Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: The Soccer Factory

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: July 31, 2026

Experience Level: 2-4 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop visually compelling graphics and illustrations for sports apparel, marketing collateral, and digital platforms, ensuring alignment with brand identity and target audience appeal.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales and other departments to translate business objectives into creative design solutions that enhance brand presence.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for assigned projects, from conceptualization to final production, adhering to strict deadlines and quality standards.

• Prepare and optimize design files for both print and digital applications, maintaining consistency and brand integrity across all outputs.

• Contribute to the strategic visual direction of the brand by staying abreast of industry trends in sports apparel design and digital content creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Graphic Designer," has significant overlap with Marketing Operations and GTM functions due to its focus on creating marketing materials, digital content, and social media assets that directly support sales and brand initiatives. The emphasis on collaboration with the Sales Team and understanding target audience appeal positions this role as crucial for Go-To-Market (GTM) success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create original artwork, illustrations, and graphics for a wide range of applications, including team uniforms, promotional merchandise, digital advertisements, and social media campaigns.

• Develop and maintain a consistent brand identity across all visual assets, ensuring all designs adhere to established brand guidelines and style guides.

• Produce high-quality product graphics, encompassing garment prints, custom logos, branding elements, and specialized artwork for sports apparel.

• Oversee the full lifecycle of design projects, ensuring timely delivery of creative assets while upholding rigorous quality and accuracy standards.

• Prepare, package, and optimize design files for seamless integration into print production workflows (e.g., screen printing, embroidery) and digital platforms (e.g., web, social media, email).

• Curate and manage a library of social media graphics, templates, and digital assets to support ongoing marketing and communication efforts.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and cross-departmental meetings to generate innovative design concepts and enhance the company's visual storytelling.

• Conduct thorough reviews of designs to identify and rectify any inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or deviations from brand standards before final approval.

• Maintain meticulously organized project files, master artwork, and digital asset repositories to facilitate efficient workflow, version control, and future retrieval.

• Foster clear and proactive communication with internal stakeholders, including Sales, Marketing, and Production teams, to accurately capture project requirements, integrate feedback effectively, and deliver designs that achieve defined business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational management, common in GTM support roles. The emphasis on "production-ready files" and "print and digital production" points to a need for understanding manufacturing and deployment processes, which is a key aspect of operational efficiency in design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring 2-4 years of professional experience. Equivalently, significant professional experience and a strong portfolio can substitute for formal education.

Experience: 2-4 years of professional graphic design experience is required, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked within the sports, apparel, retail, or related industries.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, essential for creating vector graphics, manipulating images, and preparing production files.

• Proven ability in graphic design, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Expertise in developing original artwork, illustrations, and graphics that align with brand identity and marketing objectives.

• Demonstrated experience in apparel design, including creating product graphics, logos, and branding elements for garments.

• Strong conceptual thinking skills, with the ability to translate abstract ideas into compelling visual concepts.

• Excellent attention to detail, critical for ensuring accuracy in design files and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Experience in preparing production-ready files for both print and digital applications, understanding technical specifications for different mediums.

• Proven project management capabilities, including the ability to independently manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for collaborating with internal teams and receiving/interpreting feedback.

• A demonstrable passion for sports and a keen understanding of sports apparel trends, branding, and fan culture. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with other Adobe Creative Suite applications (e.g., InDesign, After Effects).

• Experience with social media content creation tools and best practices.

• Basic understanding of web design principles or UI/UX concepts.

• Knowledge of screen printing, embroidery, or other apparel decoration techniques.

• Experience working within a CRM or project management system for design asset tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "advanced proficiency" in Illustrator and Photoshop, coupled with experience in apparel and print production, strongly suggests that this role is not just about aesthetic design but also about technical execution and understanding manufacturing constraints. This is a key differentiator for operations-minded candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A professional portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of design projects that demonstrate creative skill, technical proficiency, and versatility.

• Portfolio pieces should clearly articulate your role in each project, the design challenges faced, and the creative process undertaken.

• Include examples of sports apparel graphics, product branding, marketing collateral (print and digital), and social media assets.

• Highlight projects that illustrate your ability to interpret and apply brand guidelines effectively.

• Demonstrate your capacity to prepare production-ready files, potentially by including before-and-after examples or explanations of file preparation steps. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a "process documentation" role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing design projects from brief to final delivery.

