Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: Fanatics

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-27T08:41:09

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearheads creative ideation and original graphic concept development for apparel, driving design direction through trend and market research.

• Translates consumer insights and research into compelling, production-ready graphics across apparel, headwear, and jersey categories for sports-licensed product lines.

• Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Production Art, Imaging, and Operations, to ensure aesthetic impact and production readiness.

• Manages the adaptation of graphics for international markets, including requesting art, finalizing license submit sheets, and setting up artwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Graphic Designer II," suggesting a mid-level position that requires more than just execution. The emphasis on "original graphic concept development," "trend and market research," and "consumer insights" indicates a need for strategic thinking and proactive contribution to design direction, moving beyond templated work. The responsibility for international market adaptation also points to a need for organizational and project management skills alongside creative talent.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead creative ideation and original graphic concept development for apparel, ensuring alignment with brand identity and target audience resonance.

• Conduct thorough trend and market research, analyzing consumer behavior to inform design direction and maintain relevance in the sports-licensed product space.

• Translate concepts into production-ready graphics for apparel, headwear, and jersey categories, understanding the full production process from concept to print.

• Manage the adaptation of graphics for international markets, including requesting art from US teams, adapting designs, finalizing license submit sheets, and setting up artwork for local production.

• Roll out adopted graphics for Fanatics’ license partners and create overviews for partner and buyer presentations, handing off to the Production Art team as needed.

• Execute decoration changes, including size and technique adjustments, which may involve revising and reposting updated vendor files.

• Support Design Managers/Leads in replicating apparel design templates according to league or branded needs with minimal supervision.

• Create computer-generated and full-color graphics output suitable for internal processing and layer separation for apparel, jersey, and headwear products.

• Develop technical graphics to support innovative machinery and process changes, detailing specific template attributes for replication.

• Ensure the aesthetic integrity of replicated fonts and detailed graphics for licensed partners, including precise color matching across multiple product categories.

• Assist Design Managers/Leads with flexible assignments and work on a variety of tasks as needed.

• Maintain organized records, documents, and an archive of images, photos, and previous work products.

• Accurately identify and report conflicting data on art files and systems, such as item IDs, decoration types, and colors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, production readiness, international market adaptation, and administrative tasks. The emphasis on "turning concepts into print – buy ready deliverables" and "gaining technical knowledge of graphic setups, application type graphic preparation, typography, colour matching, application processes" indicates a need for a designer who understands the practicalities of manufacturing and production beyond just aesthetic appeal.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Apparel, Licensing, or Sports-related design.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive and deliver results in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Required Skills:

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop).

• Functional computer skills and familiarity with MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in design execution.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration and presentation.

• Familiarity with the Pantone Matching System for accurate color reproduction.

• Strong understanding of fonts, typefaces, and the ability to cross-reference, match, and replicate them accurately for licensed business groups.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Sports fan merchandise design.

• Experience with international market adaptation of graphics.

• Knowledge of production art workflows and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an Associate degree or equivalent experience, combined with 3-5 years of specific industry experience, positions this as a solid mid-level role. The emphasis on "intermediate to advanced level experience with Adobe Creative Suite" and specific tools like Pantone is critical. The mention of "sports fan, a plus" suggests that genuine passion for the industry can be a differentiating factor.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a wide range of graphic design skills and abilities relevant to apparel and sports merchandise.

• Showcase original graphic concept development and creative ideation processes.

• Include examples of production-ready graphics that have been successfully translated from concept to print.

• Present case studies or examples of how trend and market research informed design direction.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have managed design projects from ideation through to production handover.

• Showcase your process for researching trends, analyzing consumer insights, and integrating them into design work.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., Merchandising, Production Art, Operations) to ensure design feasibility and brand consistency.

• Include examples of how you have managed asset adaptation for different markets or license partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer II role, a portfolio is essential. The emphasis should be on showcasing not just aesthetic talent but also the ability to understand and execute production-ready designs, conduct research, and manage projects. The portfolio should tell a story of the design process, from initial concept to final deliverable, demonstrating problem-solving skills and an understanding of the apparel production lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package tailored to the UK market, which will be discussed during the interview process. This typically includes:
  • Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
  • Health and wellness programs.
  • Pension scheme contributions.
  • Paid time off (holidays and sick leave).
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project deadlines and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for the UK are based on general market data for creative roles in major cities like Manchester. Benefits information is generalized, as the prompt indicates specific details will be shared during the interview. The role is Full Time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports Merchandise, E-commerce, Apparel Manufacturing, Licensing. Fanatics Commerce is a significant player in the global sports retail landscape, operating across multiple channels and licensing agreements with major sports leagues and organizations.

