Project Manager

Testing Grounds; Mumbai City; On-site; INR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Testing Grounds is seeking a Project Manager - Packaging to drive end-to-end global packaging projects from RFQ to closure. You will coordinate with the U.S. client team, Indian vendors, design, pre-press, logistics, and accounts to ensure on-time delivery, cost control, and compliance with approved specs.

This execution-heavy role demands strong ownership, disciplined timelines, and excellent cross-functional communication across multiple concurrent projects in a dynamic packaging environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Printing Technology, Production, or related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in flexible packaging, cartons, or print production.
• Experience in export packaging projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage packaging projects end-to-end from RFQ to closure.
• Coordinate with U.S. client team, vendors, design, and logistics.
• Ensure timelines: estimates within 48 hours, cylinder/pre-press 12–15 days, production ~45 days.
• Track progress with project trackers and status reports.
• Ensure vendor quality per TG checklists.
• Oversee design/pre-press coordination and color standards.
• Oversee sampling and validation against specs.
• Coordinate with logistics and accounts for invoicing and closure.
• Ensure SOP compliance and documentation.

Skills

Project management

Packaging materials & processes

Vendor coordination

Time management

Excel project trackers

Written communication

Ownership & accountability

Process-driven

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Team collaboration across functions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Printing Technology, Production, or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Position: Project Manager - Packaging

Role Summary

The Project Manager - Packaging will be responsible for end-to-end execution of global packaging projects from RFQ to commercial closure. The role requires close coordination with the U.S. client team, Indian vendor network, design, pre-press, logistics, and accounts to ensure projects are delivered on time, within cost, and as per approved specifications. This role is execution-heavy and SOP-driven, requiring strong ownership, cross-functional communication, and strict timeline management across multiple concurrent projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Ownership (End-to-End Execution)

Manage packaging projects from RFQ -estimation - artwork - pre-press - cylinder - sampling - production - shipment - billing - closure

Act as the single point of contact for internal teams and external stakeholders

Ensure adherence to TG project timelines:

• Estimates & artwork coordination within 48 hours
• Cylinder & pre-press tracking 12 - 15 days
• Production cycle ~45 days

Maintain project trackers and status reports for each active job

2. Client & Global Coordination

Work closely with the U.S. sales team for specifications, revisions, and approvals

Translate client requirements into technical and commercial briefs for vendors

Track approvals for:

• GMG proofs
• Artwork files
• Cylinder proofs
• Samples

Ensure all client communication is documented in written form as per TG communication protocol

3. Vendor & Production Management

Coordinate with approved flexible packaging and carton vendors

Validate:

• Material structures
• GSM / micron / substrate combinations
• Printing specifications
• Quantity feasibility and MOQs

Monitor production schedules and proactively resolve delays

Ensure vendor compliance with TG quality checklists

4. Design & Pre-Press Coordination

Work with the Design Team for:

• Artwork corrections
• Dyeline validations
• Color standards and Pantone matching

Coordinate with pre-press for cylinder planning and engraving schedules

Track version control and file management

5. Quality & Sampling Control

Ensure sampling is executed as per approved specs

Validate physical samples against:

• Dimensions
• Material structure
• Print quality
• Finishing standards

Maintain sample approval records before bulk production release

6. Logistics & Commercial Closure

Coordinate with logistics for dispatch planning and documentation

Track shipment milestones and delivery timelines

Work with Accounts for:

• Proforma invoice alignment
• Commercial invoice and packing list validation
• Cost vs estimate reconciliation

Ensure timely project closure and documentation archiving

7. SOP Compliance & Documentation

Follow TG SOPs for project flow, documentation, and communication

Maintain:

• Project trackers
• Approval logs
• Vendor communication records
• Risk and delay reports

Escalate issues as per TG escalation matrix

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time project delivery %
• Estimate accuracy vs final costing
• Approval cycle turnaround time
• Production delay reduction
• Number of projects executed without rework
• Documentation compliance score

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Printing Technology, Production, or related field
• 3 -7 years of experience in flexible packaging, cartons, or print production

Strong understanding of:

• Laminate structures
• Rotogravure / flexo printing
• Cylinder processes
• Pre-press workflows

Experience in export packaging projects preferred

Required Skills

• Strong project management and multitasking ability
• Technical understanding of packaging materials and print processes
• Vendor coordination and negotiation skills
• High attention to detail and timeline discipline
• Proficiency in Excel project trackers and documentation control
• Strong written communication for global coordination
• Behavioral Competencies
• Ownership mindset and accountability
• Process-driven and SOP-oriented
• Ability to work across time zones (India - U.S.)
• Problem-solving under tight deadlines
• Team collaboration across design, purchase, logistics, and accounts