PD Art Design Manager

Position: PD Art Design Manager

Position Summary: As the PD Art Design Manager, you will be responsible for the artwork of RGS products. This includes overseeing the artwork concept, artwork creation and artwork production of new product introductions, updating current product artwork as deemed necessary and continuing to update product reprints. You will oversee art concepts that align with the brand, business objectives, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure production quality of artwork for RGS products.

Key Responsibilities:

Management Oversee the designers of PD Art by hiring, training, assigning, and mentoring staff.

• Collaborate with RGS Product Development and Merchandising teams to oversee design of proprietary products, aligning team priorities with business objectives.
• Set schedules for artwork production, aligning cross-functionally with Product Development and Merchandising teams to deliver high-quality work on time to vendors.
• Lead the internal design process through its steps via Monday.com to ensure sign-off from all cross-functional teams on final product artwork files.
• Ensure team adheres to current processes and SOPs, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and efficiencies, leveraging AI and the current project management tools.
• Analyze market trends, consumer needs, and the competitive landscape of competitors to continue to develop the RGS visual guidelines for product lines.

Concept & Design Essential functions and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee and guide designers in conceptual work for product art, translating rough product concepts provided by RGS Product Development team, into product art that meets the specified need.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Merchandising teams to provide constructive ideas to achieve the best product art under scheduled timelines and costs.
• Guide the designers in artwork creation of new products for grade levels Pre-K through 5th

Art Production Essential functions and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supply finished files to international and domestic vendors and archive all digital assets. Communicate timelines and revisions needed with the vendors.
• Responsible for validity of files to be produced or printed properly.
• Assess reprints needed by working with Purchasing during the PO process.
• Review and evaluate vendor proofs.

AI Experience Preferred qualifications and experience may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Demonstrated experience leveraging AI-powered tools within Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., generative fill, Firefly, and automation features) to streamlining production workflows.
• Proficiency with tools such as ChatGPT to enhance ideation, support content creation, and improve day-to-day workflow efficiency.
• Experience working within monday.com, including leveraging AI-powered features and automations to optimize project management, and improve team efficiency.
• Proven ability to explore and implement emerging AI technologies to evolve creative processes, reduce manual effort, and drive innovation across design and production.