Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: Next Level Apparel Location: Torrance, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: August 20, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (8+ Years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive brand consistency and visual identity across all marketing collateral and touchpoints, ensuring alignment with established brand guidelines.
• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide array of creative assets for digital advertising, social media, email marketing, website content, and trade show materials.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, product, and sales leadership to translate business objectives into compelling visual narratives and executed creative concepts.
• Manage the end-to-end design process from brief to final delivery, emphasizing productivity, accuracy, and strategic problem-solving.
• Support sales enablement by creating essential distributor assets, including promotional materials, sell sheets, and sample inserts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into a Creative Operations or Marketing Operations function, focusing on the execution and consistency of brand assets across various channels and supporting sales enablement. The emphasis on collaboration with VP-level stakeholders and managing a wide range of collateral suggests a role with significant strategic input and cross-functional influence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, plan, and produce a wide range of creative materials supporting trade shows, website assets, emails, ad campaigns, web and video content, and branded merchandise.
• Drive alignment around design decisions by soliciting, synthesizing, and managing design feedback from multiple internal sources, ensuring stakeholder buy-in.
• Translate creative direction and copy points from creative briefs into engaging visual concepts and high-quality design outputs.
• Ensure brand consistency across a multitude of channels, including digital, social media, advertising, email marketing, and trade show presentations.
• Collaborate internally with Marketing & Product VPs to develop the conceptual and visual direction of branding, marketing, and advertising initiatives.
• Build distributor assets, including event promotional materials, sell sheets, sales sample inserts, and any additional assets needed to support the distributor and direct sales teams.
• Work with social media and e-commerce managers to develop assets for e-blasts, social ads, banner ads, and presentation decks.
• Partner with the Sr. Content Manager & Marketing Coordinator to maintain and organize the digital asset library, ensuring efficient accessibility and version control.
• Adhere to company policies, safety guidelines, and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and applicable employment agreements.
• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating a willingness to contribute across various projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational management of creative assets. The emphasis on "heavy graphic production with an emphasis on productivity and accuracy" points to a need for efficient workflow management and a strong understanding of production timelines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Media, Art, Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of professional graphic design experience in an advertising agency or in-house creative role is required.
• Proven experience in creating and executing strategic concepts and high-quality design for multiple product categories, maintaining consistently high standards for accuracy, aesthetics, and productivity.
• Experience working effectively within established brand guidelines and translating them into diverse creative assets.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop is essential.
• Strong typography skills with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic balance.
• Demonstrated ability to translate creative direction and copy points into compelling visual concepts.
• Strategic ability to solve problems and develop creative solutions that address specific business and marketing objectives.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with acute attention to detail.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines in a challenging, fast-paced work environment.
• A self-starter with a positive attitude and adaptable working style, willing to learn quickly and multi-task.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with retouching and color correcting images to ensure continuity and quality.
• Experience with WRIKE (Task Management) or similar project management/workflow tools.
• Experience within the fashion/apparel industry.
• Experience in photoshoot production, including styling and set design.
• Basic copywriting skills for creative concepts and asset development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8 years’ professional graphic design experience" combined with "highly collaborative, organized, and a self-starter with a positive attitude and adaptable working style" suggests a need for a candidate who can not only execute creatively but also manage projects and contribute to team efficiency. The preference for fashion/apparel experience and photoshoot production indicates an understanding of the industry's visual demands.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating expertise in branding, marketing collateral, digital assets, and campaign creative.
• Evidence of successful application of established brand guidelines across various media and channels.
• Case studies or examples that highlight strategic problem-solving and the ability to translate business objectives into effective visual solutions.
• Demonstrations of high-quality design execution, with a focus on typography, layout, and aesthetic appeal.
• Examples of assets created for sales enablement or distributor support, showcasing practicality and effectiveness.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally reflect a structured design process, showing conceptual development, iterations, and final execution.
• Showcase examples of how feedback was incorporated and managed to achieve final approved assets.
• If possible, include examples of digital asset management or organization workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role focused on creative operations, the portfolio should not only display aesthetic talent but also highlight the candidate's ability to manage projects, adhere to brand standards, and produce high-volume, high-quality work efficiently. Demonstrating a structured approach to design and asset management will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 - $120,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.
• Employee discounts on Next Level Apparel products.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A collaborative and creative work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• The role requires a hands-on approach and flexibility to meet tight deadlines, which may occasionally necessitate working beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $95,000 - $120,000 annually is competitive for a Senior Graphic Designer in the Torrance, California area, reflecting the experience level and the breadth of responsibilities. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in the US apparel industry, with a notable employee discount.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel / Fashion Manufacturing & Wholesale Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but Next Level Apparel is a well-established brand in the blank apparel market, suggesting a mid to large-sized organization with established marketing and product teams.

