Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: The Upper Deck Company Location: Carlsbad, CA, US Job Type: Full Time Category: Creative Operations / Design Management Date Posted: 2025-09-12T20:24:00 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of designers, fostering a creative and collaborative environment to drive high-quality visual output for entertainment trading card projects.
• Oversee the end-to-end design process, ensuring brand consistency, adherence to brand guidelines, and alignment with project objectives and quality expectations.
• Manage project workflows, delegate tasks effectively to the design team, and collaborate cross-functionally with departments like Product Development to gather requirements and ensure seamless project execution.
• Stay abreast of current industry design trends, including emerging design aesthetics and advancements in printing techniques, to inform creative strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
• Drive operational efficiency within the design department by identifying and implementing improvements to design workflows and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on design leadership, the "Operations" aspect of this role is in managing the process of design execution, ensuring efficiency, brand consistency, and timely delivery – key elements of GTM and creative operations. The role involves managing a team and processes, which aligns with operational management principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strong team leadership, acting as a mentor and teacher to inspire and guide designers, motivating them to produce exceptional creative work.
• Direct and manage all design projects within the department, ensuring the visual identity and overall aesthetic align with brand guidelines and strategic objectives.
• Offer constructive feedback and guidance to the design team to uphold high-quality standards and ensure accurate execution of project requirements.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as Product Development, to clearly define design needs, objectives, and creative briefs for new brands or re-branding initiatives.
• Conduct thorough research on industry trends, including graphic design, visual communication, and printing technologies, to integrate innovative approaches into project execution.
• Develop and create visually compelling designs tailored for various entertainment licensed trading card releases, considering specific printing processes and thematic requirements.
• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline design workflows, enhance efficiency, and optimize resource allocation within the design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are framed to emphasize the "management" and "oversight" aspects crucial for an operations-focused role, highlighting process control, cross-functional coordination, and efficiency improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art, Visual Communication, or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience: 5-7 years of progressive experience in a design role, with a minimum of 1-3 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity, demonstrating the ability to manage a team and oversee projects.

Required Skills:

• Advanced design proficiency and a strong portfolio showcasing a breadth of creative work.
• Exceptional leadership and mentorship skills, with a proven ability to motivate and guide a design team.
• Robust project management capabilities, including workflow coordination, task delegation, and deadline adherence.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), essential for creative execution and team oversight.
• Deep understanding of fundamental design principles: typography, layout composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Comprehensive knowledge of print processes and best practices for file setup to ensure high-quality print output.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project management tools and software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) to enhance workflow tracking and team coordination.
• Familiarity with entertainment licensing, particularly in the trading card industry, to understand market nuances.
• Knowledge of emerging design trends and digital design tools.
• Ability to manage budgets and costing related to design production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Skills are categorized to highlight core design competencies alongside essential management and operational skills, such as project management and team leadership, which are critical for this role's operational success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a focus on visual execution and brand consistency within the entertainment or collectibles sector.
• Include examples of process management, such as project timelines, workflow diagrams, or case studies illustrating how projects were managed from concept to completion.
• Present work that highlights adherence to brand guidelines and quality standards, with clear explanations of how these were maintained throughout the design lifecycle.
• Showcase examples of collaboration with other departments or stakeholders, illustrating effective communication and integration of feedback into the design process.

Process Documentation:

• Provide insights into how you would document and standardize design workflows to ensure consistency and efficiency across the team.
• Be prepared to discuss methods for implementing and tracking design projects, including quality assurance checkpoints and feedback loops.
• Highlight experience in analyzing design process performance, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing data-informed improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored to reflect the operational aspects of managing a design team and process, emphasizing project execution, collaboration, and efficiency improvements rather than solely visual output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $92,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, promoting work-life balance.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company matching to aid long-term financial security.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance to enhance design and leadership skills.
• Employee discounts on company products, fostering engagement with the brand.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime during peak project periods. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Carlsbad, CA office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the input data is used. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for full-time positions in the US, tailored to appeal to creative professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Upper Deck Company operates within the collectibles and sports/entertainment memorabilia industry, a dynamic sector driven by passion, licensing, and product innovation. This context implies a need for creativity, brand awareness, and an understanding of fan engagement.

Company Size: As a recognized player in its industry, The Upper Deck Company likely has a medium to large organizational structure, offering opportunities for cross-functional interaction and career growth within a specialized market.

Founded: Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Company has a long-standing history and established presence in the trading card and memorabilia market, suggesting a culture that values experience, innovation, and brand legacy.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely structured with a clear hierarchy, reporting to the Design Manager, and potentially including specialized roles or seniority levels within the design staff.
• The Design Manager will report to a Director or VP of Marketing/Product Development, overseeing the creative output that supports product lines.
• The team collaborates heavily with Product Development, Marketing, Licensing, and Production departments to ensure cohesive product launches and brand representation.

