Graphic Design Manager

Branded Bills•Tempe, AZ

3d•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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