Graphic Design Manager

Position: Graphic Design Manager

Department: Sales

Reports To: Chief Sales Officer

Employment Type: Full-Time / Exempt / On-Site

Job Summary

The Graphic Design Manager leads the strategic development and execution of product-focused design documentation in direct support of the Sales organization. This role oversees the design team's tasks of creation of design sheets, line sheets, tech packs, and production-ready artwork to ensure accurate quoting, effective selling, and seamless manufacturing.

Operating as an embedded leader within the Sales function, the Graphic Design Manager ensures all product visuals and supporting documentation align with seasonal calendars, product launches, and key revenue-driving initiatives. This position manages the intersection of creative execution and commercial readiness, translating product concepts into clear, factory-ready deliverables delivered on schedule to meet critical selling timelines.

This role requires a highly organized design leader with strong apparel and product expertise, capable of managing priorities across teams while maintaining brand standards, operational accuracy, and responsiveness to sales-driven demands.

Key Responsibilities

Team & Workflow Management

• Lead and mentor graphic designers supporting product design sheets and technical artwork

• Assign projects, manage timelines, and ensure deadlines align with product and sales calendar milestones

• Establish efficient processes for sheet creation, approvals, and handoff to production - consistently seeking opportunities to fine tune process and leverage technology to inject efficiencies.

• Monitor capacity and adjust workflows to maintain responsiveness without sacrificing accuracy

Product Design Sheet Leadership

• Own the development of product design sheets for headwear, apparel, and accessories

• Ensure all design sheets include accurate artwork placement, callouts, colorways, fitting within decoration limitations and construction details

• Maintain consistency across seasonal product documentation and design standards

• Align documentation timelines with product release schedules and sales calendar milestones

Graphic Execution & Production Readiness

• Create and approve production-ready vector artwork, embellishment files, and print layouts

• Partner with Product Development to ensure design intent, limitations, and initiatives are clearly communicated to vendors and factories.

• Manage revisions, updates, and version control throughout the product lifecycle

• Ensure all deliverables are completed in advance of sales needs, quoting timelines, and launch deadlines

Sales Alignment & Calendar Management

• Develop deep understanding of product roadmaps, seasonal release calendars, and sales priorities

• Translate product and seasonal timelines into structured design workflows and delivery schedules

• Proactively anticipate workload spikes tied to launches, trade shows, and selling cycles to maintain command of team resource planning

• Partner with Sales leadership to prioritize projects based on revenue impact and strategic importance

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5+ years of graphic design experience, preferably within apparel, accessories, or consumer product environments

• 1–3 years of experience leading, mentoring, or managing design team members

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign

• Strong technical understanding of production artwork, vector files, embellishment specifications, and factory-ready deliverables

• Demonstrated experience creating tech packs, line sheets, product spec documentation, and design sheets

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects aligned to seasonal calendars and business deadlines

• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills

Preferred

• Experience in headwear design or lifestyle brand product development

• Familiarity with embroidery, screen printing, patches, and other embellishment techniques

• Experience collaborating with overseas vendors and working within structured product development calendars

Portfolio Requirement

• Candidates must submit a portfolio (or link) demonstrating technical execution, product documentation expertise, and range of design capability.

Compensation: $75k - $85K

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off

• Health insurance

• 401k benefits

• Employee discount