Sr. Art Director, VM Job at Haus Labs in El Segundo

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Launched by Lady Gaga, Haus Labs is a vegan and cruelty‑free cosmetics brand with a mission of spreading kindness, bravery, and creativity. Filled with versatile products that encourage self‑expression, this collection boasts high‑impact eye makeup, lipsticks, highlighters, and more. Regardless of age, education, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any personal characteristics, we want everyone to feel welcome. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive, equal‑opportunity workplace.

Overview

The Sr. Art Director, Visual Merchandising (VM) will lead the art direction, design, and production of projects for visual merchandising, animations, and various digital projects. This role manages the VM Designer, providing clear art direction, mentorship, and career path development while also overseeing all phases of creative execution to ensure high‑quality, strategically appropriate work is delivered on time. The ideal candidate will have expertise in digital file development for visual merchandising fixtures, Sephora animations, retail environments, and will foster collaborative relationships across all teams and vendors.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the art direction and execution of global in‑store design projects for gondolas, store fixtures, animations, and window posters (90%).
• Lead the design and development of new gondolas and in‑store visual merchandising concepts aligned with brand positioning, marketing initiatives, and product launches.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams (Sales, Marketing, and Creative) to ensure impactful merchandising and appropriate use of photography and messaging.
• Oversee the design and execution of 2D and 3D visual materials, including window displays, fixture layouts, signage, props, and digital merchandising assets, with support from the VM Designer and VM Project Manager.
• Manage and update the global gondola planograms in partnership with Sales, Product Marketing, and Retail Marketing.
• Own the kickoff of gondola updates and fixture development to vendors and global Sephora VM teams.
• Manage the design and production process with vendors from concept to installation, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Work closely with vendors, printers, and fabricators to execute designs to the highest quality.
• Troubleshoot printing issues, provide print production management, and occasionally attend press checks.
• Conduct regular retail visits and audits to ensure execution aligns with brand standards.
• Prepare print and digital project files for final execution using Adobe Creative Suite according to detailed specifications when the VM Designer is not available.
• Manage and mentor the VM Designer, using regular touch bases to develop a clear career path and create opportunities for growth.
• Provide art direction and make recommendations for best practices to the VM Designer to optimize production speed and quality.
• Lead the art direction and execution of digital assets and educational collateral (10%).
• Design site assets, emails, paid ads, educational materials, and marketing collateral when additional creative support is needed.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree; BFA or equivalent in design and communication preferred.
• 10+ years of professional experience managing designers and freelance designers, preferably on an in‑house creative team.
• Prior experience as an art director or senior‑level graphic designer is preferred.
• Deep understanding of creative development with extensive experience working within creative teams.
• Deep experience with understanding and enforcing brand and campaign standards.
• Experience and expertise in the development and execution of digital files for visual merchandising fixtures, Sephora animations, retail environments, out‑of‑home advertising, educational materials, and marketing collateral.
• Exceptional communication and written skills with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely with individuals in different departments and at all levels.
• Proficient knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of color correction of photography.

What We Expect

• At Haus Labs, how you communicate is as important as what you communicate. We are seeking driven team players with strong communication skills and enthusiasm for collaboration.
• You’re a self‑starter who possesses an entrepreneurial spirit.
• You thrive in a fast‑paced, agile environment.
• You are a team player who approaches solutions from a place of curiosity and positivity.
• We are seeking HAUSmates who welcome constructive criticism and have an impeccable attention to detail.
• ART: We are a creative collective that believes art has the power to shape the future.
• SCIENCE: We unlock innovation using science and artistry.
• KINDNESS: We are a collective community: universal, inclusive and non‑binary.

What We Offer

• Paid, Equal Parental Leave for Birth, Non‑Birth and Adoptive Parents
• Cell phone stipend
• 401(k)
• Equity
• Life Insurance

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive, equal‑opportunity workplace.