Art Production Developer

Who We Are:

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) is the parent company of Wrangler, Lee and Rock & Republic, with owned manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Nicaragua. Kontoor also owns and operates over 140 retail stores across the globe. Our global company employs more than 15,000 people in 65 countries, with world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, and regional headquarters in Geneva and Hong Kong.

Job Posting:

Kontoor Art Production Developer- Lee & Wrangler

Job Summary

The Kontoor Art Production Developer will assist the Art Production Manager in ensuring best-in-class execution of graphic knits for the Lee and Wrangler brands.

The primary responsibility of this role will be transforming art designs into production-ready schematic packages, including color separations for screen engraving. This person will review art files received for accuracy and production-readiness, collaborating with the Graphic Design and Merchandising teams to ensure artwork schematics best represent the desired execution of the finished product. Applicants must be able to work with all types of images, from complex raster to vector graphics, with a demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Additional responsibilities include assisting the Art Production Manager with reviewing and commenting on print submits, ensuring the organization and proper storage of both digital production files and physical print submits, as well as assisting with data entry tasks. Success in this role is measured by the accuracy of artwork schematic packages, adherence to set deadlines, the ability to work efficiently and independently, as well as contributing to the overall success of the Graphic Business Unit.

The ideal candidate will have a goal oriented and analytical mindset, the ability to project manage simultaneous deliverables, a strong attention to detail, an interest in retail, and a can-do attitude. An ideal candidate will find inspiration in the creative problem solving necessary to develop best-in-class product, demonstrate a genuine interest in apparel textile and print/embellishment trends, and is passionate about the opportunity to continuously learn and build upon their current skillset.

Responsibilities

• Review all artwork received for accuracy and production-readiness, preforming any necessary adjustments to ensure best-in-class execution.
• Perform electronic color separations of inhouse or freelance-supplied artwork, while adhering to Art Production SOP guidelines.
• Create production-ready artwork schematic packages that clearly communicate artwork size, placement, print/embellishment techniques, and color standards.
• Ensure print/embellishment submits are available at key milestone meetings and are presented in an organized fashion.
• Assist Art Production Manager with various tasks such as submit comments and reviews, troubleshooting execution issues, entering information into Direct Development Trackers, and providing partners with art schematics when requested.
• Receive and unpack deliveries of strike-offs and printed garment samples. Maintain organization of GBU sample closet, facilitating inter-office shipments and seasonal archiving of submits.
• Maintain clean and accurate production files, as well as overall file organization on Art Production/Design servers.

Leadership

• Collaborates with cross functional partners in Design, Merchandising, and Product Development to gain understanding of customer and account expectations, incorporating insights into Art Production related functions.
• Collaborates with Merchandising Specialists to ensure accurate data entry in Direct Development Trackers, as well as coordinating submit/sample deliveries for key meetings.
• Strong attention to detail, with an ability to identify solutions for improving development submits and streamlining process.
• Ability to receive direction and efficiently preform independent work, as well as engage peers and cross functional partners in collaborative settings.
• Proactively supports the team; supporting the Art Production Manager in all aspects of Art Production related tasks, as well as supporting the graphic design team as needed to ensure best-in-class execution of artworks received.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Textiles, Graphic Design, or a related field. Professional experience in corporate apparel design, product development, or graphic design required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop and Illustrator, required. Experience with color separation software such as Aquario/Ned Graphics is preferred.
• Knowledge of textile print and embellishment methods, global apparel development and/or manufacturing practices highly desired. Genuine interest in staying up to date on current print/embellishment, textile and apparel trends, preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools. Experience with Smartsheet or Box software preferred.
• Effective communication and presentation skills necessary to present print/embellishment submits to cross functional partners.
• Strong attention to detail, can do problem-solving mindset, and a passion for learning.
• Ability to multi-task and change priority focus quickly without missing deliverable dates.
• Team player with an ability to always uphold professional and respectful communication.
• Tactically sound, accountable, and efficient, as well as strategically aware and engaged with cross functional team members to leverage our unique brand levers to create end consumer excitement.

Why Kontoor Brands?

At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle and our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products.

When our employees are healthy, secure and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family's needs - now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays and tuition reimbursement.

Our Kontoor D&I Mission

At Kontoor, we believe thatD&I isa key enabler to aculturethat empowers us to work with passion and confidence, shaping our brand and future.

Our Kontoor D&I Commitment

• Create a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents
• Ensure an equitable environment that attracts & promotes diverse workforce
• Foster inclusivity, ensuring employees feel they can bring their whole selves to work