Graphic Designer II in Manchester

The Graphic Designer II plays a key role in the creative development of apparel graphics, with a strong focus on concept ideation, trend and market research, and consumer insights to drive design direction. This position goes beyond template replication to include original design creation that aligns with brand identity, resonates with target audiences, and supports the strategic vision of sports-licensed product lines.

In this role, the designer will research trends, analyze consumer behavior, and translate insights into compelling graphics that balance innovation with brand consistency. A high level of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is required to execute and refine designs across multiple styles and formats.

The Graphic Designer II collaborates closely with cross-functional teams—including Product Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Production Art, the Imaging Team, and Operations—to ensure designs are both aesthetically impactful and production-ready. This position offers the opportunity to elevate creative output while continuing to refine technical skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment fueled by a passion for quality and fan engagement.

• Lead creative ideation and original graphic concept development for apparel.
• Conduct trend and market research to inform design direction and ensure relevance.
• Apply a consumer-focused approach to ensure designs resonate with target audiences.
• Translate concepts into production-ready graphics across apparel, headwear, and jersey categories.
• Roll‑out designs across Fanatics’ license partners and create overviews for partner & buyer presentations, handing these over to the Production Art team when needed.
• Manage the graphics adopted for the international market from the US market – including requesting art from the US team, adapting graphics, finalising license submit sheets and setting up artwork.
• Build out licensing sheets and related work in collaboration with the Licensing Team to submit for partner approvals.
• Execute decoration changes involving any size or technique change, which may require the revision and reposting of updated vendor files.
• Support and partner with Design Managers/Leads to replicate apparel design templates in line with league or branded needs, with low level supervision.
• Responsible for creating computer generated and/or full colour graphics output that can be processed or layer separated through internal technology for apparel, jersey, and headwear products.
• Turn concepts into print – buy ready deliverables while understanding the full production process.
• Gain technical knowledge of graphic setups, application type graphic preparation, typography, colour matching, application processes that are industry known is necessary for success.
• Build out technical graphics to support innovative machines and changes to processes, that detail specific template attributes necessary for replication.
• Maintain the aesthetic integrity of replicated fonts and detailed graphics for our licensed partners.
• Responsible for colour matching product across multiple product categories.
• Assist Design Managers/Leads with flex assignments as needed.
• Work on a variety of assignments on an as-needed basis.
• Maintain records, documents, and other files.
• Maintain archive of images, photos and previous work products.
• Assist Designers on art setup of vendor/supplier art files working to AI, PDF, PSD & PNG formats.
• Accurately call‑out any conflicting data on art files & systems such as items ID (graphic codes), decoration types & colours.

• Must have intermediate to advanced level experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Functional computer skills and familiarity with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with Pantone Matching System.
• Understanding fonts, typefaces, and ability to cross reference, match, and replicate.
• Graphic and font replication experience needed to maintain aesthetic for licensed business groups.
• Demonstrate some apparel embellishment knowledge.
• Ability to thrive and deliver results in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Works well collaboratively with a team as well as individually.

• Associate’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts or related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training, or work experience that equals 3 to 5 years of experience in Apparel, Licensing or Sports related experience.
• Can provide a strong professional portfolio showcasing a wide range of skills/abilities.

Benefits: At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life; as such we offer a range of competitive benefits tailored to each country in which we operate.