Graphic Designer (Apparel)

New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New Era Cap is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era Cap encourages people to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products.

Since 1920, this family‑owned business has hired employees who are masters of their craft. We are innovators, architects of culture, experts, and forward thinkers. We demand excellence because we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the authenticity of our brand.

Interested in working with us? Check out this exciting opportunity at New Era Cap’s Headquarters (HQ) building located in downtown Buffalo, NY. This role is 100% on‑site, encouraging employees to collaborate and connect in person five days a week. HQ offers an inviting atmosphere, complete with an on‑site cafe, fitness center, and Flagship store.

Apply to join New Era's team! We are seeking a talented and creative

Graphic Designer (Apparel)

to join our graphic design team in developing innovative and trend‑forward graphics for our apparel collections. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in graphic design, a keen eye for fashion trends, and experience working on a fast‑paced design team. This role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to balance creativity and commercial viability while ensuring brand consistency across all designs.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute graphic concepts ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends (i.e., in‑line quarterly programs, eCommerce exclusives, branded projects, M2O Product, Key Account Custom Product, and Brand Collaborations)

Collaborate closely with product developers, fashion designers, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive storytelling across apparel lines

Aid the design team in the creation of graphic assets, including prints, patterns, typography, logos, and illustrations, tailored for various garment styles

Conduct market research to stay ahead of fashion trends, colors, and competitor analysis to inform design decisions

Ensure all designs meet brand standards, technical requirements, and production feasibility

Manage design workflows, project timelines, and deadlines, ensuring smooth execution from concept to final production

Work with vendors and suppliers to develop and approve graphic techniques, applications, and print processes

Present design concepts and collections to internal teams and stakeholders for feedback and approval

Maintain a digital library of artwork, patterns, and design assets for future use and reference

Create accurate and thorough design packs for development and vendors to ensure proper execution

Adhere to design and development calendars to ensure timely delivery of protos and salesman samples

Innovate new apparel concepts and stories and champion their entrance into the market

Design/Create relevant, on‑trend apparel to work within both Licensed Product parameters and New Era Branded guidelines

Collaborate with Product Development and Sourcing Teams to develop products utilizing standardized colors, embellishments, techniques and silhouettes

Keep all sensitive matters confidential

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong portfolio showcasing a range of apparel graphic design work, including print, typography, and branding

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other design software

Understanding of textile printing techniques, fabric applications, and production processes

Ability to interpret market trends and translate them into compelling designs

Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Expert of design craft, innovation, graphic applications, prints, processes, and tools

Capable of managing the design process and partnering with development groups and upper management

Follows through with all tasks, assignments to meet product development calendar

Lead through clear communication, authentic style and appropriate actions

Ability to establish relationships and interact with various levels within the organization

Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and efficiently prioritize workday to maximize productivity

Enthusiastic, pro‑active, and positive person who adapts to change and with urgency and persistence

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of professional sports leagues and teams

Proficient in understanding limitations to the embroidery and screen‑printing process

Demonstrate a strong graphic ability in custom logo and wordmark design; can provide a portfolio of creative work demonstrating this

Actively participate in design critiques

Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs

Education and Experience

Three (3) to Five (5) years related experience in a Graphic design and/or soft goods embroidery/screen‑printing environment

Bachelor's Degree in Design preferred; relevant job experience in lieu of degree will be considered

Portfolio is required for application to be considered

Travel Requirement

The location for this position is 100% on‑site in Buffalo, NY

0% to 5%; domestic and/or global

New Era Cap, LLC is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that believes in inclusion and does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

The salary range for this posted position is $60,000 - $72,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation will fall within this range and is determined by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience.

Our casual work environment celebrates individuality and encourages employees to showcase their personal style. We pride ourselves on offering competitive compensation, a generous PTO policy, along with world‑class benefits designed to promote health, financial stability, and personal growth.

As an employee, you'll enjoy a range of perks, including paid parking, exclusive discounts on apparel and headwear, and professional development opportunities right here on‑site.

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