Production Art Manager

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Graphic Design, or a related field required

• Monday to Friday
• 8 hour shift

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching