Design Planner

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible To: Packaging Optimisation Managet 

A full time and demanding Design planning position where previous experience of project planning is key.

Based at our client’s head office, the successful candidate will work within the client’s busy Design studio and working alongside M&S Food categories, SGK Account Management team and M&S Project managers. It would be preferable if the applicant has either retail or Brand Design planning experience.

This exciting and demanding role requires an individual with impeccable organisation, presentation and communication skills who can illustrate their experience in multitasking and ‘cradle to grave project management’.  A consistently professional approach of the highest standards is absolutely key.  This role will be to support the M&S Head of Packaging Design, SGK Design Manager and Account Management teams in all aspects of project planning, batching and data management providing visibility of workload across all stakeholders in the M&S Design studio. Strong excel skills are required.

As Design Planner, your absolute focus must be on ensuring project timelines are communicated and adhered to, while building an exceptional relationship with the client. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a sharp eye for detail who can show a real enthusiasm and determination to succeed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Agree & manage critical paths timelines for each packaging project and ensure project milestones fall within the agreed time-line/deadlines which have been set, ensuring the project stays on track & highlighting risks

·       Sense check and challenge critical path timings working collaborativey with the PM’s so Design is set up for success and aligned to overall project requirements.

·       Work with other project management / planning roles / category to ensure all upcoming briefs and missing elements essential for design work are available and on time

·       Ensure design work is briefed in to the M&S Design studio and work with the Design studio manager and lead Designer to ensure design requirements are met in line with critical path timings.

·       Identify / resolve / escalate any issues which may impact the delivery of any job in respect of time-lines to Head of Food Packaging Design Planning and Head of Event Marketing & Packaging Design Food Marketing

·       Keep all work in progress trackers and project folders accurate and up to date.

·       Provide and accurate on time reporting for studio lates and risks and issues

·       Attend line by line briefings from category and ensure Design routes are briefed to AM and planned in to manage through artwork process.

·       Organise and attend weekly packaging meetings with & Lead Designer, to review creative, status of projects and discuss new packaging briefs. 

·       Work with the Art Buying team when photography is required to confirm shoot dates & photography briefs

·       Work with Product Developers’s to organise Products & clear briefs for Shoots

·       Work with copywriting to ensure requirements are in line with project timings

·       Work with outside suppliers when required, such as design agencies or freelance illustratiors, to ensure to wnsure project timings remin on track.

·       Support category for Post Implimentation Review information from within the Design area and supply to the relevant M&S department for inclusion in any Post Implimentation Review, if required.

·       Support Head of Design in gathering data to assess the effectiveness of the design studio and each categories design brief effectiveness, tracking trends and identifying improvements.

Team and Client Behaviours

• Liaise with the Category and Suppliers face to face (where possible) and via telephone and email confirmation. Ensure that expectations are always managed and escalate issues as soon as they arise in the appropriate manner to M&S Head of Packaging Design.
• Take ownership and be responsible for prioritising your work and effectively manage your time to ensure task deadlines are met.
• Keep all administrative duties up to date and completed these on time, inform line Manager when support is required.
• Act as an ambassador for SGK, develop and maintain client relationships with key category contacts, design team, Studio teams, printers and suppliers.
• Be a positive, supportive and calming influence in the team and maintain a professional attitude.
• Build a strong relationship with the key stakeholders.
• Raise any issues where appropriate to your line manager whether it be M&S or SGK related
• Buddy team members for holiday and sickness.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

·       Strong organisational skills along with ability to multi task.

·       Data Management and administration.

·       An eye for Design and attention to detail.

·       Strong excel skills.

·       Project Planning and tracking

·       Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.

·       Excellent 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, Database management.

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.

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