Graphic Designer - China

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - China

Company: Haddad Brands

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Graphic Design / Apparel Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-19T21:13:43

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute seasonal apparel print designs, ensuring alignment with brand objectives and licensor requirements for global children's wear lines.

• Serve as a critical communication bridge between the New York Office (NYO) and the China Office, facilitating clear and efficient cross-regional collaboration in design, production, and sales.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and trend research to final print-ready artwork and production follow-up, ensuring quality and brand consistency.

• Create compelling visual assets for internal presentations, sales tools, and showroom merchandising, supporting seasonal market dates and retail distribution strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Graphic Designer with a significant operational component, specifically focusing on the liaison between the US and China offices for apparel design. The "China" in the title likely refers to the scope of work involving the China office and potentially product lines for that market, rather than the designer's primary work location, which is stated as New York. The emphasis on "print-ready" artwork, "color separations," and "factory" communication indicates a strong connection to production operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create innovative and commercially viable print designs for t-shirts and various apparel items, adhering to specific brand guidelines and licensor approvals.

• Conceptualize, develop, and meticulously follow through on art concepts, incorporating all necessary changes and processes required by licensors to ensure product integrity.

• Prepare high-quality graphics for internal presentations to design, sales, and merchandising teams, effectively communicating design intent and strategy.

• Generate precise color separations for screen printing, ensuring all artwork is "print ready" and optimized for efficient transfer to manufacturing facilities.

• Provide clear, constructive, and actionable feedback to the Product Assurance team regarding strike-offs and art approvals, driving quality control in the production cycle.

• Coordinate the development and distribution of essential standards and materials required for seasonal product line development and line sheets.

• Conduct thorough market research to identify current apparel trends, competitive data, and consumer insights relevant to the children's wear segment, presenting findings to inform brand objectives.

• Collaborate closely with Design, Sales, and Brand Management teams to conceptualize and launch cohesive clothing lines tailored for various distribution channels.

• Oversee the entire design process for assigned lines, ensuring they meet aesthetic plans, sales targets, and emerging market trends.

• Maintain accuracy and adherence to line sheets, production logs, and design catalogs, ensuring seamless data flow for operations and sales teams.

• Partner effectively with Sales and Marketing to merchandise showrooms, creating visually appealing displays for seasonal market dates and buyer presentations.

• Recruit, develop, and manage assistant or associate-level design team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design environment.

• Undertake special projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and operational oversight, particularly in managing the workflow between concept, approval, and production. The role acts as a crucial operational liaison, managing communication and processes between the US and China offices, which is critical for a global apparel business.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, or a closely related creative field.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience within the fashion industry, with a strong preference for prior exposure to children's wear design and production cycles.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating graphic assets.

• Proven ability to design within specific brand-appropriate aesthetics, translating brand DNA into compelling visual narratives for apparel.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and cross-functional communications effectively.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, essential for detailed feedback and cross-regional collaboration.

• Fluency in Mandarin (written and verbal) is mandatory for seamless interaction with the China office and production partners.

• Demonstrated ability to prepare print-ready artwork, including color separations, for screen printing and other apparel embellishment techniques.

• Experience in conducting market and trend research, translating insights into actionable design concepts.

• Strong presentation skills to effectively communicate design concepts and strategies to internal stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with children's wear design, understanding of sizing, materials, and market nuances.

• Familiarity with screen printing processes and best practices for artwork preparation.

• Experience working with international teams and understanding of global supply chain dynamics.

• Knowledge of other design software or 3D design tools relevant to apparel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for fluency in both English and Mandarin is a critical operational skill for this role, emphasizing its function as a bridge between two key global offices. The emphasis on "print-ready" art and "color separations" points to a need for practical, production-oriented design skills beyond pure aesthetics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a range of apparel print designs, specifically highlighting work for t-shirts and other apparel items.

• Include case studies or examples of your process for developing seasonal design lines, detailing concept generation, trend integration, and execution.

• Present examples of artwork prepared for production, including color separations and print-ready files, to showcase technical proficiency.