Founded: Next Level Apparel was founded in 2003, indicating a company with over two decades of experience and a strong presence in its market.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will report to the VP of Marketing, indicating a direct line of communication with senior leadership.
• The role involves close collaboration with fellow marketing team members, including a Sr. Content Manager and Marketing Coordinator, as well as product and sales teams.
• This position will work closely with social media and e-commerce managers, highlighting a digital-first approach within the marketing department.

Methodology:

• Design processes will likely involve a data-informed approach, using insights from marketing performance, e-commerce data, and sales feedback to inform creative decisions.
• Workflow planning will be critical, given the need for productivity and accuracy across a high volume of assets and tight deadlines.
• Automation and efficiency practices will be encouraged, particularly in managing digital assets and streamlining production.

Company Website: www.nextlevelapparel.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a company focused on apparel, Next Level Apparel likely fosters a dynamic and trend-aware culture. The Senior Graphic Designer role will be integral to maintaining a strong, consistent brand image that resonates with wholesale distributors and end consumers in the fashion and promotional wear markets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role within the marketing and creative operations function. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and the expectation of leading creative execution for key initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the VP of Marketing, providing visibility and influence on strategic marketing decisions. This close reporting line suggests opportunities to contribute to high-level brand strategy.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, sales enablement materials, and overall brand perception. High-quality, consistent creative assets are crucial for driving sales, enhancing brand recognition, and supporting the go-to-market strategies of the sales and product teams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in apparel industry design trends, digital marketing asset creation, and potentially expand into areas like motion graphics or advanced retouching through project involvement.
• Leadership Potential: With strong performance and demonstrated ability to manage projects and mentor junior team members (if applicable), there's potential for a lead designer or creative director track, or moving into a Creative Operations Manager role.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Direct collaboration with VPs and managers across marketing, product, and sales offers exposure to broader business strategies, potentially opening doors to roles with greater strategic marketing or brand management focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies that candidates are expected to be largely self-sufficient and capable of driving projects with minimal oversight. The direct reporting to the VP of Marketing is a strong indicator of potential for significant impact and career growth within the organization, especially in a company that values strong visual branding.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 588 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503.

Workspace Context:

