CTM Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CTM Product Designer

Company: NEW ERA CAP LLC

Location: Westwood, MA, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative Operations / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs and produces graphics for apparel and headwear collections, focusing on 'Close to Market' (CTM) initiatives, key accounts, and special order merchandise (SMU).

• Manages the production artwork process from concept to final output, ensuring accuracy and adherence to brand and licensing guidelines.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with design, product management, and licensing teams to meet critical deadlines for hot market product lines and chase product opportunities.

• Conducts quality control checks on samples and finished products to ensure they align with design specifications and aesthetic standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "CTM Product Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills heavily lean towards production art and graphic design within the apparel and headwear industry, rather than a broader product design role that might involve user experience or product strategy. The emphasis is on translating existing designs and brand assets into production-ready artwork.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate existing apparel and headwear collection graphics into production-ready artwork for various accounts, utilizing provided graphic templates and logo identity sheets.

• Fulfill production art requests from the Product team, Sales Representatives, and Customer Service accurately and within established timelines.

• Implement necessary customer-requested revisions and ensure compliance with league licensing requirements for all artwork.

• Meet strict deadlines for 'Hot Market' artwork production and maintain efficient art turn-around times.

• Collaborate with the CTM Manager and other designers on design development, product assortment reviews, and graphic option selection.

• Assist in the creation of graphics for larger headwear and apparel product programs, contributing to overall collection aesthetics.

• Review and process license changes and revisions through the artist dashboard to ensure compliance and accuracy.

• Oversee the review of headwear samples and stitch-outs to ensure alignment with approved artwork and specifications.

• Communicate daily with domestic headwear manufacturers to address production queries and ensure seamless workflow.

• Verify that all aspects of the finished product, including logo size, colors, materials, verbiage, aesthetics, and overall production quality, precisely match the provided artwork and specification sheets.

• Stay informed and current on all relevant licensing guidelines and restrictions to prevent compliance issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on execution and quality assurance within a defined production pipeline, emphasizing speed and accuracy for time-sensitive product launches.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Experience with apparel or headwear graphics is strongly preferred. Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in graphic design, with a focus on production art for the apparel or headwear industry.

• Proven experience working with Adobe Illustrator for detailed graphic creation and manipulation. Required Skills:

• Adobe Illustrator Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator for creating vector graphics, manipulating artwork, and preparing files for production.

• Production Art Expertise: Demonstrated ability to translate design concepts into precise, production-ready artwork for apparel and headwear.

• Apparel & Headwear Graphics: Specific experience designing graphics tailored for garments and headwear, understanding application techniques and limitations.

• Quality Control: Keen eye for detail and ability to meticulously review samples and artwork against specifications to ensure high-quality output.

• Licensing Compliance: Understanding of and adherence to brand and league licensing guidelines and restrictions.

• MS Office Suite Proficiency: Competence in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for general business operations and communication.

• Mac Platform Experience: Familiarity and proficiency working within a Mac operating system environment.

• Multitasking & Problem Solving: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, troubleshoot design and production issues, and meet tight deadlines.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision in artwork execution and review to ensure accuracy in every detail.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage files, track requests, and maintain an organized workflow in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design software relevant to apparel production (e.g., Photoshop for mockups).

• Familiarity with domestic and international apparel manufacturing processes.

• Basic understanding of color theory and its application in textile printing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Illustrator and Mac platform experience is critical. The role requires someone who can not only design but also execute precisely for manufacturing.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 relevant projects, with a strong emphasis on apparel and headwear graphics.

• Include examples of production-ready artwork, demonstrating clean vector work, proper color separation (if applicable), and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Showcase case studies or examples of translating existing brand assets or logos onto various apparel and headwear styles.

• Highlight projects that involved revisions based on client feedback or licensing requirements, demonstrating adaptability.

• Include examples that illustrate problem-solving related to production constraints or design challenges in the apparel industry. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing production art requests from intake to final file delivery.

• Be ready to explain how they ensure accuracy and quality control throughout the design and revision process.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to manage multiple art requests and prioritize tasks to meet Hot Market deadlines.

• Be able to articulate how they stay updated on and implement licensing guidelines within their design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design skills in a production context. Applicants should curate their portfolios to specifically highlight relevant apparel and headwear design experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Employee discounts on NEW ERA CAP LLC apparel and headwear.

