Graphic Designer / Merchandiser

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer / Merchandiser

Company: Confidential

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Merchandising Operations

Date Posted: August 24, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role bridges creative product design with operational execution, focusing on bringing product lines from concept to retail shelf.

• It requires a blend of artistic talent and a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain communication, and merchandising strategy.

• The position involves direct collaboration with overseas manufacturing partners to ensure product accuracy and timely delivery.

• Success in this role depends on the ability to translate market trends and commercial needs into tangible, marketable product collections.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests "Graphic Designer / Merchandiser," the core responsibilities heavily lean into product development and operational execution within a manufacturing context. The "operations" aspect is tied to the management of the product lifecycle, from design specification to factory liaison and final merchandising. This role is not a traditional graphic design position focused solely on marketing collateral, nor is it a pure retail merchandising role. It's a hybrid product-centric operations role within a global manufacturing firm.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Concept & Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative product lines, including prints, patterns, packaging, and novelty graphics, ensuring alignment with seasonal themes and market trends.

• Technical Design & Specification: Create detailed and production-ready technical packs (tech packs) and precise artwork specifications for hand-off to manufacturing teams, ensuring all design elements, materials, and construction details are clearly defined.

• Trend Research & Mood Boarding: Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging trends in relevant categories (e.g., soft goods, accessories, textiles, snacks), inspirational imagery, and competitive landscapes to inform seasonal collections and develop compelling mood boards.

• Overseas Factory Liaison: Serve as a primary point of contact for Chinese manufacturing partners, facilitating clear and effective communication regarding design concepts, sample reviews, production timelines, and quality control to ensure design accuracy and adherence to specifications.

• Line Merchandising & Assortment Curation: Assist in curating cohesive product assortments for major retail partners, balancing creative novelty with commercial viability, and ensuring the product mix meets retailer requirements and sales objectives.

• Artwork Execution & Refinement: Utilize Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) to execute and refine artwork, prints, and graphics for various product applications, ensuring high-quality output for manufacturing.

• Sample Review & Approval: Review and provide feedback on product samples from factories, meticulously checking for design accuracy, construction quality, and adherence to original specifications, and approving samples for production.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal sales, product development, and marketing teams to ensure a unified approach to product offerings and to support sales initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to product development and manufacturing oversight, which are critical operational functions within a product-centric business. The emphasis on tech packs, factory communication, and sample review indicates a strong operational component beyond pure creative design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Apparel/Textile Design, or a related creative field.

• Equivalent hands-on industry experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Experience:

• 2-5 years of direct experience in product design, graphic design with a product focus, or merchandising within a manufacturing or retail environment.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing product lines from concept through production. Required Skills:

• Software Proficiency: Mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is strictly required for artwork creation, technical drawing, and graphic design.

• Product Design Acumen: Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, typography, and visual composition applied to tangible products.

• Technical Design Documentation: Proven ability to create detailed tech packs and production-ready artwork specifications.

• Trend Analysis: Skill in researching and interpreting market trends to inform design decisions and product development.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with internal teams and overseas partners. An outgoing personality is beneficial for building strong working relationships.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in design execution, specification creation, and sample review to ensure product accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

• Category Experience: Prior experience designing soft goods (e.g., slipper socks, blankets), accessories, footwear (slippers), textiles, keychains, artificial botanicals, or unique snack packaging is highly preferred.

• Manufacturing Process Knowledge: Familiarity with soft goods manufacturing processes, material sourcing, and production challenges.

• Merchandising Experience: Understanding of retail merchandising principles, product assortment planning, and assortment balancing for commercial viability.

• International Communication: Experience communicating with overseas factories, particularly in China, regarding product development and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop) and the requirement for tech pack creation are crucial for an operations-focused role in product development. The preferred skills further define the operational context by highlighting experience with specific product categories and manufacturing liaison.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 comprehensive projects demonstrating the full product development lifecycle, from initial concept and trend research to final design execution and production specifications.

• Technical Pack Examples: Include at least one well-documented technical pack with detailed illustrations, measurements, material callouts, and construction details that would be suitable for manufacturing.

• Artwork & Graphic Execution: Present a range of graphic designs, prints, patterns, and packaging concepts, highlighting proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Merchandising Examples: If applicable, include examples of product assortments curated for specific retail partners or markets, demonstrating an understanding of commercial viability and line balancing.

• Process Documentation: Briefly outline your process for concept development, trend research, and collaboration with manufacturing partners.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate an understanding of designing efficient workflows for product development, from initial briefing to final production handover.

• System Implementation: While not explicitly system-focused, showcase how you leverage design software and communication tools to manage design processes and specifications effectively.

• Performance Analysis: Explain how you would measure the success of a product design, considering factors like market adoption, sales performance, and manufacturing feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role blending design and operations, the portfolio must go beyond aesthetic presentation. It needs to demonstrate an understanding of the operational aspects of product creation, including technical documentation, manufacturing liaison, and commercial considerations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $90,000 annually

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and industry conferences to enhance design and merchandising skills.