Company Size: Large (Likely 10,000+ employees globally, based on typical large e-commerce and retail organizations). This size offers opportunities for diverse projects and cross-departmental exposure.

Founded: Fanatics was founded in 1995. This long history suggests a stable, established company with evolving processes and a deep understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely be part of a larger Creative or Design team, potentially within the Apparel or Product Design division.

• This team probably reports into a Design Manager or Creative Director.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes using market research, consumer insights, and trend analysis to inform design decisions, moving beyond purely aesthetic choices.

• Agile Workflows: Likely employs agile or fast-paced project management to handle numerous license partners and product lines, requiring efficient turnaround times.

• Collaborative Iteration: Design processes involve close feedback loops with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet both creative and production requirements.

• Brand Consistency: Maintains strict adherence to brand guidelines and license partner requirements while fostering creative innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' identity as a major player in sports merchandise means the culture is likely energetic, fan-focused, and fast-paced. The company's long history suggests a blend of established processes with a drive for innovation. The "BOLD" leadership principles (Build Championship Teams, Obsessed with Fans, Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, Determined and Relentless Mindset) are key cultural indicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Graphic Designer II, representing a mid-career position. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and creative ability, coupled with the capacity to work with some autonomy and contribute to design strategy. It's a step beyond entry-level execution and a stepping stone towards senior design roles or specialization.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II will report to a Design Manager or Lead. They will likely collaborate extensively with peers in Production Art, Product Design, Merchandising, and Operations, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Operations Impact: While not directly an "operations" role in the typical sense (like RevOps or SalesOps), this design position has a significant impact on the operational success of product lines. High-quality, relevant, and production-ready graphics directly influence:

• Sales Performance: Appealing designs drive consumer purchasing decisions.

• Production Efficiency: Clear, accurate artwork reduces errors and delays in manufacturing.

• Brand Integrity: Consistent, on-brand graphics reinforce the value of licensed partnerships.

• Market Reach: Successful adaptation of designs for international markets expands revenue potential.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer: Progression to Senior Designer, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and having greater input into design strategy.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific areas such as jersey design, headwear graphics, or international market adaptation.

• Design Management: Moving into leadership roles like Design Manager, overseeing a team and strategic design direction.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to move into related areas like Product Development, Merchandising, or Brand Management, leveraging design understanding.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to attend industry workshops, training sessions, and explore new design technologies and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Graphic Designer role within a broader "operations" context by focusing on its impact on business processes, sales, and production efficiency. The growth paths are typical for creative professionals in a large, dynamic company like Fanatics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as Hybrid. This indicates a mix of working remotely and from a physical office location in Manchester. The office environment is likely dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced, reflecting Fanatics' industry and culture.

Office Location(s): Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. Specific office details (e.g., address, amenities) would be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office space is expected to facilitate teamwork, with areas for design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings.

• Technology-Rich: Access to high-performance workstations, industry-standard design software, and necessary peripherals for creating detailed graphics.

• Brand Immersion: Surrounded by sports merchandise and branding, fostering an environment that resonates with the company's mission and products.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with Design Managers, peers, and stakeholders from other departments, crucial for complex projects and feedback.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model suggests a degree of flexibility in managing work hours, balancing remote productivity with in-office collaboration. Standard working hours are likely around 40 per week, but the nature of creative roles and client deadlines may require occasional extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is key. It implies a need for self-discipline and effective remote work practices, alongside strong in-office collaboration and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and, crucially, your portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An interview where you'll present your portfolio, discuss your design process, explain your creative choices, and articulate how your work aligns with Fanatics' brand and market. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, detailing your role, challenges, and solutions.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a brief design exercise or a deeper dive into your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools. Questions might focus on color matching, typography, or adapting existing graphics.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with team members from Product Design, Merchandising, or Production Art to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of production constraints.

• Managerial Interview: A final interview with the Design Manager or Director to discuss career aspirations, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role and Fanatics' "BOLD" principles.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in apparel graphics, concept ideation, trend research, and production-ready output. Tailor selections to highlight experience relevant to sports licensing and apparel.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your thought process, research methods (trends, consumers), design iterations, and problem-solving approaches. Use mockups to show how the graphics would appear on products.

• Quantify Impact (Where Possible): If a design was particularly successful (e.g., led to high sales, was adopted broadly), mention it. For this role, highlight your ability to create graphics that are both aesthetically pleasing and commercially viable.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Include examples that clearly show your command of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, especially in areas like vector illustration, typography, and color application.

