Artwork Account Manager

ROLE

We are recruiting for a Master Artwork Account Manager to cover 12 months Maternity

We are looking for an account management position where strong previous experience of Brand packaging development is key. Based onsite at the client office, if successful, you will be part of our packaging team within British American Tobacco.

This full time and demanding role require which will require you to have a high level of proven presentation and communication skills, ability to illustrate your experience in cradle to grave project management in the FMCG sector.  Preferably you are already from either the retail / FMCG markets or print / packaging industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and sustain a strong relationship with the Packaging Development team responsible for NGP VUSE / Glo Brands. Work as a liaison between the Packaging Development team and Studio team.
• Build and sustain a strong relationship with the Deployment team in Turkey ensuring your account manager and project managers are delivering their projects in the agreed timescales.
• Work to establish SGK as the artwork provider of choice, building key relationships across key departments in BAT.
• Manage the day to day running of the account within your category ensuring that client needs are met.
• Hold weekly update meetings with the client to discuss project status across the business. Discuss any concerns with regards to volumes, category issues and delays with projects.
• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders in each category. Ensure that SGK is working efficiently with them to achieve the launch timescales.
• Keep abreast of trends in the retail market and how they may affect the client. Be commercially aware and responsive to client needs.
• Attend client and supplier studio tours as required. Assist the Senior Account Manager with presentation of the artwork and repro process.
• Oversee all Master artwork projects and redesigns.

• Communicate with Deployment team in Turkey to ensure smooth transition of projects from within BAT from UK.
• Work with design studio to identify any ranges which could be developed using the ‘hero’ process to save cost.
• Work closely with the SGK studio manager and the client to develop Automation further.
• Work closely with the SGK studio manager to develop the team in Penang and also Shenzhen
• Create and manage critical paths according to client launch schedule and knowledge of print lead times.
• Manage the approval of design, renders, artwork and repro to ensure the deadlines are met.
• Ensure all ranges are travel tested and comply to protocol.
• Arrange and attend pre-production meetings with Studio team. Ensure any concerns with the printability of the design are discussed. Arrange 3D Mock-ups when required.
• Manage the handover of approved design files from design agency ensuring correct cutters are supplied at the beginning of projects.
• Brief artwork using the SGK MIS. Ensure that briefs are accurate and communicated clearly. Target a <10% query rate.
• Upload artworks for approval using BAT systems.

•  Gain agreement on an approved artwork to take forward to repro.
• Provide status report to client.
• Oversee the commercial aspects of the account with the support of the Senior Client Director.
• Ensure invoicing is completed monthly and all projects have PO’s ahead of artwork starting.
• Ensure that all clients invoicing is up to date. Monitor payment of category invoices and assist with invoice queries.
• Ensure there are no artworks on hold for more than 60 days.
• Identify opportunity and growth within BAT for the services SGK can provide.
• Provide report on client historical data as required.
• Estimate project costs as requested.
• Ensure all Invoice numbers are logged from, and all invoicing is kept up to date, ensuring no aged debt

SKILLS

• Strong organisational skills along with ability to multi-task.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. 

• Good attention to detail.
• Flexible and hardworking.

• A team player, with an efficient and proactive approach. 

• Smart appearance and professional attitude.
• Approachable and trustworthy.
• PC literate – Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience of industry web-based briefing and approval systems.
• Knowledge of print or repro.
• Knowledge of design, retail, brand and packaging.

This is not an exhaustive list and you are required to be flexible in your approach to carrying out your duties that may change to reflect changes in the Company’s circumstances.  The Company therefore reserves the right to vary the job description in consultation with you.