Job Description

Description

The Manager of Graphic Design will be responsible for designing and/or overseeing the design of all aspects of art application for apparel on a seasonal basis, including print and pattern as well as placement graphics. They will be the gatekeeper and project manager of incoming job requests to the Graphic Design department. They will work to improve efficiency and communication within the department and other PD departments in order to manage job workflow. The Manager of Graphic Design will need to understand how to design as needed. He or She will manage the Graphic Design Team to meet the needs of the product lines in partnership with both the Design and Trend Team. This role is also responsible for building an awareness of current trends, color, technology, and execution of all types of apparel print applications. The ideal candidate for this role will understand the competitive landscape and demonstrate the ability to translate trends to meet athletes needs and contribute to the development of seasonal design themes.

Market Research & Analysis

* Responsible for understanding of the consumer and competitive landscape. Stay current with trends within Graphic Design and incorporates them into the overall strategy for the brand.
* Heads seasonal research trips to help creative team maintain market knowledge and guide the team in understanding long term industry trends.
* Research market trends, competitors and consumer needs and provide recommendations from a textile, graphic and design perspective.
* Research, along with your team, new techniques and applications that can be used in seasonal product and use findings to innovate our products.

Graphic Design Strategy & Execution

* Strategizes all art concepts for graphics by combining current trends with the target athlete in mind.
* Lead the Graphic Design team in the execution of the seasonal vision of all art for apparel and accessories by developing a strong consumer-oriented point of view through a deep understanding of the athlete.
* Successfully influence decisions across the Apparel functions with full accountability and ownership for the outcome as well as the process.
* Create and guide creation of original artwork that illustrates design concepts and captures seasonal stories to share with the PD and Merchandising teams.
* Partner with apparel and accessories designers to ensure that textile stories and individual prints, materials and trims enhance the product aesthetic and fit with the overall design.
* Lead the Graphic Designers to guide them in updating designs based on feedback from cross-functional PD partners.

Project Management

* Develops and drives the creative direction/strategy of all graphic design collateral
* Oversees all graphic design projects and serves as the subject matter expert for all Graphic Design collateral
* Drives the projects with internal partners to ensure all projects are on schedule and see projects through to completion within a timely manner.
* Owns communication and presentation of design concepts in key milestone meetings throughout the development cycle, with an open mind to critique and direction. This includes producing presentation materials in conjunction with design and product management teams that effectively convey the narrative of the direction for their categories.

Supervising and Developing Talent

* Trains and mentors new hires by sharing experience, knowledge and best practices.
* Supervises and provide guidance to teammates on projects and deliverables, holding teammate accountable to deadlines. This includes organizing and monitoring workload to ensure priority deliverables are fast tracked.
* Shares timely and actionable feedback with teammates on deliverables to ensure accountability, coach and mentor as needed.
* Establishes strategic staffing and succession plans (0-2 year horizon within span of control and gain Director support; successfully deliver on proposed staffing objectives.
* Drives talent selection process for open direct report positions; Ensure all direct reports are appropriately trained and on-boarded.

Qualifications

Bachelors Degree

7-10 years of experience

Creative Manger/Apparel Graphic Design