• Opportunities for professional development and training in design software and industry trends. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet critical production deadlines, particularly for 'Hot Market' products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an on-site Production Art Designer role with 2-5 years of experience in the Westwood, MA area. Benefits are standard for a full-time position in the apparel industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Manufacturing and Retail, with a strong focus on licensed sports and lifestyle headwear and apparel.

Company Size: NEW ERA CAP LLC is part of a larger organization, indicating a robust corporate structure and established market presence. This size suggests opportunities for structured processes and potential career development within the company.

Founded: NEW ERA CAP LLC has a long-standing history, implying a stable company with deep roots in its industry, likely fostering a culture that values tradition, quality, and brand heritage.

Team Structure:

• The CTM (Close to Market) Design team likely consists of designers, production artists, and potentially graphic specialists.

• This role reports to the CTM Manager, indicating a clear reporting line and direct supervision for design and production tasks.

• Collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Licensing departments, Sales Representatives, and Customer Service, emphasizing a cross-functional team environment. Methodology:

• The team operates with a focus on efficiency and accuracy, particularly for time-sensitive 'Hot Market' products and key account programs.

• Data-driven decisions are implied through the use of graphic templates and logo identity sheets, ensuring brand consistency.

• A strong emphasis is placed on meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards throughout the production cycle.

Company Website: https://www.neweracap.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on licensed sports apparel and headwear suggests a dynamic and fast-paced environment, especially for the CTM team which handles quick-turnaround products. A passion for sports and brand culture would be beneficial.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Production Art Designer. It requires specialized technical skills in graphic design software and an understanding of the apparel production pipeline, specifically for 'Close to Market' initiatives. The responsibilities involve execution and quality assurance rather than strategic design conceptualization or product management.

Reporting Structure: The CTM Product Designer reports directly to the CTM Manager. This structure allows for focused guidance and direct feedback, crucial for developing production art skills and understanding team objectives. Collaboration with other departments ensures exposure to different facets of the product development lifecycle.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the speed-to-market and visual appeal of 'Hot Market' products, key account merchandise, and SMU items. Accurate and timely production artwork is critical for meeting sales targets, satisfying customer demands, and maintaining brand integrity and licensing compliance. Efficient production art processes contribute to overall profitability by reducing errors and rework.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas of apparel/headwear graphics, licensing, or production techniques.

• Senior Production Artist: Advance to a Senior Production Artist role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and potentially leading specific production workflows.

• Design Roles: Transition into a broader CTM Designer role, contributing more to the creative conceptualization and design direction for collections.

• Cross-functional Moves: Potentially move into roles within Product Management or Licensing if interest and skills align, leveraging their understanding of the production process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within this role is likely tied to mastering production art techniques, improving efficiency, and expanding knowledge of apparel manufacturing and licensing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office or studio environment within the NEW ERA CAP LLC facilities in Westwood, MA. This setting facilitates direct collaboration, access to physical samples, and immediate feedback.

Office Location(s): Westwood, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, offering access to a major metropolitan area's resources and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be equipped with industry-standard design software and hardware, likely including high-performance Mac workstations.

• A collaborative studio environment is anticipated, where designers and production artists work closely together, sharing ideas and feedback.

• Access to physical samples, mood boards, and product mock-ups will be readily available to aid in the design and review process.

• The environment is likely fast-paced and deadline-driven, especially within the CTM team.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, the role may require flexibility and occasional overtime, particularly during peak seasons or when meeting critical 'Hot Market' deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and hands-on work with physical product samples.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, salary expectations, and interest in the role.

2. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A meeting with the CTM Manager and potentially other designers. Candidates will present their portfolio, discussing their design process, technical skills (especially Adobe Illustrator), and experience with apparel/headwear graphics. Expect questions on production art workflows, quality control, and licensing.

3. Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or test may be administered, focusing on creating or modifying production art based on given specifications and templates. This assesses real-time design capability and software proficiency.

4. Team/Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager and potentially team members to assess cultural fit, problem-solving abilities, multitasking skills, and overall suitability for the fast-paced CTM environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize apparel and headwear graphics that demonstrate production-level work.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the software used, the challenges faced, and the final outcome. Highlight how you handled revisions and met deadlines.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to speak in detail about your Adobe Illustrator techniques, file preparation for manufacturing, and quality control measures.

