Graphic Design Manager Job Listing at Kelly Services in Des Plaines, IL (Job ID US3562119_BH9815595)

Description

Job Title: Graphic Design Manager
Reports To: Executive Leadership
Industry: Manufacturing
Salary: $60,000 - $70,000
Location: Oakley Signs & Graphics – Onsite
Location: on site – Des Plaines, IL
Job Type: Full-time Position Overview
We're seeking a Design Operations Manager who combines creative vision with operational rigor. This full-time role will lead our in-house graphic design and production art team—guiding creative quality, optimizing daily operations, and mentoring a team of at least two direct reports.
You'll work hands-on with tools like Adobe Illustrator (critical) and support both high-volume production and high-impact visual innovation. Print experience is strongly preferred. Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of 2+ production artists; create a culture of ownership, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Creative Direction: Stay ahead of design trends to ensure Oakley's visual products remain fresh, relevant, and competitive.
• Workflow Management: Oversee the art workflow from order intake through print-readiness, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure files meet production standards through rigorous review and QA processes.
• Performance Tracking: Set team goals, track KPIs, and drive accountability through clear performance metrics.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work with Sales, Procurement, and Customer Service to ensure seamless execution and issue resolution.
• Tool & Process Leadership: Champion best practices in Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator) and signage design for print.
• Creative Innovation: Offer input on layout, materials, and design enhancements to elevate the customer experience.

What You Bring

• 5+ years in graphic production, prepress, or signage design
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership or management role
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (Photoshop a plus)
• Strong understanding of CMYK, RGB, spot color, and print production standards
• Experience in fast-paced, deadline-driven creative environments
• Skilled at implementing workflow systems and team KPIs
• Clear communicator and team-first mindset
• Experience in the signage or large-format printing space is a major plus

Compensation & Schedule

• Salary: $60,000 – $70,000 annually (based on experience)
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8-hour shift (some flexibility available)
• Hours: 40 hours/week

Benefits

• 401(k) with 4% company match (Voya)
• Medical & Dental Insurance (Aetna)
• Vision Insurance (VSP)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Leadership Development Opportunities

Paid Time Off (PTO):

• Year 1: 11 days (5 upfront, 6 accrued)
• Years 2–4: 14 days (accrued)
• Year 5+: 20 days (accrued)

Paid Holidays (9 Days):

• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day After Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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