Production Art Manager

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

At Black Bear Talent we’re not just about filling a space. We partner with you to find the right fill for your needs. Our number one goal is to find you the career candidate and building the relationship with the employer as your trusted source for staffing and direct hires