Assistant Production Design Manager

The J.M. Smucker Company; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an experienced Assistant Production Design Manager to join their in-house agency. This role involves providing production leadership for advertising projects and managing a Production Designer. The ideal candidate will have extensive production experience, strong project management skills, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement and the opportunity to work with iconic brands.

Qualifications

• 8 years of production experience required.
• 3 years of production management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a Production Designer.
• Lead maintenance and adaptation of retailer media templates.
• Provide image retouching and enhancement as needed.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Attention to Detail

Self-Starter

Education

BA/BS in Graphic Design

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Assistant Production Design Manager

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Production Design Manager to join our in-house agency, Seed Creative, and help deliver outstanding creative work for our iconic brands. This highly organized and proactive individual will provide production leadership for a diverse range of advertising projects, while dedicating most of their time to hands-on work. They will also manage and mentor a Production Designer.

The Production Manager will lead all production design details and processes for Seed Creative's work across our portfolio of brands. They will ensure high-quality outputs and a smooth, efficient production process. Our brands include frozen handheld foods, spreads, coffee, sweet baked snacks, and pet food/snacks. Seed Creative's work directly influences consumers' and B2B customers' perceptions of these brands.

Creative executions span digital and print, with a strong emphasis on digital, including digital ads, eCommerce content, social media content, websites, environmental signage, in-store signage & displays, print ads, collateral, and style guides. A basic knowledge of motion design is preferred as several executions incorporate motion.

Location: Orrville, OH - Corporate Offices

Work Arrangements: Hybrid, 30% in-office (approximately 6 days per month during core weeks)

In this role you will:

• Foster collaboration and build strong relationships with project managers, designers, copywriters, external partners, and vendors.
• Manage and mentor a Production Designer, providing training as needed.
• Review complex projects at input and final stages for completeness and quality.
• Establish standards and create guideline documents for production-ready artwork.
• Troubleshoot problems and guide team members.
• Conduct training to address knowledge gaps.
• Manage organization and upkeep of file libraries in collaboration with the Asset Manager.
• Lead maintenance and adaptation of retailer media templates.
• Create templates to address gaps and reduce redundancy.
• Apply style guides across various tactics, adapting for retailers and versions.
• Work with die lines and understand their translation to 3D structures.
• Prepare final files and package for media release.
• Stay updated on production techniques and software advancements.
• Explore AI advancements to improve efficiencies.
• Leverage expertise to implement innovative methods, continuously evaluating and learning.
• Provide image retouching, manipulation, and enhancement as needed.

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, committed to doing the right thing, and believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, supporting employees' physical, emotional, and financial needs.

What we are looking for:

• BA/BS in Graphic Design or similar degree
• 8 years of production experience
• 3 years of production management experience
• Highly proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign on Mac
• Strong portfolio of production work
• Robust understanding of digital and offset printing, and color profiles for web
• Strong sense of urgency, maintaining creative excellence under tight deadlines
• Self-starter with ability to manage multiple projects
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Exceptional project management skills

Additional skills and experience that would be a plus:

• Animation skills, proficiency in After Effects
• Prior agency experience
• Familiarity with CPG, food, beverage, and pet brands
• Professional retouching expertise
• Proficiency with Adobe's AI tools

Learn more about working at Smucker:

• Helping our Employees Thrive
• Delivering on Our Purpose
• Our Continued Commitment to Ensuring a Workplace for All

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