Overview

The Sr. Manager of Creative Design leads the Graphic Design team within Pro Sports' core business, translating strategic creative direction into executable plans that drive team performance and operational excellence. This role owns end-to-end delivery of seasonal graphic output — including the seasonal graphics calendar, sketch packs, and graphic boards — ensuring quality, brand consistency, and on-time delivery across all seasonal sample lines.

The role drives execution across the seasonal business calendar, including Pre-Season Packs, Start of Season Special Packs, Mid-Season Drops, ongoing Disney programs, and other league initiatives, leading highly prescriptive, pre-planned creative workflows that improve speed, quality, and cross-functional alignment.

The Sr. Manager coaches and develops team members, optimizes workflows, and builds cross-functional alignment to drive measurable productivity and quality outcomes. This role also owns the long-range creative process, balancing speed and quality while partnering closely with Brand, Product, Sales, Art Production, and Licensing.

Job Responsibilities

Creative Execution & Quality Oversight

• Art directs or supervises all core Pro Sports graphic design projects — including seasonal sample lines, sketch packs, and graphic boards — ensuring all work is completed in accordance with established policies, Pro Sports licensed guidelines, and on-time and within budget.
• Directs market-right research and development of new print, embroidery, and decoration processes; coordinates trend research at retail markets to ensure design relevance and competitive positioning.
• Supervises the review and approval of all seasonal graphic designs (prints and embroideries), ensuring final art files meet quality standards and are delivered on schedule.
• Writes or supervises the writing of all seasonal sales sample orders; approves sample art for bulk sales sample production to ensure consistent quality standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborates with Brand and Retail Partners on pre-line graphic approvals aligned with Pro Sports Brand market direction;
• Presents or supervises the presentation of graphic designs, seasonal information, and Art Books to the division's sales force or Retail buyers — verbally and in written form.
• Communicates clearly and partners effectively with internal and external clients; maintains departmental policies and procedures governing project flow and client interactions.

Operational Management & Process Improvement

• Manages day-to-day team operations; coordinates workload distribution, project prioritization, and resource allocation to maintain momentum across all active projects.
• Establishes and manages departmental budgets; monitors project costs and reports on financial performance.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance team efficiency, consistency of output, and creative quality.
• Manages or coordinates special projects as directed by the Sr Director – Creative Design, ensuring timely and high-quality execution.

Talent Development & Team Leadership

• Supports, trains, supervises, and formally reviews all direct reports — including Lead Designers, Designers, Project Coordinator and Tech Graphic Artists — in accordance with Unrivaled Teamwear HR guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Actively coaches team members toward higher performance; identifies development opportunities and builds individual growth plans to strengthen the design team pipeline.
• Builds team spirit and community by aligning all associates around clearly stated creative and business goals.
• Ensures day-to-day compliance with EEO/Affirmative Action policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 4–6 years of experience in graphic design within the apparel or sports industry.
• 4+ years of experience as a lead, supervisor, and/or manager in a creative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design teams or sub-functions simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; familiarity with project management tools preferred.
• Experience with embroidery, screen print, and decoration processes strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.