Senior Graphic Designer - UA Kids

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer - UA Kids

Company: Centric Brands

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 31, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creative vision and execution of graphic design elements for the UA Kids apparel line, aligning with brand strategy and market trends.

• Manage the end-to-end graphics development process, from concept ideation and trend research to final production-ready art and technical specifications.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with design, product development, and production teams to ensure seamless integration of graphics into seasonal collections.

• Uphold intellectual property rights and manage relationships with vendors and manufacturers to leverage new resources and implement current processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Creative & Design Operations due to its significant overlap with the operational aspects of bringing creative concepts to market within a structured product development lifecycle. The "UA Kids" designation indicates a focus on the Under Armour brand within the children's apparel segment, requiring an understanding of sports apparel aesthetics and target demographics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive graphics trend research in collaboration with the Design Director, identifying emerging themes and concepts for presentation.

• Develop and manage the creation of original, trend-appropriate graphic concepts for garments, logos, illustrations, photographs, tags, and labels.

• Coordinate with Graphic Artists to produce camera-ready art and color separations, ensuring technical accuracy for production.

• Provide expert insights on graphics aesthetics, production processes, and treatments to design teams, merchants, and production staff.

• Create and maintain tech pack art for production, ensuring all necessary specifications are clearly documented.

• Manage relationships with internal partners in design and production, as well as external vendors and manufacturers, to monitor trends and implement current processes.

• Partner with the Law Department to ensure graphics and designs do not infringe on intellectual property rights and to register new rights as necessary.

• Contribute positively to team dynamics, manage upward communication, and attract, develop, and retain talent within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative strategy and operational execution. "Coordinate creation of camera-ready art and color separations" and "Tech pack art for production" are key operational outputs that require meticulous process management. The emphasis on managing vendor relationships and intellectual property also points to significant operational oversight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience: 4-7 years of experience in graphic design, with significant relevant experience specifically within the apparel or children's wear category.

Required Skills:

• Superior organizational and communication skills; team-oriented mindset.

• Ability to multitask effectively and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment; highly detail-oriented, meticulous, and creative.

• Strong creativity, technical capability, and a keen sensibility for graphics and fonts.

• Proven ability to sketch and translate concepts into visual designs.

• Extensive knowledge of traditional and web-based graphic production techniques, including color separations, camera-ready art, and heat transfers.

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Mac computers.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software.

• Familiarity with Under Armour's brand aesthetic and target demographic for kids' apparel.

• Experience managing junior designers or graphic artists.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 4-7 years, coupled with the "Senior" title, suggests that candidates are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and possess a solid understanding of the entire design-to-production workflow. The preference for PLM experience is a strong indicator of the operational rigor expected in this role, as PLM systems are central to managing product development processes in the apparel industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a strong range of graphic design work specifically for apparel, including garment graphics, logo development, and illustrative elements.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of how design concepts translate into production-ready art and technical specifications (e.g., tech packs).

• Include examples of trend research and concept development, illustrating the ability to identify and adapt to market trends.

• Highlight experience in managing multiple projects with varying deadlines, emphasizing organizational and time-management skills.

• Provide evidence of collaborative work, showcasing interactions with cross-functional teams and external vendors. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and managing tech packs, detailing the process from initial design to final production specifications.

• Examples of workflow management for seasonal design development, from concept to final artwork.

• Documentation of how color separations and camera-ready art are managed and executed for various printing techniques.

• Case studies or examples demonstrating problem-solving within the graphics production process, such as addressing technical limitations or vendor challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating not just creative talent but also process adherence and operational efficiency. The expectation is to see how the candidate has managed the practical aspects of design implementation, including technical handoffs and vendor interactions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 - $100,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Matching 401(k) plan to support retirement savings.

• Summer Fridays, offering extended weekends during summer months.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Employee merchandise discounts on Centric Brands products.

• Excellent career development and growth opportunities within the organization.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($95,000 - $100,000) is within the expected range for a Senior Graphic Designer in New York City with 4-7 years of experience, particularly within the fashion/apparel industry. The inclusion of "Summer Fridays" and "Generous PTO" are attractive benefits often found in creative or fast-paced industries. The explanation provided regarding salary factors (experience, industry knowledge, location, skills) is standard for competitive compensation practices.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel, Accessories, Entertainment, and Beauty. Centric Brands operates as a significant player in the consumer lifestyle product market, known for its portfolio of diverse brands. The company's focus on innovation and customer centricity suggests a dynamic and adaptive work environment.

Company Size: Centric Brands is a large organization, indicated by the implied employee count and broad market reach. This size suggests structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and potential for career advancement across various brands and departments.

Founded: Centric Brands has a history that informs its current market position, suggesting stability and established industry relationships. This foundation is crucial for understanding the company's operational maturity and its approach to brand management.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design team likely consists of a Design Director, Graphic Artists, and this Senior Graphic Designer role, focusing on the UA Kids division.

• Reporting structure will place the Senior Graphic Designer under the Design Director, with potential for mentoring or guiding Graphic Artists.

• Cross-functional collaboration is integral, involving close partnerships with other designers, product developers, merchants, production teams, and external vendors. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on sales needs, emerging trends, and market analysis in design development.

• Workflow planning and optimization are essential, given the need to translate creative concepts into timely and cost-effective finished products.

• Automation and efficiency are likely emphasized through the use of technology and streamlined processes for art creation, tech pack development, and vendor communication.

Company Website: http://www.centricbrands.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a culture that values innovation, creativity, and collaboration. For a Senior Graphic Designer, this means an environment where creative input is valued, but also where the operational realities of production and market demands are paramount. The focus on "customers and our brands" suggests a brand-centric operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires not only strong individual contribution and creative expertise but also the ability to manage projects, mentor junior staff (potentially), and influence design direction within the UA Kids category. This level often serves as a stepping stone to Design Lead or Art Director roles.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Design Director for the UA Kids division. This hierarchical structure allows for strategic guidance from leadership while providing the Senior Designer with autonomy in executing creative and operational tasks within their designated area.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the commercial success of the UA Kids product line by creating compelling graphics that drive consumer appeal and brand recognition. Their ability to manage the design-to-production workflow efficiently ensures that products can be brought to market on time and within budget, directly affecting revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within the Under Armour brand and the children's apparel market, potentially leading to category-specific leadership.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor Graphic Artists, lead smaller design projects, and gain experience in creative direction, paving the way for Art Director or Design Manager roles.

• Skill Expansion: Further development in areas such as PLM systems, advanced production techniques, and cross-functional operational management.

• Brand Portfolio Exposure: Potential to contribute to other brands within the Centric Brands portfolio, broadening design experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a level of operational responsibility beyond pure design execution. Candidates are expected to understand the business impact of their creative decisions and manage the processes that bring designs to life, aligning with the broader GTM strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting indicates a hybrid work arrangement (#LI-Hybrid), suggesting a blend of on-site work at the New York City office and remote work. This model aims to balance collaboration and flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10118. This prestigious location in Manhattan offers accessibility via public transportation and proximity to industry resources.

Workspace Context:

• The New York City office provides a professional environment for collaboration, team meetings, and client interactions.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite, Mac computers) is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with design teams, product developers, and other key stakeholders to facilitate a cohesive workflow.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the flexibility offered by the hybrid arrangement allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work. The fast-paced nature of the fashion industry may require occasional flexibility to meet seasonal deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of the modern workplace. For operations roles like this, it implies a need for strong self-management, clear communication protocols, and effective use of digital collaboration tools when working remotely, while still valuing in-person interaction for critical team processes and decision-making.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant design work. This is a critical stage where creative skills, technical proficiency, and understanding of apparel graphics are assessed.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Design Director or Hiring Manager to delve deeper into creative process, problem-solving abilities, trend research methodology, and operational experience.

• Cross-functional Interview: Potential interviews with members of the product development, production, or merchandising teams to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader product lifecycle.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a panel interview to discuss strategic contributions, leadership potential, and cultural fit within Centric Brands.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent your experience in apparel graphics, particularly for children's wear or brands with a similar aesthetic to UA Kids.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly outline the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Include examples of tech packs or production-ready art if possible.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize projects where you successfully managed timelines, collaborated with production teams, or navigated vendor relationships to ensure successful product delivery. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "designed graphics for a collection that exceeded sales targets by X%").

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of various production techniques (color separations, heat transfers, etc.).

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear headings and concise descriptions. Ensure it is easily accessible (e.g., a PDF or a professional online portfolio link).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a graphic concept for a specific UA Kids theme or adapting an existing design for a new product.

• Practice articulating your design rationale, explaining your creative choices, and discussing how your designs align with brand strategy and target audience needs.

• Brush up on current graphic design trends in the sportswear and children's apparel markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge underscores the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creative vision but also the operational discipline to bring that vision to market effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all graphic design, illustration, and layout tasks.

• Mac Computers: The standard operating system for this role, implying a need for familiarity and proficiency.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, presentations, and general office tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, the role requires an understanding of how graphic performance is measured. This might involve using internal sales data or market trend reports. CRM & Automation:

• PLM Software: Preferred experience, indicating familiarity with systems used for product lifecycle management, which are crucial for workflow tracking, specification management, and cross-functional communication in apparel development.

• Vendor Management Systems: Implicitly used for communication and tracking with external manufacturers and suppliers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Mac computers, alongside the preferred PLM experience, highlights the technical operational requirements. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable for efficient workflow and seamless integration into the company's product development pipeline.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: Designs are driven by understanding the target audience (kids, parents, athletes) and market demands.

• Innovation: Encourages creative thinking to develop fresh, trend-setting graphics that stand out.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with internal teams and external partners to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Commitment to delivering high-quality work within established deadlines and price points.

• Respect: Fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where contributions are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with design, product development, and production teams to ensure design feasibility and alignment throughout the product lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, concise, and constructive communication with all stakeholders, including vendors and internal partners.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that embraces constructive criticism and iterative design processes to refine concepts and ensure optimal outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, trend research, and production best practices within the team and with cross-functional partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a balance between creativity and operational execution. For a Senior Graphic Designer, this means being a creative problem-solver who also understands the business imperatives and operational constraints of bringing products to market.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Developing innovative designs that are also technically feasible, cost-effective, and can be produced on time.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and adapting to rapidly evolving fashion and graphic design trends in the competitive children's apparel market.

• Managing Multiple Brands/Categories: Potentially juggling design requirements for different product lines or sub-brands within the UA Kids portfolio.

• Intellectual Property Management: Ensuring all designs are original and do not infringe on existing copyrights or trademarks, requiring diligence and collaboration with legal teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore new design software features, printing technologies, and digital design strategies.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Expertise: Deepening knowledge and application of PLM systems for enhanced process control and efficiency.

• Brand Strategy Immersion: Gaining a deeper understanding of brand positioning, target audience psychology, and marketing strategies within the sports apparel sector.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Developing leadership skills through potential guidance of junior designers and contributing to team strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are common in the fast-paced apparel industry and require strong operational problem-solving skills alongside creative talent. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both creative and operational expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for researching and integrating graphic design trends into an apparel line, specifically for the children's market." (Focus on methodology, trend sources, and adaptation strategies).

• "How do you ensure your graphic designs are technically feasible and cost-effective for production, and what steps do you take to collaborate with production teams on this?" (Highlight process, communication, and problem-solving).

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a complex design project with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines. How did you prioritize tasks and ensure successful delivery?" (Emphasize project management, communication, and operational execution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Centric Brands and the UA Kids division specifically?" (Research the company's portfolio, mission, and the Under Armour brand's appeal to children).

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Share examples of teamwork, communication, and adaptability).

• "How do you measure the success of your graphic design work?" (Discuss impact on sales, brand recognition, and alignment with business objectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, narrate the journey from concept to completion, emphasizing your role, the challenges, and the operational steps taken.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images and concise descriptions.

• Highlight Operations: Point out specific examples of tech packs, color separations, or vendor collaborations within your portfolio to showcase your operational capabilities.

• Address the Brief: Clearly articulate how your designs met the original project brief and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also the operational acumen required for a Senior role. Candidates must be ready to discuss their process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate effectively within a structured product development environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in apparel graphic design, trend research, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any experience with PLM or production processes. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is updated, well-organized, and showcases projects relevant to apparel graphics for a brand like Under Armour Kids. Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your creative process and operational involvement.

• Research Centric Brands: Familiarize yourself with Centric Brands' portfolio of brands, company mission, and recent news. Understand the UA Kids brand positioning and target audience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and industry trends, focusing on how your skills align with the operational demands of the role.

⚠️ 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.

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