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 strong 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

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

Experience managing freelance designers or external creative partnersComprehensive health benefits 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 workplace 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 USA/remote applicants.]

📌 Creative Operations Director (Winnipeg)
🏢 Retrokid
📍 Winnipeg