Merchandise Design Manager (Product Design)

Merchandise Design Manager (Product Design)The Merchandise Design Manager will partner closely with the VP of Merchandise and the Art Director to shape the league's long-term product vision, balancing creativity, brand integrity, and commercial performance across every fan touchpoint. This role leads the creative development and execution of licensed consumer products across the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), Women's Lacrosse League (WLL), and The Lacrosse Network (TLN), translating league, team, and player stories into compelling merchandise that fuels fan engagement and supports one of professional sports' fastest-growing brands.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the creative direction and graphic design of licensed merchandise across PLL, WLL, TLN, and league tentpole events spanning apparel, headwear, accessories, collectibles, and hard goods.Develop original concepts, graphics, color palettes, and seasonal collections that align with league storytelling while maintaining brand consistency.Partner with Merchandise Planning, Product Management, and cross-functional stakeholders to develop commercially viable assortments that balance fan demand with business objectives.Translate league initiatives, cultural trends, and consumer insights into innovative products that drive fan engagement and revenue.Manage multiple seasonal product calendars simultaneously, ensuring creative deliverables are completed on time to support merchandising, marketing, and league launch schedules.Develop production-ready artwork and comprehensive technical packages (tech packs) that clearly communicate construction, materials, decoration methods, sizing, placement, and specifications to manufacturing partners.Partner with domestic and international vendors to ensure product intent is accurately executed from concept through final production.Apply an advanced understanding of apparel decoration techniques including screen printing, embroidery, appliqué, woven labels, patches, sublimation, and specialty embellishments to develop commercially viable products.Balance creativity with commercial objectives, including margin, pricing, quality, and production requirements.Ensure products meet quality, cost, and timeline expectations.Continuously monitor trends across sports, fashion, streetwear, retail, and popular culture, translating relevant insights into commercially successful merchandise collections.Identify emerging product opportunities, silhouettes, decoration techniques, and materials that keep the league's product assortment fresh and competitive.Ensure visual consistency and uphold league and team brand standards across all licensed consumer products.Collaborate closely with Merchandise Planning, Marketing, League Creative, Licensing, Partnerships, and other internal stakeholders to bring seasonal product strategies to market.Partner directly with Nike, STX, licensees, and domestic and international manufacturing partners throughout the product development lifecycle.Present seasonal concepts, product line reviews, and creative direction to senior leadership, incorporating feedback into final product execution.Manage external creative resources including freelance designers when needed.Review prototypes and production samples.Approve artwork and color standards.Coordinate design revisions through sampling, approvals, and commercialization.What Success Looks LikeDeliver commercially successful products across multiple categories.Successfully launch multiple seasonal merchandise collections on time.Help define the future visual identity of PLL merchandise.Strengthen creative partnerships with Nike and key licensees.Improve product development speed and operational efficiency.Build scalable design systems that support future league growthPreferred QualificationsExperience designing licensed sports or consumer merchandise.Experience working with Nike or other premium consumer brands.Knowledge of product development across apparel, accessories, and hardgoods.Experience collaborating with overseas manufacturers and sourcing partners.Passion for sports, fashion, and fan culture.Requirements5–8+ years of experience in apparel, graphic, or consumer product design.Strong portfolio showcasing apparel graphics, product design, and collection development.Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign).Experience creating production-ready artwork and detailed technical packages (Tech Packs).Working knowledge of print production, apparel construction, and garment decoration techniques.Ability to manage multiple product calendars and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Experience presenting creative concepts and incorporating feedback from senior stakeholders.Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.What Makes Someone SuccessfulThink like both an artist and a merchant.Obsess over great product.Sweat the details.Move quickly without sacrificing quality.Welcome feedback and iteration.Can switch from designing a premium Nike jersey to a commemorative collectible in the same afternoon.Are energized by building something rather than maintaining it.Why This Role is DifferentThis is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of professional lacrosse merchandise. As one of the league's lead designers, your work won't live in presentations, it will be worn by athletes, fans, and teams across North America. From Nike jerseys to championship collections, special event capsules, and emerging product categories, you'll have the opportunity to influence how one of the fastest-growing sports properties is experienced by millions of fans.Compensation$80,000 – $95,000 annuallyBased on the candidate's experience, seniority, and locationThe total compensation package includes Annual Bonus, Health, Life, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401(k) plan, Equity Sharing, Mental Health Stipend, Unlimited PTO, and Paid Parental LeaveWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.