• Product Discounts: Potential for employee discounts on company products.

• Collaborative Work Environment: Access to a dynamic and creative office space in New York City.

Working Hours:

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

• Occasional overtime may be required during peak seasons or to meet critical production deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. Benefits information is inferred based on standard offerings for full-time positions in New York City, tailored to a creative and manufacturing-adjacent industry. The "OTHER" employment type from the input is interpreted as full-time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Manufacturing & Product Development (Diversified across Scent & Shea Butter Infused Slippers, Textiles, Keychains, Artificial Botanicals, and Unique Snacks).

Company Size: The description implies a medium to large enterprise with multiple divisions and international manufacturing operations. The "Confidential" nature suggests it's an established private entity.

Founded: Not specified, but described as a "privately held, full service global manufacturer," indicating established operations.

Team Structure:

• The role appears to be part of a product development or design team, likely reporting to a Design Director or Head of Product Development.

• Close collaboration with sales, marketing, and potentially sourcing/operations departments is expected.

• Direct interaction with overseas factory management teams is a key component. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the role emphasizes trend research and commercial viability, suggesting a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Agile Product Development: The need to work with overseas factories and review samples implies an iterative process with clear communication checkpoints.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Successful product launches require close alignment across design, sales, and manufacturing.

Company Website: www.extensishr.com (Note: This appears to be an HR outsourcing company's domain, not the actual company's website. The company is likely using ExtensiHR for recruitment.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company is a global manufacturer with diverse product lines. The "Confidential" status suggests a private, established entity. The team structure will likely involve close collaboration with various departments and direct interaction with international suppliers, highlighting the operational nature of the role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level (2-5 years experience) Product Designer with significant operational responsibilities. It sits between a junior designer and a senior product developer or manager.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Manager, Director of Product Development, or a similar leadership role within the product creation division.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue by:

• Developing commercially viable and trend-aligned products that drive sales.

• Ensuring efficient product development processes that reduce time-to-market and production costs.

• Maintaining quality and accuracy in production through effective factory communication and sample review, preventing costly errors or returns.

• Curating assortments that meet retailer demands and maximize sell-through. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Product Designer/Developer: Advance to lead design initiatives for entire product categories or divisions.

• Merchandising Manager: Transition into a role focused more heavily on product assortment strategy, retail partnerships, and sales performance analysis.

• Production/Sourcing Liaison: Specialize in managing international manufacturing relationships and optimizing production workflows.

• Creative Director: Move into a leadership role overseeing the creative vision and product strategy for the company.

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific product categories (e.g., textiles, accessories) or operational areas (e.g., tech pack development, international supply chain).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of creative and operational growth. Candidates can progress into more senior design roles, specialized operations roles within manufacturing and sourcing, or strategic merchandising positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: In-office position located in New York City. The environment is described as "vibrant," suggesting a dynamic and potentially fast-paced creative hub.

Office Location(s): New York, NY.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on being "outgoing" and having "strong collaborative skills" suggests a team-oriented workspace where interaction and idea-sharing are encouraged.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and necessary hardware for design and research.

• Product Prototyping/Sampling: Likely access to sample materials and potentially a space for reviewing physical product prototypes.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with various departments, fostering a holistic understanding of the business.

Work Schedule: Primarily a standard 40-hour work week, but the nature of international manufacturing and retail cycles may necessitate occasional flexibility to meet deadlines, particularly concerning sample reviews and production timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in NYC points to a traditional office setting. The "vibrant" description suggests a lively, creative atmosphere conducive to collaboration and design work, with tools and processes supporting a product development lifecycle.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess design skills, software proficiency, and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on projects that demonstrate:

  • The full product development process.
  • Technical design capabilities (tech packs).
  • Trend research and concept development.
  • Collaboration and communication skills, especially with overseas partners.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design test or a case study involving a product concept, tech pack creation, or a merchandising challenge.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Discussions to assess communication style, problem-solving abilities, and fit with the company's collaborative and outgoing culture.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders to evaluate technical expertise and alignment with team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Highlight your thought process, research, and how you overcame design or production challenges.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., successful product launches, positive retailer feedback, efficiency improvements).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the company's product categories (soft goods, accessories, textiles, snacks) and demonstrate your merchandising sensibility.

• Clearly Document Tech Packs: Ensure your tech pack examples are clear, detailed, and professional, showcasing your ability to communicate precisely with manufacturers.

• Be Ready to Discuss Factory Communication: Prepare to talk about your experience working with overseas factories, how you ensure clear communication, and how you handle sample revisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a task that might involve sketching initial concepts for a new product or a graphic element, or developing a mood board based on a given theme.

• Technical Challenge: You might be asked to detail the elements of a tech pack or explain how you would specify a particular material or construction method.

• Merchandising Scenario: A hypothetical scenario might be presented, asking how you would curate a product assortment for a specific retailer or season.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both creative and operational skills. A strong portfolio that demonstrates an end-to-end product development process, including technical documentation and factory liaison experience, will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, technical drawings, print design, and packaging. Mastery is strictly required.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, mood boards, creating textures, and graphic application. Mastery is strictly required.

