The Print Production Manager is responsible for managing the entire production process from the early print design discussions to obtaining the printing bids through the production and delivery of the final publication. This role is responsible for managing all resources across the print department. The Print Production Manager is a key driver for the planning production and execution of complex master production schedules and responsible for following through all stages. They develop specifications for new projects with vendors and negotiate effective pricing structures. They process and track mockups prototypes electronic templates/pdfs and printer proofs with the vendors. They also proactively communicate supply chain issues to product teams offer and coordinate solution implementation. They work on the implementation of new purchasing/planning systems and set up processes/rules to improve the efficiency of the cost quoting process.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- Bachelors Degree
- 2 plus years of experience in an offset production purchasing print project management or supply chain management environment.
Experience and Training:
- Experience in print production (2 or more years): conventional digital and web printing
- Experience in production scheduling/timelines & planning.
- Experience in budgeting bidding and procurement quote analysis.
Knowledge Skills Ability:
- Knowledge of fine papers and their production key elements and they relate to types of printing.
- Strong analytical and computer skills; MS Excel Word/Outlook PowerPoint are a must. with Project Management Software (AirTable) a plus.
- Ability to analyze print bids and negotiate prices. Understanding ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
- Ability to juggle many projects simultaneously and manage each per the timeline required.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Detailoriented with excellent project management skills.
- Excellent time management skills selfmotivation and extreme attention to detail.
- Knowledge of conventional UV and digital printing web printing a plus.
- Ability to consistently seek out new vendors when needed to fill voids and understanding of their equipment lists & capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple detailed projects to problem solve on the fly.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Procurement of all outside services that are required to produce a project.
- Guidance over designs as they relate to production and an acceptable end product.
- Manages and approves print production schedules print specifications and internal budgets.
- Oversees requests for bids vendor quotations analysis negotiations and purchase orders for vendors.
- Maintains consistent contact with all vendors for all projects but particularly those with multiple vendors to ensure all are on task and schedule through to the next phase. Problem solve if needed during this process while finding the most economical solution to meet the clients needs.
- Approves vendor invoices and ensure that they match the approved specs and pricing and provide all the pertinent information for future needs.
- Manages internal office partners regarding missing items needed to keep the job on schedule.
- Reports in weekly production meetings the status of jobs of all jobs that are in production and those that are due to be released.
- Inventory Management over multiple locations maintaining HPU inventory held at printers and mail houses and updating inventory following each project usage to ensure optimal stock availability.
- Ensures accurate inventory tracking and reporting across all locations.
- Collaborates with suppliers and logistics teams to ensure timely and efficient stock replenishment.
- Ensures meticulous documentation of all stages of the process enabling fast & easy reference or retrieval of information.
- Ensures all marketing materials meet USPS regulations and postal standards while collaborating with crossfunctional teams to integrate compliance requirements into the creative process.
- Reviews final marketing materials for adherence to postal guidelines while optimizing marketing materials for costeffective and timely delivery within postal guidelines.
- Monitors and track PO status & maintain accurate records of all marketing procurement activities and expenses.
- Assists in the resolution of any issues related to PO discrepancies or vendor performance.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
- To provide a quality product at a price that is of perceived value and cost effectively affordable.
- To stay within budget throughout the production process.
- To deliver all jobs when possible on time or before: Under promise and over deliver!
- To stay abreast of new technology in the industry and enhance production knowledge.
- Maintain an elite group of vendor partnerships that can provide opportunities for producing projects based on quality pricing and delivery needs.
- To be available to ensure that projects in production stay on schedule to resolve or minimize issues that arise during the production process.
- To ensure that the client is proud of the project delivered and feels a sense of value!
- Other duties as assigned by the AVP for Creative Projects and Senior VP for Communications.
For more information about this position please contact Mary Ealley Assistant Vice President for Creative Projects at
Required Experience:
Manager