• Organize for Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, whether digital (PDF, website) or physical. Clearly label your role in team projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a short design challenge that might involve adapting an existing graphic, creating a new concept based on a brief, or solving a color-matching/typography problem. Focus on efficiency and demonstrating your core skills under pressure.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Practice answering questions about how you would handle conflicting feedback from stakeholders, adapt designs for international markets, or ensure brand consistency across multiple partners.

• Fanatics Culture: Research Fanatics' "BOLD" leadership principles and be ready to discuss how your work ethic and approach align with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate design strategy and process. The "BOLD" principles are a key cultural indicator to prepare for.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Specifically, advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, typography) and Adobe Photoshop (for raster graphics, photo manipulation, mockups).

• Adobe InDesign: Potentially used for creating presentations, licensing sheets, or layout-heavy documents.

• Pantone Matching System (PMS): Critical for accurate color reproduction in apparel printing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Office Suite: Specifically Excel for data organization (e.g., tracking graphics, revisions) and PowerPoint for presentations to stakeholders and partners.

• Internal Systems: Familiarity with product information management (PIM) systems or internal asset management tools may be beneficial for tracking and organizing artwork.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, understanding how design assets integrate into e-commerce platforms and sales pipelines is important. Knowledge of Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems could be advantageous for managing large volumes of graphics.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana for project management and team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is advanced Adobe Creative Suite. Understanding color systems (Pantone) and basic office productivity tools is also crucial. Hints of internal systems and DAM suggest a need for organizational skills beyond just design execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Fan Obsession: A deep understanding and passion for sports fans, driving designs that resonate with their interests and identities.

• Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactively seeking new ideas, taking initiative, and finding innovative solutions to design challenges.

• Determined and Relentless Mindset: Persistence in achieving creative excellence and meeting deadlines, even when faced with complex requirements or tight turnarounds.

• Championship Team Building: Collaborative spirit, supporting teammates, and contributing to a positive, high-performing team environment.

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to high standards in design execution, color accuracy, and production readiness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active participation in team meetings and discussions with Merchandising, Product Development, and Operations to ensure designs are viable and meet business objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative feedback from managers and peers to refine designs.

• Proactive Communication: Clear and timely communication regarding project status, challenges, and creative direction.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights on trends, techniques, and best practices with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "BOLD" principles are central to Fanatics' culture and should be a focus for any candidate. These values translate into a work environment that is passionate, driven, collaborative, and customer-centric.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Developing original, impactful designs while adhering to strict brand guidelines, license partner requirements, and production limitations.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines across various sports leagues and product categories.

• International Adaptation: Navigating cultural nuances and market-specific preferences when adapting graphics for global audiences.

• Technical Production Understanding: Continuously learning and applying knowledge of various apparel embellishment techniques, color matching, and graphic setup requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in sports apparel, graphic design, and fan culture through research and industry events.

• Software Proficiency: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and exploring new design tools and technologies.

• Production Processes: Gaining hands-on knowledge of apparel decoration methods (e.g., screen printing, heat transfer, embroidery) and their implications for design.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Understanding the broader product lifecycle from design through to sales and marketing.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced Design Managers and senior designers within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role in a large, fast-moving industry. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and skill development, essential for staying relevant in the design field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing original apparel graphics from concept to final artwork, including how you incorporate market research and consumer insights." (Focus on methodology, research tools, and creative ideation.)

• "How would you approach adapting a graphic designed for the US market to be suitable and appealing for the UK or another international market?" (Highlight cultural awareness, research, and practical adaptation steps.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for Fanatics and our mission to serve sports fans?" (Connect your passion for sports/design to Fanatics' core values.)

• "How do you embody Fanatics' BOLD leadership principles in your work?" (Prepare specific examples for each principle: Championship Teams, Obsessed with Fans, Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, Determined/Relentless.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clean, visually appealing, and easy to follow. Use high-quality mockups.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the specific software tools, techniques, and technical considerations (e.g., color profiles, file formats, print methods) used in your work.

• Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to create graphics for apparel, headwear, or jerseys, and those that show research-informed design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that align with Fanatics' "BOLD" principles and demonstrating an understanding of the production pipeline will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the Fanatics careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features apparel graphics, concept development, and production-ready artwork. Tailor your selection to highlight projects relevant to sports licensing and fan merchandise.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3-5 years of relevant experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills, and any experience with apparel, licensing, or sports. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and preparing examples that demonstrate your understanding of Fanatics' BOLD leadership principles and the company's fan-centric mission.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Fanatics' brand, its license partners, current sports trends, and its company culture. Understand how your design skills can contribute to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Fanatics during the application and interview process.