• Provide evidence of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (design, sales, merchandising) and how your designs met business objectives. Process Documentation:

• Show examples of how you manage design projects from brief to final output, illustrating workflow and timeline management.

• Illustrate your approach to gathering and incorporating feedback from licensors, product assurance, and sales teams to refine designs.

• Include examples of how you research and present market trends and competitive analysis to inform design strategy.

• Demonstrate your ability to adapt designs based on specific distribution channels or market needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio for this role must not only showcase creative talent but also evidence of operational process management, cross-cultural communication skills, and the ability to deliver production-ready assets. The emphasis on "print-ready" art and "color separations" suggests a need for practical, production-oriented examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $125,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

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

• Employee discount on Haddad Brands' extensive range of children's apparel.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with an expectation of consistent in-office presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $75,000 - $125,000 annually is typical for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like New York City, especially within the fashion industry. This range accounts for the required bilingual skills and the operational liaison responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Children's Apparel & Accessories. Haddad Brands operates as a leader in the global children's wear market, holding exclusive licenses for highly recognizable and influential brands such as Nike, Jordan, Converse, Hurley, Levi’s, Polo, Abercrombie and Fitch, Lacoste, and Huggies. This positions the company within a dynamic and competitive retail landscape, requiring innovation and strong brand stewardship.

Company Size: Privately held family business with a significant global footprint, implying a blend of established corporate structures and potentially more agile, family-oriented decision-making processes. The company distributes globally to over 100 countries and has sales and sourcing offices in 22 cities worldwide.

Founded: Over 100 years of experience, indicating a deep heritage, established market presence, and long-standing relationships with licensors and retailers. This history suggests a culture that values tradition, quality, and sustained growth.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Design team, working closely with Merchandising and Sales departments.

• A key aspect of the role involves reporting and collaborating with teams in both the New York Office (NYO) and the China Office, indicating a matrixed or cross-functional reporting structure for specific projects.

• The role includes the potential to recruit, develop, and manage assistant or associate-level team members, suggesting a path towards leadership within the design function. Methodology:

• Data-driven design decisions informed by market research, trend analysis, and competitive data.

• A structured approach to seasonal development, ensuring concepts align with brand objectives and sales needs.

• Emphasis on efficient production processes, including preparing "print-ready" artwork and managing approvals to minimize lead times and ensure quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haddad Brands' extensive portfolio of iconic children's wear licenses means the Graphic Designer must be adept at interpreting and applying diverse brand aesthetics while maintaining operational efficiency across different global teams. The company's long history suggests a stable environment, but its global presence implies a need for adaptability and cross-cultural awareness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level to senior Graphic Designer position with significant operational responsibilities. It is beyond an entry-level creative role, demanding not only design expertise but also project management, cross-functional liaison skills, and the ability to oversee aspects of the production workflow. The potential to manage junior staff further elevates its career trajectory.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Design Manager or Director within the New York office. However, a substantial part of their operational function will involve direct communication and collaboration with counterparts and teams in the China office, as well as with Sales, Merchandising, and Product Assurance departments.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's ability to successfully launch seasonal apparel lines for its licensed brands. Effective design execution, timely delivery of production-ready assets, and seamless communication between the US and China offices are critical for maintaining brand integrity, meeting sales targets, and optimizing manufacturing efficiency. Poor execution can lead to delays, increased costs, and diluted brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in children's wear design, specific brand aesthetics, or advanced print production techniques.

• Leadership: Progress into a Senior Graphic Designer role, lead design projects, or manage a team of junior designers, potentially overseeing specific brand portfolios or product categories.

