Job Description

Company Description:

Mad Engine is a leading Global Apparel and Accessories company that caters to all genders and sizes across a full range of licensed, private label, branded and influencer/celebrity products. With an evolving omni-channel distribution network, Mad Engine services direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, mass retail, mid-tier, department stores and specialty retail. Our talented and experienced team of artists and designers obsessively strive to deliver innovative products to fully meet the needs of our customers and brands.

Purpose:

The Lead Graphic Designer is responsible for setting the creative vision, guiding the design team, and ensuring delivery of innovative, brand-right, and commercially successful apparel graphics. This role will balance hands-on design responsibilities with leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration to strengthen brand image and drive company growth globally.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Mentorship

Lead, inspire, and mentor a team of graphic designers, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and innovation. Provide constructive feedback and guidance to elevate the quality of design work across the team. Serve as a point of contact between the design team, product development, and sales teams.

Creative Direction

Define seasonal graphic design direction aligned with brand strategy and licensing requirements. Ensure adherence to licensor guidelines while pushing for innovation in design concepts. Anticipate and interpret market trends to guide the team in developing relevant, on-trend graphics.

Execution & Oversight

Oversee the development of apparel graphics, including placed prints, embellishments, novelty applications, and AOP prints. Ensure accuracy, scalability, and production-readiness of all designs. Manage timelines and deliverables for the team, ensuring on-time completion of projects.

Collaboration

Partner closely with Product Development, Sales, and Licensing teams to deliver graphics that meet customer, market, and business objectives. Present design concepts to internal stakeholders and licensors, influencing decision-making with a strong creative point of view. Troubleshoot production issues with solution-driven recommendations.

Innovation & Research

Stay current with design trends, graphic techniques, and consumer insights to keep product fresh and competitive. Introduce new creative processes, tools, and methods to improve efficiency and output.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field (preferred). 4+ years of professional graphic design experience, including leadership or mentoring responsibilities. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign). Strong understanding of apparel design, garment construction, and production processes. Excellent communication, organizational, and presentation skills. Ability to balance hands-on design work with leadership responsibilities. Repeat AOP Print Pattern making and tech pack experience highly preferred. 3D rendering skills a plus.

What We're Looking For

A creative leader who is passionate about apparel graphics, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings both strategic vision and design excellence to the table. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who inspires others while contributing fresh, innovative ideas.