• As a Senior Graphic Designer, the workspace is expected to be equipped with industry-standard design hardware and software.
• The environment is likely collaborative, encouraging interaction with marketing, product, and sales teams to foster creative synergy and efficient workflow.
• Expect a fast-paced setting typical of the apparel industry, requiring adaptability and strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours are anticipated, likely Monday through Friday, with a 40-hour work week.
• The role's emphasis on meeting tight deadlines and its "hands-on" nature suggests that occasional flexibility or extra hours might be required during peak periods or for critical project launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and immediate access to team resources. This setup is often beneficial for creative roles where spontaneous brainstorming and direct feedback are crucial for rapid iteration and quality control.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.
• Portfolio Review & Creative Assessment: A key stage will involve a thorough review of the candidate's portfolio, potentially followed by a design exercise or a case study presentation. This will evaluate design skills, strategic thinking, and understanding of brand consistency.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the VP of Marketing to discuss experience, approach to design challenges, collaboration style, and alignment with company culture.
• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Potential interviews with other marketing team members, product managers, or sales representatives to assess collaboration and communication skills.
• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with higher leadership, leading to a potential job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 6-10 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases brand consistency, strategic problem-solving, and successful execution across various media (digital, print, social, trade shows).
• Highlight Process: For key projects, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, and how you achieved the final outcome. Emphasize how your design solved a specific business or marketing objective.
• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples where you worked within strict brand guidelines and demonstrate your ability to adapt them creatively.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable success (e.g., increased engagement, higher conversion rates, improved sales collateral effectiveness), highlight these results.
• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., PDF, personal website, Behance) and well-organized.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a Design Task: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge. This could involve creating a concept for a new marketing campaign, designing a sell sheet, or adapting existing assets.
• Brand Immersion: Thoroughly research Next Level Apparel's current branding, target audience, and marketing efforts. Understand their product lines and their position in the apparel market.
• Problem-Solving Focus: Think about how you would approach common design challenges in the apparel industry, such as maintaining brand cohesion across diverse product lines or creating impactful visuals for trade shows.
• Communication: Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely, explaining the rationale behind your decisions, and how they align with business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "heavy graphic production with an emphasis on productivity and accuracy" suggests that any design exercise might focus on efficiency and quality under a time constraint. Demonstrating the ability to quickly grasp a brief and deliver polished results will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations.
  • InDesign: Crucial for layout design of brochures, sell sheets, catalogs, and other print/digital collateral.
  • Photoshop: Necessary for image manipulation, retouching, color correction, and digital asset creation.
• Task Management/Workflow Tools: Experience with WRIKE or similar platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) is preferred for managing projects, deadlines, and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analyst role, understanding how design impacts digital performance (e.g., banner ads, social media posts) means familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) to gauge asset effectiveness is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but understanding how marketing assets integrate with CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Mailchimp) for email campaigns would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with project management tools like Wrike is a strong preference, indicating the company values structured workflow and project tracking for its creative output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A core value will be upholding and enhancing the Next Level Apparel brand through consistent, high-quality visual communication.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role requires strong collaboration across departments, emphasizing shared goals and mutual support.
• Productivity & Efficiency: Given the "heavy graphic production" aspect, a value placed on efficient workflows and timely delivery is paramount.
• Creativity & Innovation: While maintaining brand standards, there's an expectation of creative problem-solving and bringing fresh visual ideas to the table.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in design, from typography to color accuracy, is critical for brand perception and professionalism.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active participation in team meetings, providing design input on marketing campaigns, product launches, and sales initiatives.
• Feedback Loop: An open and constructive approach to receiving and giving feedback on creative work, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Proactive Communication: Regularly communicating project status, potential roadblocks, and design rationale to stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration with VPs and cross-functional teams indicates a culture that values input from all levels and encourages a unified brand message. The need for productivity and accuracy suggests a results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring visual harmony across a wide range of marketing materials and channels, especially with evolving product lines and promotional efforts.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple competing priorities and tight deadlines inherent in the apparel and marketing industries.
• Translating Diverse Briefs: Effectively interpreting and executing creative concepts from various stakeholders with differing visions and requirements.
• Balancing Creativity with Productivity: Delivering high-quality, on-brand designs efficiently to meet production demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of design trends and best practices within the apparel and fashion marketing sectors.
• Digital Marketing Design: Expanding expertise in creating effective assets for digital advertising, social media, and e-commerce platforms.
• Project Management Skills: Developing more robust project management and workflow optimization skills, potentially leading to a role with more operational oversight.
• Photography & Styling: Gaining hands-on experience in photoshoot production, styling, and set design, as mentioned in the preferred qualifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hands-on" nature and "willing to help on any and every level" comment suggests that candidates should be adaptable and ready to tackle a variety of tasks, which can be both a challenge and a significant growth opportunity.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "How do you approach developing creative concepts that align with specific business objectives and marketing briefs?" "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?"
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle receiving conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design project?" "Describe your process for collaborating with marketing, product, and sales teams to ensure cohesive visual messaging."
• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a challenging design project you worked on. What was the problem, what was your solution, and what was the outcome?" "How do you ensure accuracy and quality in your design work, especially under tight deadlines?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Understanding: "What are your initial impressions of the Next Level Apparel brand? How would you approach enhancing its visual identity?"
• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive creative culture."
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work? What metrics do you consider important for marketing collateral?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation as a story for each project, detailing the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the impact.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, brand consistency, and strategic concept development.
• Showcase Process Clarity: Briefly explain your design process for 1-2 key projects to demonstrate your systematic approach and problem-solving abilities.
• Industry Relevance: Emphasize any experience with the apparel industry, e-commerce, or sales enablement materials to show direct relevance to Next Level Apparel's needs.
• Enthusiasm for the Brand: Convey genuine interest in Next Level Apparel and how your skills can contribute to their success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss how you manage your workload and maintain productivity in a fast-paced setting. The interviewers will likely probe your ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines efficiently, so have examples ready.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate strong branding, marketing collateral design, digital asset creation, and experience with sales enablement materials, paying close attention to the apparel industry context if applicable.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 8+ years of experience, emphasizes your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), and highlights achievements related to brand consistency, productivity, and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on the narrative of your design process, strategic thinking, and how your work met specific objectives. Prepare to discuss your approach to tight deadlines and cross-functional collaboration.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Next Level Apparel, its products, target market, and current marketing efforts. Understand their brand voice and visual aesthetic to better articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.