Graphic Design Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Riegel USA Inc – Eastvale, CA
Create Products People Want to Pick Up

At MK Lighter, we believe great design turns everyday products into something people are excited to discover, pick up, and use.

We're seeking a Graphic Design Manager who combines outstanding hands-on creative skills with the ability to lead and inspire a design team. You'll shape the creative direction of our product collections while actively designing original artwork, product graphics, packaging, and retail presentations.

This is a hands-on creative leadership role, not a purely administrative management position.

What You'll Do

Creative Direction & Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor designers, providing creative direction, feedback, and support.
• Develop original concepts for product collections across different styles and consumer markets.
• Review designs for originality, visual impact, brand consistency, and production readiness.
• Manage creative priorities, deadlines, and design quality across projects.
• Translate consumer trends into fresh, commercially appealing product concepts.

Original Product & Graphic Design

• Personally create original illustrations, patterns, wrap graphics, and artwork for lighter bodies.
• Develop seasonal, lifestyle, fashion-inspired, streetwear, retro, and character-based collections.
• Explore diverse visual styles, color combinations, and creative approaches.
• Support OEM, private-label, and customer-specific artwork development.
• Turn original concepts into practical, production-ready designs.

Packaging & Production

• Design retail packaging, including blister cards, boxes, and cartons.
• Create packaging concepts that enhance shelf appeal and complement product artwork.
• Prepare accurate production files and coordinate with overseas factories.
• Resolve artwork and production issues while maintaining design standards.

Brand & Product Presentation

• Oversee product catalogs, trade show graphics, retail presentations, and marketing materials.
• Create and review mockups, product visuals, and photo retouching.
• Collaborate with sales, product development, and manufacturing teams on new product launches.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of professional graphic design experience , preferably in consumer products, packaging, accessories, or related industries.
• Experience leading creative projects, mentoring designers, or directing design teams.
• A strong portfolio showcasing original illustration, product graphics, packaging design, and creative versatility .
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Strong illustration, typography, composition, and color skills.
• Ability to develop original artwork rather than relying primarily on templates or stock graphics.
• Experience preparing designs for physical production and printing.
• Strong communication, creative judgment, and project management skills.
• Ability to balance hands-on design with team leadership.
• Passion for consumer trends, retail products, and innovative design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Graphic Design Manager, Art Director, Creative Lead, or Senior Designer.
• Experience designing consumer products, accessories, toys, giftware, or lifestyle merchandise.
• Experience with major retail packaging programs and overseas manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Adobe Dimension, Blender, Cinema 4D, or similar 3D tools.
• Experience creating fashion, streetwear, seasonal, or character-based graphics.

Why Join MK Lighter?

• Create real products: See your artwork become products sold in stores nationwide.
• Lead creatively: Shape product collections while remaining hands-on.
• Make an impact: Influence how products look and connect with customers.
• Explore diverse styles: Work across trends, themes, and consumer markets.
• Grow with the team: Mentor designers and help strengthen our creative process.
• Collaborate: Bring ideas to life alongside sales, product development, and manufacturing teams.