive consumer experiences via our product lines in stores. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading the evolution of in-store storytelling by creating interconnected design palettes and illustrations across multiple categories and departments. They will get the opportunity to own the end-to-end process of graphic illustration and pantone selection release to vendors, and approval of product samples alongside the Product Management and Director, to ensure accuracy against released specifications. The Sr. Surface Graphic Designer & Illustrator will work closely with the Product Management team, who strategically launch products under Staples Canada's Own Brands across quarterly seasonal programs, ongoing inline planograms, and B2B/Marketplace launches. Categories include: Stationery, Tech, Breakroom, Sanitization & Cleaning, Kids Craft & Toys, Travel Accessories, Furniture, Décor, Lunch & Hydration, and Office Supplies. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the reinvigoration of Staples Canada's Own Brands in its early stages and to take ownership of product graphic design and illustration across the company—growing both our brand presence and your professional portfolio. Specifically, You Will: Trend Board Creation – Researches trends via WGSN, comp shopping, and market data to develop quarterly and planogram-based presentations. Graphic Design Ownership – Creates product graphic and illustration specs using vendor dielines; approves samples with Product Management and Director. Cross-Functional Collaboration – Aligns design storytelling with brand and product strategies; partners with Packaging Manager for cohesive execution. Category Coverage – Designs for Staples Own Brands across categories like Stationery, Tech, Furniture, Toys, Travel Accessories, and more. Market Research & Trade Shows – Conducts competitive tracking and trend analysis; may travel locally/internationally for comp shops and trade shows. Some of what you need: BA in Visual Arts, specialization in graphic design, commercial art requested Exceptional visual, aesthetic, and conceptual design skills with meticulous attention to detail Highly organized with the ability to prioritize multiple projects with minimal supervision Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to pitch and present ideas confidently and professionally Ability to balance driving cohesive trends across categories via the strength of collaboration and feedback skills Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop Strong understanding of the production process and how to design effectively for manufacturing 4–7 years of experience in retail goods graphic design and illustration Proven track record of managing multiple product timelines and delivering on schedule Experience creating cohesive product collections across multiple categories Background in Pantone selection, pattern design, and artwork creation for categories such as (or comparable to) fashion accessories, home goods, stationery, toys, and crafts - Experience creating surface graphic designs that balance trend relevance with consumer specificity - Demonstrated ability to create technical spec sheets, trend reports, and comp shop files Proven success working cross-functionally with internal and external teams in a collaborative, professional manner Some of what you will get: Associate discount Health and Dental benefits RRSP/DPSP Performance bonuses Learning & Development programs And more... LI-Hybrid Staples Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.