• Operational Acumen: Expand responsibilities in production coordination, supply chain liaison, or global design process optimization.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into roles within Brand Management, Merchandising, or Product Development, leveraging design and operational understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual requirement of design skill and operational liaison (NY-China) positions this role as a stepping stone for individuals looking to grow into more strategic or managerial positions within the global apparel operations and design landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description emphasizes a consistent "in-office presence" as essential for "a full aesthetic and tactile understanding of our brand partners’ products." This suggests a traditional office setting focused on collaboration, product interaction, and maintaining company culture.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is specified as New York City (100 West 33rd St., New York, NY 10001). The role also involves significant interaction with the company's China office, indicating a global operational environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, encouraging direct interaction with design samples, materials, and cross-functional teams (Design, Sales, Merchandising).

• Access to industry-standard design tools (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially physical resources for trend research and product evaluation.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be high, fostering a dynamic environment where visual concepts and production details are discussed and refined daily.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, typical for a full-time position in the corporate sector. Given the need for consistent in-office presence and the nature of apparel design cycles which can involve seasonal peaks, some flexibility or occasional extended hours may be expected during critical development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an in-office presence and "tactile understanding" highlights a preference for hands-on collaboration and a traditional work environment, which is common in the fashion and apparel industry where physical product interaction is key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, relevant experience, and bilingual capabilities (English/Mandarin).

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a design exercise simulating a real-world task (e.g., creating a print concept for a specific brand, preparing artwork for production). This stage will heavily evaluate technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and understanding of print-ready artwork.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Interviews with members of the Design, Sales, and Merchandising teams to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work within a global team structure (especially the NY-China liaison aspect).

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and potential for growth within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Readiness: Showcase examples of "print-ready" artwork, including color separations, and explain your process for ensuring accuracy for factory production.

• Demonstrate Bilingual Functionality: If possible, include examples of projects where you facilitated communication or translated design concepts between English and Mandarin-speaking teams or partners.

• Showcase Brand Adaptability: Include diverse examples of designs for different brands, illustrating your ability to capture unique brand aesthetics while maintaining operational efficiency.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate your approach to concept development, trend research, feedback integration, and final execution, emphasizing efficiency and problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, discuss how your designs contributed to sales success, efficient production, or positive licensor feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Adobe Suite Skills: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, potentially live or through portfolio examples.

• Understand Color Separation: Be prepared to explain the principles and practical application of color separations for screen printing.

• Research Haddad Brands' Portfolio: Familiarize yourself with the brands Haddad licenses (Nike, Jordan, Converse, etc.) and their respective design languages.

• Prepare for Cross-Cultural Scenarios: Think about how you would manage communication and resolve potential misunderstandings between US and China-based teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both creative output and operational execution, with a particular focus on the candidate's ability to bridge the communication and process gaps between the New York and China offices.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for graphic creation, manipulation, and layout.

• Color Separation Software/Techniques: Familiarity with tools and methods for preparing artwork for screen printing, ensuring accurate color reproduction.

• Project Management Software: Likely use of tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for task management, workflow tracking, and cross-functional collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Access to and utilization of platforms like WGSN or similar services for market and trend research.

• Internal Sales/Merchandising Data: Ability to interpret and leverage data from internal systems related to product performance and sales trends.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Potential exposure to PLM software (e.g., Centric, Lectra) used in apparel design and production for managing product data, specifications, and workflows.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and email for daily communication and inter-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is paramount, with a specific emphasis on its application for print-ready artwork and color separations, reflecting the operational demands of apparel production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A core value of upholding the distinct aesthetic and quality standards of each licensed brand. Operations professionals are expected to be meticulous in ensuring designs align with brand DNA.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: A strong emphasis on meeting deadlines, optimizing workflows, and ensuring that the design and production processes are as streamlined as possible, especially across different time zones.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open, clear, and proactive communication, particularly between global teams (NY-China), to foster a cohesive and effective working environment.

• Quality & Detail: A commitment to exceptional quality in all aspects of design and production, with a keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy and adherence to specifications.

• Innovation & Trend Awareness: Encouraging a forward-thinking approach to design, staying abreast of market trends and consumer preferences to keep product lines fresh and competitive.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach where designers work hand-in-hand with Sales, Merchandising, and Product Assurance to ensure designs are commercially viable, aesthetically aligned, and producible.