Methodology:

• Design projects are likely managed using a structured approach, from initial concept and brief development to final asset delivery, incorporating feedback loops and quality checks.
• Workflow optimization is key, focusing on efficient project assignment, resource allocation, and timely delivery of design assets.
• Automation might be leveraged for repetitive tasks, but the core process relies on creative talent and meticulous attention to detail in asset creation and preparation for print.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferred company culture and team structure based on the industry and the role's position within an organization focused on branded entertainment products.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the creative operations or design function. It requires a blend of strong design acumen and proven leadership abilities to manage both people and processes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive, such as a Director of Marketing, Creative Director, or VP of Product Development, and will directly manage a team of designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is crucial for ensuring the visual quality and brand integrity of The Upper Deck Company's products, directly influencing customer perception, market appeal, and ultimately, sales performance. Effective process management by this role ensures timely product releases and efficient resource utilization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Design Manager, Creative Director, or Head of Design roles, with increased responsibility over broader creative strategies and teams.
• Opportunities to specialize in specific product lines or lead larger, more complex creative projects.
• Potential to transition into broader operational management roles within marketing or product development, leveraging project management and process optimization skills.
• Development in leadership and strategic planning through managing team performance and contributing to departmental goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed within both creative leadership and operational management pathways, reflecting the dual nature of the Design Manager role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Carlsbad, CA, suggesting a professional office environment conducive to team collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Carlsbad, California, a coastal city known for its business parks and proximity to San Diego, offering a vibrant work location.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration among design team members and with other departments, likely featuring shared creative spaces and meeting rooms.
• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite) will be provided to support team productivity.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with design team members for feedback, brainstorming, and project reviews are integral to the daily work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While flexibility may be present, the on-site nature requires consistent availability during core business hours to manage team activities and project timelines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Work environment details are inferred from the "on-site" designation and the nature of a design management role within a corporate setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: The hiring manager (likely the next level up) will conduct a more in-depth interview focusing on leadership style, project management experience, and team dynamics.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their role, design process, and leadership approach. This may include a presentation on how they would manage specific design challenges or workflows.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from departments like Product Development or Marketing may occur to assess collaboration skills and understanding of cross-functional needs.
• Final Interview/Offer: A final interview with senior leadership may be conducted before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights leadership experience, project management examples, and your approach to team collaboration and process improvement.
• For each project, articulate your role, the challenges faced, the design process followed, your leadership contributions, and the quantifiable impact or outcome.
• Be prepared to discuss your philosophy on fostering a creative environment, managing diverse creative personalities, and ensuring brand consistency across projects.
• Showcase examples of how you've improved design workflows, implemented new processes, or mentored junior designers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a potential design challenge or case study that requires you to outline a strategy for a hypothetical trading card project, including team management, timeline, and quality control measures.
• Prepare to discuss how you would handle common design team challenges, such as creative blocks, conflicting feedback, or tight deadlines.
• Practice presenting your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on problem-solving, strategic thinking, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is structured to assess not only design talent but also the critical operational and leadership skills required for managing a design team and its output effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Mastery of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for overseeing and executing design work.
• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com is highly desirable for managing team workflows, tasks, and deadlines.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for internal communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, understanding of how design impacts key metrics (e.g., sales, brand engagement) is beneficial. Experience with basic analytics tools might be a plus for performance evaluation.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is not directly mentioned but understanding how design assets integrate with product catalogs or marketing platforms could be advantageous. Automation tools for design tasks (e.g., batch processing) might be considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary tools focus on the Adobe Creative Suite, with project management software identified as a key preferred skill, reflecting the operational management aspect of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and pushing creative boundaries within brand guidelines.
• Quality & Excellence: Maintaining high standards in all design outputs and ensuring brand integrity.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where designers work together and with other departments effectively.
• Efficiency & Organization: Streamlining processes and managing workflows to meet project deadlines and objectives.
• Brand Stewardship: Acting as a guardian of the brand's visual identity and ensuring consistent representation across all platforms.

Collaboration Style:

• Emphasis on open communication and constructive feedback within the design team and across departments.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Knowledge sharing and continuous learning are encouraged to keep the team updated on industry best practices and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Values are inferred based on the requirements of a creative leadership role within a product-focused company, emphasizing both creative output and operational effectiveness.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing creative vision with brand constraints and project requirements to deliver impactful designs.
• Managing multiple projects simultaneously with varying deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
• Mentoring and developing a diverse team of designers with different skill sets and working styles.
• Staying ahead of rapidly evolving design trends and printing technologies in a competitive market.
• Ensuring consistent brand application across a wide range of entertainment properties and product types.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to industry conferences and workshops focused on design trends, leadership, and project management.
• Internal training programs and opportunities to lead professional development sessions for the design team.
• Mentorship from senior leaders within the company to develop strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.
• Exposure to different facets of the collectibles business, enhancing understanding of market dynamics and product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around common issues in design management, with growth opportunities focused on skill enhancement and career progression within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your leadership philosophy and how you motivate and manage a design team to achieve optimal results. Provide specific examples."
• "Walk me through a complex design project you managed from start to finish. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects and designers? What processes do you implement to maintain quality control?"
• "How do you stay current with design trends and new printing technologies, and how do you integrate this knowledge into your team's work?"
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with other departments (e.g., Product Development, Marketing) on a project. How did you manage expectations and ensure alignment?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Upper Deck Company and our position in the collectibles market?"
• "How do you envision contributing to our company's creative culture and brand mission?"
• "How would you handle a situation where a designer on your team is struggling with performance or creative output?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically: Introduction, Project Overview, Your Role & Responsibilities, Design Process & Challenges, Solutions & Outcomes, and Key Learnings.
• Focus on demonstrating your leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills, not just the visual aesthetics of your work.
• Be prepared to discuss the operational aspects of your projects, such as timeline management, resource allocation, and collaboration strategies.
• Quantify results where possible – e.g., "improved turnaround time by X%", "increased team productivity by Y%".

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess the blend of creative leadership, project management, and operational efficiency required for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link, ensuring all requested information is accurately completed.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in leading design teams, managing projects, and improving design workflows. Showcase examples relevant to product design and brand consistency.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, leadership roles, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and project management skills, using keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership style, project management methodologies, and approach to team collaboration. Prepare specific anecdotes that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and impact.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Upper Deck Company's product lines, brand identity, and recent news to better understand their market position and creative needs.

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