Artwork Project Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

SGK is recruiting for a Graphics Coordinator/Artwork Project Manager to be based onsite in Johannesburg with our client SC Johnson.

The Onsite Graphics Coordinator is a strategic partner to all local stakeholders in the graphics packaging process. They are the go-to person for executing packaging graphics projects and provides the “feet on the ground” giving the client on-site leadership and serving as an advocate for the brand. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work alongside key stakeholders in Marketing, Activity Managers, Design, Packaging Development and Print Partners to create and agree the critical path timeline
• Facilitate open and regular communication between key stakeholders to ensure clear understanding of project objectives
• Attend meetings with cross functional teams
• Full accountability for the packaging project timeline from the point of project inception to print file delivery 
• Ensure milestones are kept on task escalating any blocks for resolution to the Activity Manager.
• Police the projects within the sphere of control to ensure adherence to process
• Help and support the local marketing to build the artwork guide
• Open projects within an online workflow system
• Ensure all briefing inputs are suitable to initiate a project
• Manage the artwork approval process; quality check of brief
• Help ensure colour is managed from design to Epson proof to printed materials
• Attend first print run if needed
• Create and maintain the category activity plan to ensure early visibility of peak volumes and potential clashed
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the business so challenges and opportunities may be anticipated or avoided, and solutions can be offered quickly
• Initiate, foster and maintain positive working relationships with both external and internal clients
• Identify opportunities to drive continuous improvement of the process with the aim of always providing the quickest and most efficient journey to the end goal
• Lead and participate in Post Implementation Reviews, providing project data to highlight areas of learning or improvement for future
• Provide agreed KPI data for category on monthly/quarterly basis
• Manage liaison and process improvements
• Provide a thorough and comprehensive handshake to the Internal Project Manager at the production milestone. 
• Identify and develop opportunities to deliver additional services for your client

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Degree within an appropriate discipline such as Business, Graphic Arts, Marketing, etc or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Robust previous experience of critical path management and cradle to grave packaging graphics development
• Strong knowledge of consumer product packaging, production artwork, repro and print services
• Demonstrates excellent communication ability both written and verbal, and strong listening skills
• Outstanding presentation and customer relationship development skills
• Highly adaptable and flexible with the ability to multi-task and prioritise. Demonstrates good attention to detail 
• Idea generator with strong analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and innovative solution capabilities
• Motivated, autonomous and self-directed attitude requiring negligible supervision 
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work with multiple partners and peers across organisation to achieve project and operational results
• Preferably the candidate is from either an FMCG market or print / packaging industry
• PC literate – Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat
• Experience of industry web-based briefing and approval systems

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