Graphic Design Supervisor

Purpose of the Position

The Graphic Design Supervisor leads and manages a team of graphic designers, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of all necessary design projects. This role requires a blend of creativity, leadership, and project management to guide the design team as well as close collaboration with the Digital Marketing Manager, VP of Marketing and Brand, and groups external to marketing to meet organizational objectives.

Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

·       Leads the graphic design team in the preparation and production of all graphics and layouts necessary to support advertising, tradeshows, social media, products, packaging, giveaways, and other marketing deliverables.

·       Creates and ensures proper usage of all tradeshows, social, and design templates.

·       Directly supervises Graphic Designers in the development and execution of all deliverables, assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as needed to meet deadlines and quality standards.

·       Reviews design work of all graphics personnel and provides feedback and mentorship to ensure consistency of design.

·       Maintains and updates Thorlabs’ Brand Guidelines.

·       Works with the Graphics Production Supervisor to ensure Graphic Designers remain up to date on production standards and contribute to production needs as required to fulfill ecommerce-related graphical business needs.

·       Works closely with Marketing Managers and external stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes, addressing quality issues or design inconsistencies.

·       Identifies ways to increase the productivity and efficiency of the design team as well as overall quality of our graphic design outputs. Considers changes to processes that would improve workflow/productivity.

·       Participates in the development of the preliminary annual budget, monitors and controls expenditures in accordance with established limitations.

·       Trains existing personnel on usage of new programs and retrains when skill gaps are identified. Develops and leads training sessions aimed at improving skills.

·       Works with external vendors on the production of graphical content, seeking multiple bids as appropriate to manage costs.

·       Communicates with stakeholders as needed to understand their needs and provide design solutions.

·       Through online courses, workshops, or personal reading, stays informed about the latest trends, tools, and technologies in graphical design. Regularly experiments with new design styles and tools, implementing those deemed effective.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

Physical Activities:

This is largely a sedentary role. This may require the ability to lift, bend, or stand as necessary. The employee may occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience:

·       5+ years of graphic design experience. 

Education:

·       Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field or equivalent work experience

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced mastery of the Adobe Suite of Programs
• Able to conceptualize and design project scope through to final project.

• Strong art portfolio, demonstrating expertise in graphic design for various marketing collateral.

• Strong oral and written communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working in a team environment.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to self-review work for accuracy and brand adherence.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced team environment, multi-task, be detail oriented, and successfully maintain high quality work.

• Demonstrated work ethic, ownership, and accountability; ability to individually drive initiatives.

• Strong project management skills to deliver successful outcomes on time and within budget

Organizational Relationships

Direct Reports:

Graphic Designers

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.