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.
