Graphic Design Manager

NIS America, Inc. is seeking a Graphic Design Manager to run the day-to-day operations of its Graphic Design team and help ensure creative work is delivered on time and at a high standard. Based in Santa Ana, CA (onsite), this role combines leadership of workflow and schedules with hands-on design contributions for priority, complex, or time-sensitive projects.

This position also partners across teams including D2C, Operations, Localization, Porting, Marketing, and LR to translate goals into production-ready creative. It plays an active part in shaping long-term visual strategy and brand evolution while supporting multiple simultaneous initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Assign tasks based on designer strengths, workload, and project priorities.
• Manage team schedules, monitor progress, and ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Identify bottlenecks early and implement solutions to keep projects on track.
• Maintain structured workflows that support efficient production and clear communication.
• Partner with D2C, Operations, Localization, Porting, Marketing and LR teams to understand project goals and creative requirements.
• Align creative output with marketing campaigns, product launches, and event timelines.
• Contribute to long-term visual strategy and brand evolution, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.
• Support cross-functional initiatives by providing creative insights and direction.
• Oversee creation of packaging, key art, promotional materials, digital assets, merchandise designs, and event graphics.
• Review and approve design deliverables for accuracy, brand consistency, and production readiness.
• Ensure all assets meet technical specifications for print and digital use.
• Maintain and evolve brand guidelines and ensure consistent application across all creative outputs.
• Establish and refine workflows, documentation, templates, and file management practices.
• Improve efficiency through standardized processes and better cross-team alignment.
• Ensure proper version control, archiving, and accessibility of creative assets.
• Promote continuous improvement in creative operations.
• Contribute directly to design production for key visuals, packaging, promotional materials, merchandise, and event graphics.
• Step in for high-priority, urgent, or complex tasks to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Develop visual concepts, layouts, and production-ready files when needed.
• Support the team by demonstrating best practices and elevating overall creative quality.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and business needs.
• Partner with PMO and project managers to maintain accurate schedules.
• Communicate proactively with stakeholders regarding project status, risks, and dependencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in graphic design, creative production, or visual communication.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership or management role.
• Strong project management skills with proven ability to manage deadlines and delegate effectively.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in print, packaging, digital assets, and brand design.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and others).
• Experience managing external creative vendors or freelancers.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Passion for video games and familiarity with Japanese titles.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• InDesign
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft Office

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k plan
• Paid holidays
• 88 hours of vacation in the first year
• 56 hours sick leave per year
• Discretionarily Year-end bonus (TBD) may be available

Preferred Qualifications

• Japanese language skills (written and spoken) for licensor communication.
• Experience working with first-party platform holders (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo) or PC storefront partners.
• Experience in gaming, entertainment, or consumer products.
• Knowledge of print production processes, merchandise production, and large-format event graphics.
• Understanding of video game concepts, terms, and gameplay (especially RPGs).
• Familiarity with JRPG history, structure, and visual trends.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is typically performed either in an office environment with a moderate noise level or at your home.
• Frequently sit; occasionally must stand, walk, use hands and fingers; may lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include reading and analyzing data in hard copy and on a computer screen, measuring or identifying using eyesight, and adjusting focus.
• Abilities to communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups.

Compensation: USD 90,000 - 120,000 per yearly.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes.

Health care: effective first of the month following 30 days waiting period.

401K: Require 3 months of service to be eligible.