• Feedback-Driven Process: An open culture for giving and receiving constructive feedback, essential for refining designs and ensuring licensor satisfaction.

• Global Team Synergy: A focus on building strong working relationships and mutual understanding between geographically dispersed teams, particularly between the New York and China offices, to overcome challenges related to distance and culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely balances creative expression with rigorous operational discipline, reflecting its position as a licensed partner for major global brands. Effective collaboration, especially across international boundaries, is a key cultural expectation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Cultural & Time Zone Gaps: Effectively communicating design intent, managing feedback, and ensuring timely approvals between the New York and China offices presents a significant operational and communication challenge.

• Balancing Brand Aesthetics with Production Realities: Translating the creative vision of multiple iconic brands into designs that are both appealing to the target market and feasible for mass production within cost and technical constraints.

• Managing Licensor Expectations: Navigating the approval processes of various licensors, each with unique requirements and standards, demanding meticulous attention to detail and strong negotiation skills.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and integrating emerging fashion and graphic design trends relevant to children's wear within a fast-paced industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in specialized areas of apparel graphics, such as complex print techniques, embroidery digitization, or digital design for e-commerce.

• Global Operations Exposure: Gaining in-depth understanding of international supply chains, manufacturing processes, and cross-cultural business practices within the apparel industry.

• Brand Management Insights: Learning how to strategically position and execute designs for a portfolio of diverse, high-profile brands.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead specific design projects, and develop project management and team leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the operational complexities of global collaboration and production management, offering significant growth opportunities for individuals who excel in these areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a design project with teams in different countries or time zones. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure success?" (Focus on communication, problem-solving, and operational liaison skills)

• "Walk us through your process for preparing print-ready artwork, including color separations, for a T-shirt design. What are the critical steps to ensure accuracy for the factory?" (Focus on technical proficiency and production readiness)

• "How do you approach researching and incorporating current market trends into designs for a specific brand, like Nike or Levi's, while adhering to their brand guidelines?" (Focus on trend research, brand interpretation, and strategic design) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Haddad Brands and our portfolio of licensed brands, particularly in the children's wear sector?" (Showcase research into the company and its market position)

• "How do you envision contributing to a collaborative environment between our New York and China offices?" (Highlight your understanding of the role's liaison function and cross-cultural communication strategies)

• "Describe your experience working with licensor approvals. How do you manage feedback and ensure compliance?" (Demonstrate experience with stringent approval processes) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Operations: Organize your portfolio to highlight not just the final designs, but the process behind them. Include examples of initial concepts, mood boards, research, technical artwork (color separations), and any feedback/revision stages.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics. For example, "Designed a print that became a top-selling item, contributing X% to seasonal revenue" or "Streamlined the artwork approval process, reducing turnaround time by Y%."

• Highlight Bilingual Capability: If you have projects that involved Mandarin communication or working with Chinese partners, make sure to point them out and explain your role.

• Explain Your Role in Production: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your designs and how they translate to manufacturing, demonstrating an understanding of the production lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong operational awareness, problem-solving skills, and the ability to effectively manage communication and processes across international boundaries.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Haddad Brands careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in apparel design, graphic production (especially color separations), cross-functional collaboration, and any experience working with international teams or in bilingual capacities. Emphasize achievements with quantifiable results where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features your apparel print designs, showcasing your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Crucially, include examples of "print-ready" artwork, color separations, and case studies that detail your design process, market research, and how you managed feedback and approvals. Specifically, highlight any projects involving international collaboration or communication in Mandarin.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Haddad Brands thoroughly, understanding their licensed brands and market position. Prepare to discuss your design philosophy, your approach to trend research, and your experience with production workflows. Be ready to articulate how your bilingual skills and operational mindset will benefit the company in bridging the NY-China communication gap. Practice presenting your portfolio and answering strategy questions related to design operations and international collaboration.

• Understand the On-Site Requirement: Be prepared to commit to a consistent in-office presence in New York City, as this is a key requirement for the role.

⚠️ 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.

---