Collegiate Art Manager

Lakeshirts•Detroit Lakes, MN

10d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lakeshirts is seeking a highly organized, detail-driven leader to guide its Collegiate Art team at the company’s headquarters in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The team is part of a 100-plus-person Production Art organization of onsite and remote artists who turn ideas into production-ready artwork and products. The Collegiate Art Manager sets daily direction, leads through others, and ensures artwork moves accurately and on time across college screenprint, collegiate accessories, import art, Zephyr headwear, Elite Fan Shop, and Hot Market programs. The role works closely with Line Development, Creative, Operations, Production, Technical, and Quality teams to connect design with execution. The manager builds, leads, coaches, and motivates the team; prioritizes workloads; monitors performance; supports program launches and special projects; and owns the team’s continuous-improvement roadmap. The position is fully onsite at Lakeshirts headquarters in Detroit Lakes. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an annual pay range of $60,000 to $70,000.

Requirements

Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced production, manufacturing, creative services, or apparel environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, workflows, and deadlines.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, solve problems, and keep projects on track.
Ability to learn and effectively use Salesforce, Adobe Illustrator, and other business systems.
Exceptional communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, ever-changing environment while remaining nimble and open-minded.
Embraces and actively contributes to the company’s culture.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Graphic Design, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field preferred.
Experience supporting apparel decoration, screenprint, headwear, accessories, or a related industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Build, lead, coach, and motivate the Collegiate Art team by providing clear purpose, direction, and accountability.
Lead Daily Direction Setting activities to prioritize workloads and ensure artwork is completed accurately and on time.
Oversee Collegiate Art execution for College Screenprint Net, Collegiate Screenprint, Collegiate Accessories, Import Art, Zephyr Headwear, Elite Fan Shop, and Hot Market programs.
Collaborate with Operations and Production to ensure artwork supports manufacturing schedules and customer commitments.
Partner with Line Development and Creative teams to ensure artwork meets visual presentation and production requirements.
Monitor department metrics and performance indicators for productivity, quality, throughput, and service goals.
Support new program launches, art packs, sample production, and special projects.
Partner with Technical and Quality teams on new applications, techniques, training initiatives, and process improvements.
Own the Collegiate Art team’s Continuous Improvement roadmap by identifying opportunities and helping others execute ideas through the NIMBLE program.
Develop future leaders through coaching, training, performance management, and succession planning.