Design Operations Manager

SanMar • Issaquah, WA

4d • $100,000 - $145,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Design Operations Manager drives excellence in design support, provides creative procedure expertise, and leads projects in the apparel product creation process. The Design Operations Manager leads and mentors the design support team and promotes new innovative tools to advance design communications with cross-functional teams. They serve as an expert in visual communication tools, communicating in an innovative way to varied groups of stakeholders.

Requirements

• 7-9 years experience in design, illustration, and page layout software on the Macintosh platform in a professional environment or equivalent education
• Experience in leading a team to meet business objectives
• Strong project planning, organizational and time management skills with a high level of initiative
• Proficiency with Adobe CS Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), PowerPoint, Word and Excel
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to network and influence design process decision
• Desire for ongoing learning and adoption of new and innovative design tools, including AI
• Basic knowledge of garment constructions, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, fabrication and trims
• Experience in PLM systems utilizing design input
• Strong understanding of visual branding, and design solutions
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to network and influence design process decision

Responsibilities

• Direct design operational concepts and principles related to illustration and design in the apparel product creation process.
• Oversee the creative team that designs apparel and bags with all tools of design execution, branding specs, and line art.
• Lead communication and collaboration for cross-functional teams including Merchandising, Development, Technical Design, and Marketing on projects to develop and strengthen brand assets and produce product design collateral to specifications.
• Champion continuous process improvements and enforce best practices for design communications, ensuring consistency and quality across style guides, brand packets, line art, and all creative development and presentation tools.
• Direct and manage day-to-day activities of design projects and workflows to drive calendar deadlines.
• Supervise and mentor illustrators, design assistants, and project managers ensuring they adhere to design standards and deadlines.
• Translate brand project objectives, design strategies, and innovative ideas that effectively conceptualize intent and are communicated with visually compelling tools.
• Govern standards for artwork library creation, ensuring systematic organization, accuracy, and maintenance within company systems, including PLM.
• Advocate forward-thinking solutions and provide guidance to enhance design and product creation practices, including the integration of advanced tools such as 3-D and AI.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.

Benefits

• Salary Range: You`ll earn between $100,000 - $145,000 annually, depending on experience.
• Bonus: You`ll be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus up to 10% of base salary.
• Paid Time Off: You`ll accrue paid time off on a bi-weekly basis based on hours worked up to 112 hours per year to start. Employees also receive 8 paid holidays and 1 paid family day off.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle
• Life insurance
• Short/long-term disability coverage
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees