Graphic Design Manager

Interface, Inc. is building a strong in-house design function in Atlanta and needs a people-first, strategic leader to guide day-to-day graphic design work. As the Graphic Design Manager, you will help shape how the team operates, translate creative direction into executable priorities, and keep visual output aligned with brand strategy and merchandising goals across every touchpoint.

About the Role

You will be responsible for the team’s output, development, and operational management, partnering closely with senior creative and merchandising leaders. The role balances strategic thinking with hands-on quality oversight, helping others do great work through clear standards, reusable systems, and consistent creative guidance.

What You’ll Do

• Step in on high-visibility projects when needed, while primarily delegating and directing the team
• Establish and maintain design standards, templates, and reusable systems to improve efficiency
• Own the evolution of brand guidelines and visual systems, enabling consistent application across the team
• Represent the design team’s work and rationale to senior stakeholders, advocating for creative decisions
• Manage, mentor, and support a team of Graphic Designers
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and performance guidance
• Support professional development through goal setting, reviews, and skill-building
• Review design work and act as the quality bar for the team
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture
• Partner with the Creative Director to translate creative strategy into actionable design direction and team priorities
• Collaborate with the Visual Merchandising Manager to ensure design output supports merchandising strategies and product storytelling
• Collaborate with Creative Project Managers on resourcing
• Contribute to product launches and campaign planning by bridging creative vision with commercial objectives
• Serve as the design team’s voice in strategic conversations, providing insights on capacity, trends, and creative opportunities
• Partner with the Global Print Production Manager to drive innovative, sustainable print solutions that scale globally

Requirements

• 6–10+ years of professional design experience, primarily in brand or in-house environments
• Minimum 3 years of experience directly managing a team of graphic designers, including performance reviews, development plans, and workload allocation
• Experience managing a team of 3+ designers simultaneously
• Demonstrated strong design judgement through past work or team output
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite to review, guide, and evaluate the team’s work
• Strong understanding of typography, layout, color, and visual hierarchy to critique and elevate output
• Presentation skills
• Degree in Design Management, Communications, Marketing, or Graphic Design
• Formal or informal training in people management, coaching, or leadership development is a plus

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
• Project management tools

Nice to Have

• Experience scaling or evolving an in-house brand or design team
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
• Experience collaborating with external agencies or freelancers

Location and Work Environment

• Atlanta, GA (hybrid): 3 days per week in office / 2 days remote
• Occasional travel to events, trade shows, and manufacturing sites

What Success Looks Like

• Creative output is aligned with both brand strategy and merchandising goals
• The Creative Director and Visual Merchandising Manager see the role as a trusted strategic partner
• Low team attrition, with designers reporting high engagement and clear growth paths
• Consistently high-quality, on-brand design work
• Designers feel supported, challenged, and clear on expectations
• Stakeholders trust the team’s creative leadership and design judgement
• Improved brand consistency and creative quality across all touchpoints