About Retrokid

Retrokid creates officially licensed apparel, collectibles, and nostalgic products inspired by the shows, characters, and moments that shaped a generation. From apparel and accessories to plush, packaging, and limited-edition collectibles, we're dedicated to creating products that connect fans with the brands they grew up loving.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Creative Operations Director to help lead our creative process, support product development, and build systems that keep our team moving efficiently.

The Role

This is a unique hybrid role that combines graphic design and illustration, creative project management, and creative operations.

You'll be responsible for creating and supporting design work while also managing workflows, timelines, approvals, and production handoffs across multiple product categories. You'll help ensure creative projects move smoothly from idea to final product while maintaining the quality and attention to detail Retrokid is known for.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable opening Adobe Illustrator, creating mood boards and scoping seasonal SKU roadmaps while organizing the product launch timeline, reviewing production proofs, coordinating licensing approvals, and helping improve internal processes. This role combines both art direction and creative design with project management and product commercialization.

What You'll Do

Graphic Design & Creative Development

- Lead the art direction and design process by creating artwork and concepts across apparel, accessories, collectibles, packaging, marketing, and promotional materials
- Conceptualize and prepare production-ready artwork and files for manufacturing partners
- Build and manage a pool of global artists to enhance Retrokid’s look and feel while maintaining project timelines and deadlines.
- Support product development through concept creation, revisions, and final asset preparation
- Collaborate with licensing studio partners to ensure artwork aligns with brand guidelines and legal requirements
- Assist in developing creative assets for product launches, email campaigns, ecommerce, and social media initiatives

Creative Operations & Workflow Management

- Manage creative projects from kickoff through final production handoff




- Build and maintain project timelines, launch calendars, and creative schedules
- Forecast seasonal and design trends as well as in-market product opportunities
- Be the subject-matter expert for all IP assets, creative, brand guidelines and requirements
- Organize approvals, revisions, proofing processes, and stakeholder feedback
- Help develop systems that improve efficiency, communication, and accountability across departments
- Ensure projects stay on schedule while maintaining creative quality

Product Development & Production

- Coordinate artwork approvals and production files with internal teams and external partners
- Review proofs and production files for accuracy and consistency
- Support packaging development and branded product initiatives
- Approve strike-offs and production samples to maintain a high-level of QC standards
- Serve as a bridge between Creative, Ecommerce, Marketing, Licensing, Customer Experience, and Production teams
- Help manage multiple product launches simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Process Improvement

- Create documentation, templates, and standardized operating procedures
- Identify workflow bottlenecks and recommend improvements
- Implement tools and systems that support a growing creative team
- Help scale creative operations without sacrificing quality or creativity

What We're Looking For

- 5 years of experience in Graphic Design, Art Direction, Creative Operations, Project Management, Product Development, or a related field
- Strong portfolio demonstrating graphic design and creative development work across apparel, accessories, merchandise, packaging, or consumer products
- Passion for fashion and nostalgia, with experience developing mood boards and conducting trend research across multiple IPs
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop




- Strong understanding of print production and production-ready artwork preparation
- Hands-on knowledge of apparel construction including cut & sew, tech-packs, embroidery
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills
- Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with a robust emphasis on relationship building
- A strong eye for detail and commitment to quality

Bonus Points

- Experience working with licensed brands and entertainment properties
- Apparel industry experience
- Packaging design experience
- Lived nostalgia experience. 80s, 90s, 00s pop culture savant
- Knowledge of ecommerce and product launch planning
- Experience with Asana, Monday.com, ClickUp, Airtable, Notion, or similar project management platforms
- Illustration skills
- Experience managing freelance designers or external creative partners

Perks

- Comprehensive health perks and mental health day allowances
- Monthly cell phone compensation
- Paid vacation and sick days
- Day-off on your birthday
- Flexible hours to accommodate your life outside of work
- Opportunities for personal growth and professional development

You'll Be Successful If You...

- Love both designing and organizing
- Enjoy building systems that help creative teams do their best work
- Can balance creativity with tight deadlines and process
- Thrive in a fast-moving environment where priorities can shift quickly
- Have a passion for nostalgia, pop culture, and creating products fans genuinely love

Why Retrokid?

At Retrokid, you'll work on officially licensed products tied to some of the most beloved brands and franchises of all time. You'll have a direct impact on the products our customers collect, wear, and share, while helping shape the creative systems that power a rapidly growing company.

If you're a creative leader who loves design, organization, product development, and bringing ideas to life from concept to production, we'd love to hear from you. Open to US and fully remote applicants.

To apply, please submit your resume, portfolio, and a short note explaining why you'd be a great fit for Retrokid.

📌 Creative Operations Director (Toronto)
🏢 Retrokid
📍 Toronto