Product Development & Operations Support:

• Tech Pack Software/Templates: While not a specific software, proficiency in creating detailed tech packs using standard templates or CAD software is expected.

• Digital Mood Board Tools: Platforms like Pinterest, Milanote, or Adobe Express for trend research and concept visualization.

• Communication Platforms: Email, potentially Slack or similar for internal team communication. Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Teams) for remote collaboration with factories.

• Project Management Tools (Potential): Depending on the team's workflow, tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com might be used for task tracking and project oversight.

• PLM Software (Potential): Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software could be a plus, though not explicitly mentioned.

Analytics & Reporting (Supportive):

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for basic data organization, tracking, and basic analysis related to product assortments or sales performance.

CRM & Automation (Indirect):

• While not a direct user of CRM for this role, understanding how product designs feed into sales channels and how customer feedback is gathered is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency. The operational aspect comes into play with the use of these tools for creating production-ready assets and supporting the product lifecycle management process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to develop fresh, unique, and appealing product lines that stand out in the market.

• Detail-Oriented Execution: Commitment to accuracy and precision in design specifications, tech packs, and sample reviews to ensure quality and minimize errors.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open dialogue, teamwork, and clear articulation of ideas and feedback both internally and with external partners.

• Commercial Acumen: Balancing creative vision with market demands and profitability, ensuring designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially successful.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Understanding the importance of meeting production deadlines and managing workflows effectively to bring products to market efficiently.

Collaboration Style:

• Outgoing & Interactive: The team likely fosters an environment where team members are comfortable sharing ideas, giving and receiving constructive feedback, and actively participating in discussions.

• Cross-Functional Integration: A culture that promotes strong working relationships between design, sales, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive product strategies.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges in the design and production process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values a blend of creative flair and operational rigor. The emphasis on an "outgoing" culture suggests a dynamic, communicative, and collaborative team environment focused on tangible results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Demands: Constantly needing to innovate while ensuring designs are marketable and profitable for diverse retail partners.

• International Manufacturing Communication: Navigating cultural nuances and time zone differences to ensure clear, effective communication with overseas factories and mitigate misunderstandings that can impact production.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Keeping pace with fast-evolving consumer trends across multiple product categories.

• Managing Multiple Product Lines: Juggling design and merchandising responsibilities for diverse product divisions simultaneously.

• Ensuring Production Quality: Maintaining high standards for product quality and design accuracy throughout the manufacturing process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering International Sourcing & Production: Gaining in-depth knowledge of global manufacturing processes, supply chain logistics, and international vendor management.

• Advanced Merchandising Strategy: Developing expertise in retail assortment planning, category management, and retail partner relations.

• Product Line Expansion: Contributing to the strategic growth and diversification of the company's product portfolio.

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepening expertise in specific design areas such as textile print design, packaging engineering, or 3D product rendering.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Broadening understanding of sales, marketing, and operational functions within a manufacturing business.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges that are common in product development within global manufacturing, particularly around international collaboration and market responsiveness. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in operations, merchandising, or advanced design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a product from initial concept to a production-ready spec sheet. What are the key operational checkpoints?"

• "How do you ensure clear and effective communication with overseas manufacturing partners, especially when dealing with complex design specifications or revisions?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to balance a creative design vision with strict commercial or manufacturing constraints. What was the outcome?"

• "How do you stay ahead of market trends in diverse product categories like textiles, accessories, and snacks?"

• "Imagine a product sample arrives with significant deviations from your spec. What steps would you take to address this with the factory?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about our diverse product lines and global manufacturing model?"

• "Our culture values being outgoing and collaborative. Can you give an example of how you've contributed to a positive team dynamic in a previous role?"

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the commercial success of our products?"

• "What are your expectations for working in a fast-paced, in-office environment in New York City?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the brief/challenge, your creative process, the operational considerations (e.g., manufacturing feasibility, cost targets), the final outcome, and any quantifiable results.

• Highlight Tech Packs: Be prepared to walk through a tech pack, explaining key details and demonstrating your understanding of manufacturing requirements.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with cross-functional teams and external partners (factories) to achieve project goals.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Briefly mention how you leveraged specific tools like Illustrator and Photoshop to achieve design objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating an understanding of the entire product lifecycle, not just the creative aspects. Highlighting operational efficiency, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities relevant to manufacturing and merchandising will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer / Merchandiser position:

• Visit the provided URL and submit your application through the ExtensiHR portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of product design, technical packs, and any relevant merchandising concepts that align with the company's product categories. Prioritize projects that showcase your end-to-end design and production process.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Illustrator," "Adobe Photoshop," "Tech Packs," "Product Development," "Merchandising," "Trend Research," and "Factory Communication." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to factory liaison, and how you balance creativity with commercial viability. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss case studies in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the company's various divisions and product types. Understand the implications of being a global manufacturer and the importance of strong operational execution in their business model.

⚠️ 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.