Print Production Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

This Print Production Manager organizes and maintains the client’s artwork through the print production process to improve cycle time, quality, and economics. This role effectively utilizes and supports the client’s artwork process, provides print solutions that are technically feasible and innovative, and establishes competency of printer’s capability. Must act as key interface and ensure effective communications among various supply chain partners including printers, Design Studios and internal clients.
 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides on-time services, expertise and solutions which meets / exceeds client expectation and requirements.
• Builds good rapport and relationship with clients at all levels to ensure business growth.
• Leads and conducts regular business review with client.
• Attends client meetings as needed; works collaboratively with the client’s initiative managers and marketing on activities to meet timings based on overall project schedules.
• Serves as the main day-to-day contact on current projects for clients, suppliers, external partners, and Client Growth teams; provides timely responses to all inquiries (e.g. within one (1) business day).
• Ensures high quality standards in all client deliverables.
• Collaborates with production facilities to ensure conformance and delivery of KPIs.
• Identifies and implements improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of sales account operation.
• Leads option analyses and works with printers to reduce risk of printing issues for new designs.
• Acts as key link to color separation firm to enable timely delivery of accurate of artwork color separations and print tools.
• Conducts print feasibility assessments to establish the printer’s capability to meet design intent for all pieces of art.
• Confirms print feasibility assessment via post press analysis of first production.
• Recommends options to reduce rework and costs associated with the client’s pre-press / print supply chains.
• Leads resolution of technical issues with "designs" between design firm and printer(s).
• Provides print solutions that are technically feasible and affordable 
• Provides innovative, most up-to-date print technology ideas as needed to design community to help client improve.
• Ensures alignment of how print quality measurement graphics (tone wedges, gray scales, etc.) will be defined in each artwork to effect minimal impact on consumers, while still providing capability and/or outlining risks not including graphic control elements.
• Recommends what type of and/or proofing and/or pre-press testing will be required for the initial phase of printing or print trials.
• Manages post-production issues with printers & Marketing Project Leaders.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates activities of employee(s) to ensure goals or objectives are accomplished.  Mentors, coaches, trains and develops team.
• Additional duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or Graphic Design or related field
• 8+ years progressive printing industry experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years in a leadership role
• Periodic travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be required.
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning).
• Solid understanding and application of mathematical concepts.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as, internal and external clients.
• Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work with and influence peers and management.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.
   

PHYSICAL ASPECTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk, hear and see.  
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

 * Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
 

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