Creative Services Sample Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Services Sample Specialist

🔹 Company: Kohls

🔹 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Retail

🔹 Date Posted: May 13, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting marketing executions by procuring and coordinating samples
• Working closely with various teams to ensure flawless execution
• Managing samples and maintaining organization
• Communicating essential information and resolving sample questions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. It involves both proactive and reactive tasks, making adaptability crucial.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Attend project turn-ins, internal sample reviews, and other meetings relative to assigned projects

✅ Procure, gather, and organize samples based on marketing requirements and production schedules

✅ Evaluate capture requirements and create corresponding capture outlines

✅ Verify accurate samples and associated details are received on time for each project

✅ Track and monitor all samples from submission through post-production

✅ Interpret and procure sample and prop needs based on seasonal and creative direction

✅ Barcode and maintain samples housed at the photo studio

✅ Maintain and organize sample rooms at both corporate and photo studio

✅ Organize and execute return and purge of samples post-production

✅ Partner with producers and project coordination team to ensure merchandise availability

✅ Coordinate samples shared between multiple projects

✅ Coordinate tracking and shipment of merchandise between locations

✅ Maintain all sample and shot statuses to effectively communicate with key stakeholders

✅ Create and maintain project follow-up documentation to communicate and resolve outstanding issues with merchant partners

✅ Serve as a liaison between merchant partners and execution teams to proactively resolve sample questions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree or related business experience

Experience: 0-2 years

Required Skills:

• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Detail-oriented with advanced organizational skills
• Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage assigned workload while adapting to changing priorities
• Proficient computer skills and ability to understand advanced applications
• Champion continuous process improvement

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in merchandise management
• Ability to stand for long periods, climb ladders, and use rolling staircases
• Ability to lift up to 25-40 lbs
• Ability to travel on occasion

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's Degree is preferred, relevant business experience may be considered. The role requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for entry-level retail roles in Milwaukee)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee discount
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility based on project needs)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level retail roles in Milwaukee. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)

Founded: 1962

Company Description:

• Kohl's is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states
• Kohl's business is built on a solid foundation of more than 60 million customers, an unmatched brand portfolio, industry-leading loyalty and Kohl's Card programs, a convenient and accessible nationwide store footprint, and large digital business on Kohls.com and the Kohl's mobile app.

Company Specialties:

• Beauty
• Technology
• Software Engineers
• Retail
• Finance
• Marketing
• Product Development

Company Website: careers.kohls.com

ASSUMPTION: Working at Kohls offers opportunities to grow within a large, established retail company with a strong brand presence and diverse product offerings.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Creative Services Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, Monday through Friday, with occasional travel

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within the Creative Services department
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as Merchandising or Marketing
• Potential leadership roles as experience and skills develop

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the company, as well as the chance to work on a variety of projects and collaborate with different teams.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office and photo studio

Office Location(s): Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Geographic Context:

• Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and offers a mix of urban and suburban living
• The city is known for its breweries, festivals, and cultural attractions
• Wisconsin has all four seasons, with cold winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime based on project needs

ASSUMPTION: Working in Milwaukee offers a blend of urban and suburban living, with access to cultural attractions and outdoor recreation. The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a focus on teamwork and communication.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Adaptability and time management

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume and cover letter
• Demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company during the interview
• Prepare examples of your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects

ATS Keywords: Sample management, merchandise coordination, project turn-ins, marketing executions, collaboration, communication, organization, fast-paced environment

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is typical for a large enterprise, with a focus on assessing problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication abilities.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Sample tracking and management software (e.g., in-house systems)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies used in this role are standard for the retail industry and may include proprietary software specific to Kohl's.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer Obsessed
• Inclusive and Diverse
• Collaborative and Accountable
• Adaptable and Innovative

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and collaborative
• Focused on teamwork and communication
• Adaptable and flexible, with a focus on continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Are you detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you have strong communication and collaboration skills?

ASSUMPTION: Working at Kohls requires a strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and excellent communication and collaboration skills. The company values a fast-paced, collaborative work environment with a focus on continuous improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of samples and projects simultaneously
• Adapting to changing priorities and deadlines
• Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
• Occasional travel and lifting heavy objects

ASSUMPTION: This role presents challenges related to managing a high volume of samples and projects, adapting to changing priorities, and working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines. Additionally, the role may require occasional travel and lifting heavy objects.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Merchandise Coordinator or Sample Coordinator in other retail companies
• However, the specific responsibilities and work environment may vary based on the company's size and structure
• Career progression may differ based on the company's growth opportunities and industry-specific factors

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with Merchandise Coordinator or Sample Coordinator positions in other retail companies, the specific responsibilities and work environment may vary. Career progression may also differ based on the company's growth opportunities and industry-specific factors.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing samples for a high-profile marketing campaign
• Coordinating samples for a seasonal product launch
• Tracking and monitoring samples for a special event or promotion

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may involve managing samples for marketing campaigns, seasonal product launches, or special events, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall creative services department and the company's marketing strategy?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the company foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions during the interview can help applicants better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.