Graphic Design Lead

Company Description

Design with impact, for our customers and business.

Starting with a single red ‘shed’ over 40 years ago, today The Warehouse Group has continued to evolve and is now home to some of Aotearoa’s most iconic brands. With rich history and significant presence in our Kiwi community, what remains clear is our laser-focus on our customers, markets and purpose to “Help Kiwis live better every day” while looking to excite, inspire, bring joy and deliver value through our products and offering.

Job Description

We’re looking for a talented and experienced product Graphic Design Lead to lead the creation & execution of on-trend graphics, prints, and patterns across apparel, home, and hard goods. Combining creative direction and hands on execution, you’ll lead a team of graphic designers to create commercially successful designs that resonate with our customers - balancing creativity, innovation, and commercial viability. Leading by example, mentoring for growth & development and embedding high performance, you’ll support the team in ensuring design excellence, workflow efficiencies and allocation is managed smoothly to meet business goals and critical paths.  

What You’Ll Do:

• Lead the creation of compelling, on-trend graphics across multiple product categories.
• Translate customer insights and trend forecasts into commercially viable designs.
• Manage design briefs, set priorities, and allocate workflow across the graphic design team.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Design, Buying, and Sourcing to align creative with business goals.
• Drive innovation by integrating emerging technologies and AI tools to streamline design processes.
• Oversee critical path timelines and ensure on-time delivery of design outputs.
• Mentor and support your team’s growth through coaching, feedback, and career development.

Qualifications

What You’Ll Bring:

• 10+ years of experience in apparel product design and graphic design, including 5+ years in a leadership role. Significant experience in apparel is crucial.
• Deep experience in design across product and ranging, trend and colour and translating this into commercial graphics and prints.
• Strong commercial design sensibility and a deep understanding of trends and customer needs.
• Proven experience managing design teams, critical paths, and cross-functional projects.
• In depth knowledge of printing and manufacturing techniques and the associated cost implications.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
• A collaborative mindset and passion for innovation and creative excellence.

Also, On Our Wish List:

• Experience in big-box retail environments.
• Experience with offshore teams and supplier collaboration and partnerships to deliver graphic design.
• Knowledge of digital and AI tools used in design workflows and experience with PLM systems.

Additional Information

Our teams balance hybrid working, up to 2 days from home. Conveniently located in Northcote, we offer free car parking on-site, EV charging on top of great discounts across brands, 26 weeks paid parental leave for permanent team members, birthday leave, wellbeing support and excellent opportunities within the business! 

The scope of this role is rare and unique. If you think your background might lend itself well to success here, then get in touch and we look forward to talking!