Artwork Production Specialist

Manpower UK Ltd; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is currently seeking an interim Artwork Production Specialist to work with a renowned global FMCG client. This full-time temporary role is based in London, offering a mix of remote and onsite working. Responsibilities include managing the production and approval of packaging artwork and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication, project management skills, and experience working with Unilever's artwork processes.

Benefits

Discounted products

Free tea & coffee

Gym access

Qualifications

• Experience working within the artwork team at Unilever is preferred.
• Fluent in English.
• Proven track record in project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the creation and approval of packaging artwork.
• Collaborate with marketing and design agencies.
• Ensure timely delivery of mechanical artwork to printers.
• Manage internal and external stakeholder expectations.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to build collaborative relationships

Good organizational awareness

Strong at influencing

Negotiating skills

Tools

Artwork management system

Computer literacy

Job description

Overview

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Artwork Production Specialist to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at Blackfriars on London's Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full-time temporary role to last until the end of July 2026 requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to 48,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

The APS requires to drive the efficiency along the design and artwork chain within the artwork projects they manage. They should drive this efficiency with the focus on the cooperation with Unilever internal functions. Therefore, the APS must have a certain experience in deploying this artwork expert role within Unilever, being able to independently closely work together with the Unilever functions who deliver the artwork data input.

The primary purpose of this position is to manage the creation and approval of packaging artwork from design lock, through to commercially reproducible mechanical artwork and separations which are handed over to the printer in a timely manner. This person will be responsible for initiating and managing projects using the artwork management system and also working within a multifunctional and sometimes multinational project team to deliver projects on time, in full.

The position must interface with internal teams (such as Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, e-Commerce) who provide master design files and pack content, and also external partners (print management agencies, design agencies, printers, etc) who deliver the work in the form of mechanical artwork, pack image albums and printed packaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Be the owner of the artwork process, roles and responsibilities and being able to translate how to fit this into the innovation project management process to deliver projects on time and in full.
• Be the Artwork Business Partner for the Business, Brand DNA & guidelines and plans, priorities and volume per year.
• Managing stakeholders within the cross functional teams within the artwork projects the APS works on
• Collaborate with marketing and design agencies at the design phase, providing expert guidance and technical inputs to ensure that the design is technically printable before the artwork is routed for internal approval.
• Set-up and run pre-production meetings bringing together design agencies, print management agencies, printers and internal stakeholders to ensure that quality and consistency is maintained from artwork to print phase of the process
• Ensure that master design files are created according to prescribed toolbox specifications and handed over to the print management agencies correctly, and that the printed artwork matches the design requirements,
• Work with marketing to ensure visibility on artwork cost and spend, and that the printed packaging is optimized for cost e.g. print process, number of colours etc
• Take accountability for delivery of mechanical artwork and separation files to printers, proactively manage issues if/as they arise.
• Create and manage projects in the internal artwork management system BLUE adhering to Unilever's defined artwork process. Manage the delivery of digital pack images following Artwork Excellence process, to the right quality and on time.
• Manage internal and external stakeholder expectations for your tasks relating to status, timings and technical expertise.
• Ensure that the print management agency follows the approved rate cards and service level agreements, and that responsible procurement and payment procedures are followed, in line with company policy.
• Approve color reliable proofs on behalf of marketing to ensure that the proof meets marketing's expectations.
• Sourcing of printer specifications and align them to the defined processes and ways of working.
• Approve color standards (1st press pass) if not covered by the print management agency and distribute to the relevant parties if required.

Key Requirements

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships
• Hold people accountable
• Good organizational awareness
• Strong at influencing
• Negotiating skills
• Business Partner mindset (not Customer Service)

Key General Skills

• Strong Project Management
• Highly computer-literate
• Fluent English
• Intercultural Awareness

Additional Information

• Blackfriars working environment: Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment
• Short walk from Blackfriars station
• Staff shop discounted products
• Free tea & coffee facilities
• Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch
• Gym is available for use subscription required.