• Be ready to explain your methods for organizing project files, managing revisions, and ensuring brand consistency throughout the design lifecycle.

• Articulate your approach to incorporating feedback from stakeholders and how you ensure designs meet business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role supporting GTM, the portfolio is akin to an operations professional's "process portfolio." It needs to showcase not just the final output but also the how – the problem-solving, the process adherence, and the impact. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating efficiency and effectiveness in the design workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-4 years of experience in San Antonio, TX, the estimated salary range is $50,000 - $65,000 per year. This estimate considers the cost of living in San Antonio, the company's industry (sports apparel), and the specific skill set required (advanced Adobe Suite proficiency, apparel design experience).

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits: Typically includes health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) with potential company matching.

• Employee Discounts: On The Soccer Factory's products.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Potential for workshops, training, and access to industry resources.

• Creative Work Environment: Opportunity to work in a dynamic and sports-focused industry.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this full-time position are approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility required to meet project deadlines or participate in team events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on publicly available data for similar roles in the San Antonio area, factoring in the specified experience level and industry. Specific benefits packages can vary significantly and should be confirmed with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation / Apparel Manufacturing & Retail. The Soccer Factory operates within a dynamic and competitive market, focusing on providing high-quality soccer apparel and related merchandise. This industry demands creativity, responsiveness to trends, and a strong connection with its customer base.

Company Size: Based on typical operations for a company with a dedicated "Sales Team" and a need for in-house graphic design, The Soccer Factory likely falls into the Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) category, potentially ranging from 50-250 employees. This size often means a more collaborative, hands-on environment where individuals can see the direct impact of their work.

Founded: Information not provided. A company founded in recent decades might be more agile and digitally focused, while an older company might have established processes and a deeper legacy. This context can influence the pace and operational style.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Creative department, reporting to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director.

• Close collaboration is expected with the Sales Team, indicating a need for strong interdepartmental communication and alignment on Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.

• Other potential collaborators include product development, e-commerce, and production teams. Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative output is key, designs likely need to be informed by market trends, sales performance data, and target audience preferences.

• Agile Design Workflows: Given the fast-paced nature of sports apparel and marketing campaigns, design processes are likely iterative and adaptable.

• Brand Consistency Focus: A core methodology will be maintaining a unified brand voice and visual identity across all touchpoints.

Company Website: https://thesoccerfactory.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on sports apparel implies a culture that values passion, performance, and community. For a designer, this means understanding the lifestyle and aspirations of athletes and fans. The SMB context suggests that this designer might wear multiple hats and have more direct influence than in a large corporation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level graphic design position. It requires foundational professional experience (2-4 years) and proficiency in core design tools and principles. It is a critical support role within the marketing and GTM functions, focusing on executing visual strategies.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the marketing or creative department. Direct collaboration with the Sales Team is a key aspect, meaning the role's success is tied to supporting sales initiatives and revenue generation through effective visual communication.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and product appeal. High-quality, on-brand visuals can:

• Increase engagement on digital platforms and social media.

• Enhance the perceived value and desirability of sports apparel.

• Support sales efforts by providing compelling marketing materials.

• Differentiate The Soccer Factory from competitors in a crowded market.

• Ensure a cohesive and professional brand image across all customer touchpoints. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer: With continued experience and demonstrated success, progression to a senior role with greater project ownership and potentially mentorship responsibilities.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like apparel design, digital marketing design, or brand identity development.

• Creative Lead/Art Director: In a growing company, there could be opportunities to move into leadership roles overseeing creative projects and strategy.

• Cross-functional Moves: Potential to leverage design skills and market understanding to move into roles in product marketing, brand management, or e-commerce.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations impact" section frames the designer's role through a business lens, emphasizing how design contributes to revenue and brand equity. This is crucial for candidates who want to highlight their strategic contributions beyond pure aesthetics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment. The company likely values in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and direct team interaction.

Office Location(s): San Antonio, Texas (78247). This location is specific and suggests the candidate should be able to commute to this area regularly.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with designers, marketing professionals, and sales representatives. This fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and feedback.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware (computers, potentially large monitors). The company likely invests in the tools necessary for effective design production.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project-specific discussions will be common. The on-site nature facilitates these interactions.