• Address Licensing: If possible, include examples where you had to adhere to specific licensing guidelines or make necessary revisions.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your workflow, how you manage multiple requests, and how you ensure accuracy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Illustrator Tasks: Familiarize yourself with common production art tasks in Illustrator, such as vectorizing logos, creating mock-ups, preparing files for embroidery or screen printing, and making precise edits.

• Understand Turnaround Times: Be ready to discuss how you manage your time to meet aggressive deadlines typical of 'Hot Market' products.

• Think About Quality Control: Prepare to explain your methods for checking artwork accuracy, color consistency, and adherence to specifications before submission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical design skills and the ability to deliver under pressure. A strong portfolio and clear communication about your production art process are key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: The core software for this role. Mastery is essential for creating vector graphics, manipulating logos, and preparing files for various production methods.

• Adobe Photoshop: Likely used for creating mockups, editing raster images, and potentially for specific texture or effect applications.

• Mac Operating System: The primary platform for design work.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency with internal dashboards or systems for tracking requests, revisions, and deadlines may be required. CRM & Automation:

• The role may interact with internal systems for managing customer orders or design requests, though specific CRM or automation tool requirements are not detailed. Basic familiarity with project management tools could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is non-negotiable. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their skills with this software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Speed: A core value for the CTM team, focused on rapid turnaround for 'Hot Market' products and key accounts.

• Accuracy & Quality: Precision in artwork and meticulous quality control are paramount to ensure product fidelity and brand representation.

• Collaboration: Strong teamwork is essential, working closely with other designers, product managers, and licensing departments.

• Adaptability: The ability to quickly adapt to changing design requests, licensing updates, and market trends.

• Attention to Detail: A fundamental requirement for ensuring all design elements and production specifications are met perfectly.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in team meetings and daily communication with various departments to ensure alignment on product development and production timelines.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs and production processes.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating managers and team members on project status, potential roadblocks, and completed tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is likely dynamic, fast-paced, and results-oriented, driven by the demands of the apparel and headwear market, especially for time-sensitive product launches.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Turnaround Times: Meeting tight deadlines for 'Hot Market' products requires exceptional time management and efficiency.

• High Volume of Requests: Managing numerous design and revision requests simultaneously from various stakeholders.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively translating creative concepts into production-ready artwork that adheres strictly to licensing guidelines and manufacturing capabilities.

• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring brand and league identity consistency across a wide range of products and accounts.

• Technical Precision: The need for flawless execution in Adobe Illustrator to avoid production errors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn more sophisticated design and production techniques within Adobe Illustrator and potentially other relevant software.

• Industry Knowledge: Deepen understanding of apparel and headwear manufacturing processes, materials, and application methods.

• Licensing Expertise: Become an expert in specific league licensing requirements and negotiation nuances.

• Product Development Exposure: Gain insights into broader product development cycles and market trends within the sports and lifestyle apparel industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation in production art for the apparel industry, with opportunities to grow technically and gain specialized knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating production-ready artwork for apparel, from receiving a brief to final file delivery." (Focus on workflow, software, and quality checks.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and adherence to licensing guidelines when working on multiple projects simultaneously?" (Highlight organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with compliance.)

• "Walk us through a challenging production art project you completed. What were the obstacles, and how did you overcome them?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and resilience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about NEW ERA CAP LLC and the CTM Product Designer role specifically?" (Show genuine interest in the brand and the specific responsibilities.)

• "How do you handle feedback or revisions from clients or managers that you may not initially agree with?" (Assess adaptability and professionalism.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and licensing requirements in the apparel industry?" (Demonstrate proactivity and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the context, your role, the challenges, and the successful outcome.

• Focus on Production: Emphasize the technical execution, software proficiency (Illustrator), and how your work met production needs and quality standards.

• Quantify if Possible: If you have metrics on speed, accuracy, or impact, be ready to share them.

• Be Ready for Live Demo: Prepare to potentially demonstrate your skills with Illustrator live or discuss specific techniques in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate hands-on proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and articulate your understanding of the production art lifecycle in the apparel industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this CTM Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ADP portal linked.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with Adobe Illustrator, production art, apparel/headwear graphics, quality control, and Mac platform usage. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to showcase at least 5-7 relevant projects, focusing on production artwork for apparel and headwear. Be ready to discuss your process and technical skills.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with NEW ERA CAP LLC's brand, products, and its position in the sports and lifestyle apparel market. Understand their commitment to licensing.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common design and behavioral questions, focusing on your production art experience, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under pressure.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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