G/FORE Digital Design Manager

G/FORE
Full-timeRaleigh, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Design Manager

Company: G/FORE

Location: Raleigh, NC, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Digital Design / Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-16

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead and manage a digital design team to create high-converting visual assets across multiple digital channels, ensuring brand consistency and driving customer engagement.

  • Develop and execute compelling graphic and motion designs for marketing campaigns, including emails, social media ads, display banners, and website content, serving as a critical first touchpoint for new customers.

  • Collaborate closely with web, marketing, and other cross-functional teams to conceptualize and deliver user-centric digital experiences that align with business objectives and brand guidelines.

  • Oversee the post-production and quality control of photography assets, including retouching and color correction, to maintain a high standard of visual quality across all platforms.

  • Drive innovation in digital design by staying abreast of the latest digital technologies and trends, and by proactively proposing new ideas for website, social media, and digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within the digital design function, implying a need for strategic oversight, team management, and significant input into the brand's digital presence. The emphasis on "high converting designs" and "first touch point for new customers" strongly suggests a focus on performance marketing and user acquisition, aligning it with aspects of Marketing Operations and Revenue Operations by directly influencing conversion rates and customer acquisition cost.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Spearhead the creation and delivery of compelling graphic designs for various business units, including Marketing, Web/eCommerce, Wholesale, and Omnichannel initiatives.

  • Lead the digital design team in conceptualizing and executing functional and user-friendly experiences across gfore.com, ensuring a seamless user journey.

  • Execute design strategies for marketing campaigns across all digital channels such as social media, email marketing, paid advertising, and partnership activations.

  • Design and produce engaging email newsletters, social media content, and website visuals, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of user experience across diverse digital platforms.

  • Create dynamic motion graphics, including GIFs, animations, and video content, to enhance engagement and storytelling.

  • Conduct post-production on photography assets, including retouching, color correction, resizing, clipping, and quality control, to meet project specifications.

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest digital technologies, web, and mobile advancements to inform design strategies and execution.

  • Collaborate with the social media and photography teams on planning and executing content needs for e-commerce and social media platforms.

  • Articulate design concepts and champion new ideas for the G/FORE website, social media, and digital assets, ensuring alignment with brand standards and strategic objectives.

  • Visualize and communicate design ideas quickly through sketches, comps, and prototypes to internal stakeholders for concept validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic leadership. The emphasis on "high converting designs," "user experience," and "marketing campaigns" indicates a strong connection to revenue generation and customer acquisition, characteristic of roles that bridge creative output with business performance. The collaboration with "web/eCommerce, wholesale, Omnichannel" suggests a broad operational scope.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in a design or branding studio, either agency or in-house, with a proven track record in digital design and brand representation.

Required Skills:

  • Extensive proficiency in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory.

  • Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.

  • Experience with UX/UI design tools such as Sketch and Adobe XD for wireframing and prototyping.

  • Proven ability to create engaging motion graphics and video content.

  • Strong understanding of user experience (UX) principles and their application in digital design.

  • Meticulous attention to detail, organizational skills, and a keen eye for consistency across all deliverables.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

  • Prior team management or leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and guide designers.

  • Experience working with luxury or sports apparel brands, understanding their unique design aesthetics and market positioning.

  • Familiarity with web development concepts and how design integrates with front-end technologies.

  • Experience in A/B testing design elements to optimize conversion rates and user engagement.

  • Knowledge of photography post-production techniques, including retouching and color correction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience and team management experience suggests a mid-to-senior level role. The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools and UX/UI software indicates a need for hands-on technical expertise, while the preferred skills in luxury/sports brands and A/B testing point towards a strategic understanding of market dynamics and performance optimization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of digital design projects, including marketing campaigns (email, social ads, display banners), website UI/UX elements, and motion graphics.

  • Demonstrated ability to create "high-converting designs" with clear examples of how design choices impacted key performance indicators (KPIs) such as click-through rates, conversion rates, or engagement metrics.

  • Case studies that illustrate the design process from concept to execution, highlighting problem-solving approaches and strategic thinking.

  • Examples of work that adhere to strict brand guidelines while also pushing creative boundaries.