• Sports-Themed Atmosphere: Given the company's focus, the office environment may reflect a passion for soccer, with team memorabilia, vibrant decor, and a generally energetic atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. While on-site, the company may offer some flexibility in start/end times, but core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is significant for candidates. The description should highlight the benefits of this environment, such as immediate collaboration and a tangible connection to the company's mission and culture, which can be appealing for individuals who thrive in team settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth interview where candidates present their portfolio. This may include a technical assessment or a design challenge. Expect to discuss your creative process, design decisions, and how you approach problem-solving.

• Team/Manager Interview: Meeting with the direct manager and potentially key collaborators (e.g., Sales Team representatives) to evaluate technical skills, communication style, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss overall company vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those showcasing sports apparel, marketing collateral, and digital assets.

• Tell a Story: For each project, walk through the brief, your thought process, design choices, challenges, and the outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

• Highlight Process: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design decisions. Demonstrate your understanding of brand, audience, and objectives.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Mention the software used and any specific techniques employed, especially for print and digital preparation.

• Tailor to The Soccer Factory: If possible, include a project that demonstrates an understanding of the soccer market or sports branding.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a take-home or in-office design exercise. This might involve creating a social media graphic, a concept for a new apparel line, or adapting existing assets.

• Focus on Brief Interpretation: Pay close attention to the instructions, target audience, and objectives of any design challenge.

• Time Management: If it's a take-home task, manage your time effectively to produce a polished result. If it's live, demonstrate efficient problem-solving.

• Presentation: Be ready to present and defend your design choices for the challenge, similar to your portfolio review.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges is crucial. Candidates should treat their portfolio as a demonstration of their operational efficiency in design, not just artistic talent. Explaining the "why" behind design choices is key to showcasing strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logo design, illustrations, and preparing artwork for apparel printing. Proficiency in creating scalable vector graphics and understanding color modes (CMYK, RGB) is critical.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, photo manipulation, creating digital assets, mockups, and preparing files for web and print. Experience with layers, masks, and color correction is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, basic understanding of how design impacts digital metrics (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) would be beneficial. Familiarity with how designs are tracked on websites or social platforms is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar platforms for managing design tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration.

• Asset Management Systems (DAM): Familiarity with digital asset management systems for organizing and retrieving design files is advantageous.

• File Sharing & Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with cloud-based tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for sharing large design files and collaborating on revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, along with the context of apparel and print production, is vital. This signals that the role requires a high degree of technical expertise beyond basic graphic design principles. Understanding file preparation for specific production methods is a key operational aspect.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, eye-catching designs that resonate with the target audience and stand out in the sports market.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with Sales, Marketing, and Production teams to achieve shared goals. Open communication and mutual support are key.

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design outputs.

• Passion for Sports: A genuine enthusiasm for soccer and the sports industry, which translates into a deeper understanding of the brand and its customers.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: An ability to manage workloads effectively, meet deadlines, and contribute to a streamlined design workflow.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Sales to understand campaign needs and with Production to ensure designs are feasible and correctly implemented.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An open-door policy for feedback, with designers expected to constructively receive and apply input from various stakeholders to refine their work.

• Shared Ownership: A culture where team members feel a sense of shared responsibility for the brand's visual success and overall business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting "Passion for Sports" and "Efficiency & Timeliness" directly links the company's values to the operations and GTM aspects of the role. This helps candidates understand how their personal values and work ethic align with the company's operational philosophy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Consistently producing innovative designs while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and corporate identity.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Juggling concurrent design projects with varying priorities and tight deadlines from different departments.

• Translating Technical Requirements: Effectively converting creative concepts into production-ready files that meet the specific technical demands of apparel printing and digital platforms.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design trends, especially within the fast-moving sports apparel and digital marketing landscapes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement Workshops: Access to training on new design software features, advanced techniques, or emerging design trends.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend sports marketing or apparel design conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers or marketing professionals to develop strategic thinking and career progression.

• Cross-functional Learning: Exposure to sales strategies, marketing campaigns, and production processes to gain a holistic understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Framing challenges as opportunities for growth is key. For instance, "Translating Technical Requirements" can be presented as a chance to deepen understanding of manufacturing operations, a valuable skill for GTM professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "