Black Bear Talent is seeking an experienced Graphic Arts Manager to lead a multi site Graphic Arts team supporting a high volume apparel manufacturing operation. This is not a traditional graphic design position. We are looking for a proven leader with extensive experience in graphic production, digital artwork, screen print separations, and apparel decoration within a high volume manufacturing environment.
This is a direct hire role with our client. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multi location Graphic Arts team responsible for creating production ready artwork.
- Oversee the creation and approval of screen print separations, sublimation artwork, embroidery digitizing files, twill artwork, laser cut files, and color approval swatches.
- Ensure artwork is production friendly, technically accurate, and delivered on schedule to support manufacturing deadlines.
- Manage the strike off approval process to ensure artwork is approved and ready for bulk production.
- Serve as the subject matter expert on screen printing, sublimation, embroidery, and apparel embellishment processes.
- Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Production, and customers to resolve technical artwork challenges and ensure customer expectations are exceeded.
- Standardize artwork processes, procedures, and quality standards across multiple manufacturing facilities.
- Develop and improve workflows that increase efficiency, reduce production delays, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain organized digital archives of customer artwork, production files, and seasonal programs.
- Monitor department performance through metrics, reporting, and key performance indicators.
- Recruit, hire, coach, and develop Graphic Arts professionals while conducting performance evaluations and establishing measurable goals.
- Spend time on the production floor collaborating with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot artwork and production challenges.
- Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to strategic planning and operational improvements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Proven leadership experience managing Graphic Arts teams in a high volume screen print or decorated apparel manufacturing environment.
- Extensive hands on experience with digital artwork creation and production ready graphic design for apparel manufacturing.
- Minimum of 5 -7 years experience.
- Strong knowledge of screen print separations, sublimation printing, embroidery digitizing, twill applications, transfer printing, and garment construction.
- Demonstrated success supporting manufacturing operations with production ready artwork that meets demanding production schedules.
- Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- Experience improving workflows, implementing process improvements, and driving operational efficiency.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast paced production environment.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Munsell Color Test certification is highly preferred.
- Bilingual English and Spanish is a plus.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Graphic Design, or a related field required
Work schedule
- Monday to Friday
- 8 hour shift
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) matching