Process Documentation:

  • Showcase how you have documented and optimized design workflows, from brief intake to final asset delivery, to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround times.

  • Examples of implementing design systems or style guides to ensure brand consistency across various digital touchpoints.

  • Demonstrations of how you have collaborated with developers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth asset integration and implementation.

  • Evidence of using feedback loops and iterative design processes to refine assets based on performance data and stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Digital Design Manager role, a portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and demonstrate a clear link between design decisions and business outcomes (conversion, engagement). The emphasis on process documentation highlights the operational aspect of the role, requiring candidates to show they can manage workflows efficiently and collaboratively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Digital Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Raleigh, NC, the estimated salary range is approximately $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the required skills, leadership responsibilities, and the company's positioning in the premium apparel market.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

  • Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

  • Employee discounts on G/FORE and Peter Millar products.

  • Opportunities for professional development, including training and workshops.

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. However, due to the nature of digital design and campaign launches, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, particularly during peak seasons or for urgent campaign rollouts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on national averages for similar roles and locations, adjusted for the specified experience level and industry. A specific range would ideally be provided by the employer. The benefits listed are typical for full-time roles in established companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel and Golf Equipment, with a strong focus on modern design and a playful, youthful energy. G/FORE aims to disrupt the traditional golf industry with a unique aesthetic that draws inspiration from art, architecture, and colorful narratives.

Company Size: G/FORE is part of the Peter Millar family of brands. While specific numbers for G/FORE alone aren't detailed, Peter Millar is a significant player in the premium apparel market, suggesting a company size that supports dedicated marketing and design teams, likely in the range of 500-1000+ employees across all brands. This size allows for specialized roles like a Digital Design Manager while maintaining a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment.

Founded: G/FORE was founded with a passion for modern design and golf. While the exact founding year is not specified, its conceptualization with a "global perspective" and emphasis on "modern design" positions it as a contemporary brand in the market.

Team Structure:

  • The Digital Design team is likely a specialized unit within the broader Marketing or Creative department.

  • As the "lead of the Digital Design team," this role will have direct reports, managing designers responsible for various digital assets.

  • The role requires close collaboration with the Web/eCommerce team, Marketing teams (for campaigns), Social Media team, and potentially the Photo team.

Methodology:

  • Data-driven approach to design, focusing on creating "high-converting designs" and understanding user experience to optimize performance.

  • Emphasis on modern design principles, drawing inspiration from art, architecture, and contemporary aesthetics.

  • Collaborative workflow, working cross-functionally to ensure cohesive brand messaging and execution across all digital touchpoints.

  • Agile execution, with an ability to adapt to rapidly shifting priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Company Website: https://www.gfore.com/ (Assuming this is the correct website based on the company name)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes creativity, a passion for golf, and a modern, playful approach. The size and structure suggest a well-resourced organization capable of supporting specialized creative and operational functions. The "disruptive" yet "respectful" approach to the industry implies a balance between innovation and tradition.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a management position within the creative operations and digital marketing sphere. It sits above individual contributor designers and below senior leadership (e.g., Director of Marketing, VP of Creative). The scope includes team leadership, strategic input on digital design direction, and cross-functional collaboration, indicating a significant level of responsibility and influence.

Reporting Structure: The Digital Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Marketing or Creative department, such as a Director of Marketing, Head of Digital, or Chief Marketing Officer. They will, in turn, manage a team of digital designers.

Operations Impact: The Digital Design Manager has a direct impact on G/FORE's revenue and customer acquisition. By creating high-converting digital assets (emails, ads, website content), this role directly influences:

  • Customer Acquisition: Driving new customer traffic and conversions through compelling ad and landing page designs.

  • Customer Engagement & Retention: Enhancing the customer experience through well-designed emails and website interactions.

  • Brand Perception: Upholding and evolving the brand's modern, playful, and sophisticated image across all digital touchpoints.

  • Marketing Campaign Effectiveness: Ensuring visual assets effectively communicate campaign messages and achieve marketing objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Development: Opportunity to further hone team management skills, develop mentorship capabilities, and potentially grow into a Director-level role overseeing a larger creative or digital marketing function.

  • Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in setting the overall digital design strategy and contributing to broader marketing and brand initiatives.

  • Skill Expansion: Exposure to and potential for deeper involvement in areas like e-commerce strategy, user acquisition strategies, and brand storytelling across multiple platforms.

  • Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge within the premium apparel and golf industry, understanding market trends and competitive landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical bridge between creative output and business results. Growth opportunities are tied to expanding leadership scope and strategic impact within the organization's digital and marketing efforts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment. The description mentions a "Raleigh, NC Office," suggesting a dedicated physical workspace.

Office Location(s): Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. This location is known for its growing tech and creative sectors, offering a vibrant environment for professionals.

Workspace Context:

  • The role involves working within a physical office space, fostering direct collaboration and communication with team members and cross-functional colleagues.

  • Access to standard office technology and design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, etc.) will be provided.

  • The environment is described as "fast-paced" with "rapidly shifting priorities," implying a dynamic and potentially high-energy workplace.

  • Opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, team meetings, and direct mentorship from senior leadership are expected.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. However, the fast-paced nature of the role and the demands of digital marketing campaigns may necessitate flexibility, with potential for occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases or campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value placed on in-person collaboration, team synergy, and immediate feedback within the creative and marketing departments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate "high-converting designs" and their understanding of brand guidelines.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Marketing or Creative Director) to delve deeper into your experience, leadership style, and approach to digital design challenges. Be prepared to discuss your team management experience and strategic thinking.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio, highlighting specific projects that demonstrate your skills in graphic design, motion graphics, UX/UI, and your ability to drive results. You may be asked to walk through a specific case study, explaining your process, design rationale, and the impact of your work.

  • Cross-functional Interview(s): Interviews with key collaborators from Marketing, Web Development, or other relevant teams to assess your communication, collaboration skills, and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Marketing) to discuss overall fit with the company culture and long-term vision for the digital design function.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Impact: Showcase projects where your design directly contributed to business objectives like increased conversion rates, engagement, or sales. Quantify results whenever possible.

  • Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from understanding the brief to ideation, execution, and iteration. Use case studies to tell a compelling story.

  • Highlight Versatility: Include examples of diverse projects – emails, social ads, website elements, motion graphics, retouching – to demonstrate your broad skill set.

  • Brand Adherence: Show examples where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines while still injecting creativity.

  • Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly displays your mastery of required tools like Photoshop, After Effects, Sketch, etc.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Exercise: Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve creating a concept for a new campaign, redesigning a specific digital asset, or responding to a hypothetical marketing brief. Focus on rapid ideation, clear communication of your concept, and adherence to brand.

  • Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating how your design choices support marketing objectives and contribute to user acquisition and retention strategies.

  • Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with different teams (e.g., developers on implementation, marketers on campaign goals) to ensure successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a management role will heavily scrutinize both creative talent and operational leadership capabilities. The portfolio is central, but candidates must also demonstrate strategic thinking and collaborative skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop (advanced for image manipulation, retouching, and layout), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons), After Effects (motion graphics, animation, video editing), Premiere Pro (video editing and post-production).

  • UX/UI Design Software: Sketch and Adobe XD are explicitly mentioned, indicating their importance for wireframing, prototyping, and user interface design.

  • Web Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms used to manage website content is beneficial, though not explicitly listed as a requirement.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics Tools: Experience with tools like Google Analytics to understand user behavior on the website and how design impacts metrics.

  • Marketing Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools used to track email campaign performance and social media engagement.

  • Dashboarding Tools: Experience with tools for visualizing data and presenting performance metrics to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly managing CRM, understanding how digital assets integrate with CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns) is advantageous.

  • Familiarity with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Salesforce Marketing Cloud) can be beneficial for understanding asset requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and UX/UI tools is non-negotiable. An understanding of how digital assets function within broader marketing technology stacks (analytics, CRM, automation) is crucial for a role focused on "high-converting designs."

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on generating fresh, modern design ideas that align with G/FORE's unique aesthetic and drive business results.

  • Customer Focus: Designing with the customer experience at the forefront, aiming to create engaging and effective touchpoints that lead to conversion and loyalty.

  • Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication, working effectively with cross-functional departments to achieve shared goals.

  • Attention to Detail: Upholding high standards of quality and consistency in all design work, from initial concept to final asset delivery.

  • Efficiency & Speed: The ability to work quickly and effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The role requires proactive engagement with Marketing, Web Development, e-commerce, and other teams to ensure design strategies are aligned with broader business objectives and technical capabilities.

  • Feedback-Driven: An open approach to receiving and providing constructive feedback, using it to refine designs and improve processes.

  • Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing design concepts, progress updates, and potential roadblocks with stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment.

  • Shared Ownership: Fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the success of digital initiatives, where design plays a pivotal role in achieving overall marketing and sales targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of creative energy, business-driven results, and collaborative execution. The values highlight the importance of both artistic vision and operational efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Brand Aesthetics with Performance: A key challenge will be to maintain G/FORE's distinctive and playful brand identity while creating designs optimized for conversion and user experience across various digital platforms.

  • Managing Rapidly Shifting Priorities: The fast-paced environment and frequent campaign launches will require exceptional project management and the ability to quickly pivot design focus.

  • Leading and Mentoring a Design Team: Effectively managing and developing a team of designers, ensuring their work is consistent, high-quality, and aligned with strategic goals.

  • Staying Ahead of Digital Trends: Continuously adapting to new technologies, design trends, and platform changes in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design & Technology Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software, explore new design methodologies (e.g., advanced animation, AR/VR design), or gain certifications.

  • Leadership and Management Skills: Development programs focused on effective team leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional stakeholder management.

  • E-commerce and Digital Marketing Strategy: Gaining deeper insights into performance marketing, user acquisition funnels, and e-commerce best practices, enhancing the strategic impact of design.

  • Industry Exposure: Immersion in the premium apparel and golf industry, understanding market dynamics, competitive strategies, and consumer behavior.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a leadership role in a dynamic digital environment. The growth opportunities emphasize both professional development in design and leadership, as well as strategic understanding of the business.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for creating a high-converting digital ad campaign. What metrics do you prioritize, and how do you use data to inform your design decisions?" (Focus on quantitative results, A/B testing, and data-driven design.)

  • "How would you approach leading a digital design team to ensure consistency and quality across all assets, especially when dealing with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders?" (Highlight leadership style, process management, and communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about G/FORE's brand and its approach to the golf industry? How do you see your design philosophy aligning with ours?" (Research the brand's aesthetic, values, and market positioning.)

  • "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team and with other departments like marketing and web development?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as narratives. For each project, explain the challenge, your approach, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results.

  • Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, motion graphics, UX/UI, and your ability to drive conversions. Ensure they align with G/FORE's brand and the role's requirements.

  • Demonstrate Process: For at least one project, dive deep into your process, showing sketches, wireframes, iterations, and how you incorporated feedback.

  • Quantify Impact: Clearly state the results achieved for each project (e.g., "increased click-through rate by X%", "improved conversion by Y%", "achieved Z engagement on social media").

  • Technical Mastery: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with the specific tools mentioned (Photoshop, After Effects, Sketch, etc.) and how you leverage them to achieve optimal design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating how your creative skills translate into tangible business outcomes and how you can effectively lead a team and collaborate across departments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Design Manager position:

  • Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://petermillarllc.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/GFORE/job/Raleigh-NC/G-FORE-Digital-Design-Manager_JR100556

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select and organize your strongest digital design projects that highlight graphic design, motion graphics, UX/UI, and proven results in driving conversions and engagement. Tailor the selection to showcase relevance to a premium apparel/golf brand.

  • Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience, leadership capabilities, proficiency in required design software, and any experience with luxury/sports brands. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design process, and demonstrating the business impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to team management and cross-functional collaboration.

  • Research G/FORE: Thoroughly understand G/FORE's brand identity, target audience, current marketing campaigns, and competitive landscape to effectively answer questions about cultural fit and strategic vision.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have 5+ years of experience in a design or branding studio with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and motion graphics. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential.