Sr Manager, Creative Design (NY based)

Overview Brief Description The Sr. Manager of Creative Design provides agile leadership for the Graphic Design team within the Pro Sports Hot Market division. This role translates high-level creative direction into executable plans, driving team performance and overseeing all graphic design output — including Creative Programs such as Localization, Collaborations, Special Collections, Event 1 initiatives, Hot Markets, Disney and other growth opportunities — while ensuring speed-to-market for both proactive and reactive programs for Pro Sports moments.

This role owns speed-to-market by identifying emerging trends, partnering cross-functionally, and delivering commercially relevant graphics for time-sensitive opportunities. This role balances entrepreneurial thinking with disciplined execution, managing internal designers, freelance resources, and art production and licensing partners.

Serving as a critical connector between the strategic direction set by the Sr. Director and Brand partners and the day-to-day work of the design team, the Sr. Manager coaches and develops team members, optimizes workflows, builds cross-functional alignment, and delivers measurable productivity and quality outcomes.

About Unrivaled Teamwear Unrivaled Teamwear serves as the parent company of Gear for Sports and Knights Apparel, each an industry leader in the sports and team apparel space. Our family of brands know what goes into great decorated garments, using top-quality fabrics and offering creative decoration options. Each brand offers customers a premier selection and exceptional service for all their sportswear needs, from t-shirts and caps to fleece, performance wear, and outerwear.

Job Responsibilities Creative Execution & Quality Oversight

• Art directs or supervises all Pro Sports graphic design projects —including sketch packs, and graphic boards — ensuring all work is completed in accordance with established policies, Pro Sports licensed guidelines, and on-time and within budget.
• Directs market-right research and development of new print, embroidery, and decoration processes; coordinates trend research at retail and relevant niche/hot markets to ensure design relevance and competitive positioning.
• Supervises the review and approval of all graphic designs (prints and embroideries), ensuring final art files meet quality standards and are delivered on schedule.
• Lead business development initiatives including Hot Markets, Localization, Special Collections, Event programs and other growth opportunities.
• Own creative execution for high-profile sports moments including Super Bowl, AFC/NFC Championships, NBA Playoffs, World Series, Stanley Cup, NCAA Championships and other key events.
• Evaluate market trends, retail insights and consumer behavior to identify new creative opportunities within the Hot Market and Localized graphic design space.
• Present creative concepts and business opportunity recommendations to leadership and cross-functional partners to grow the business in this space .
• Prioritize rapid-response projects while maintaining brand consistency and operational discipline.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborates with Brand and Retail Partners on appropriate graphics aligned with Pro Sports hot market direction
• Communicates clearly and partners effectively with internal and external clients; maintains departmental policies and procedures governing project flow and client interactions.
• Presents or supervises the presentation of graphic designs, decoration information, and graphic specifics to the division’s sales force or Retail buyers — verbally or in written form.

Operational Management & Process Improvement

• Manages day-to-day team operations across multiple design sub-groups; coordinates workload distribution, project prioritization, and resource allocation to maintain momentum across all active projects.
• Establishes and manages departmental budgets; monitors project costs and reports on financial performance.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance team efficiency, consistency of output, and creative quality.
• Manages or coordinates special projects as directed by the Sr Director – Creative Design, ensuring timely and high-quality execution.

Talent Development & Team Leadership

• Supports, trains, supervises, and formally reviews all direct reports — including Designers, Freelanc…