Digital Project Manager - Mid-Level (Creative Production Manager)

Mindlance; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Creative Production Manager in Austin, TX for an 18-month contract. In this role, you will oversee print production, manage budgets, collaborate on creative projects, and ensure quality delivery of all materials. Successful candidates will have strong project management skills and experience in print production.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years’ experience managing print production.
• Familiarity with creative workflow systems required.
• Understanding of Direct Mail practices and constraints essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage large budgets and advise on budgetary options.
• Collaborate with Creative Directors and vendors.
• Develop promotional strategies for product launches.

Skills

Attention to detail

Budget management

Creative collaboration

Project specification writing

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Workfront

Basecamp

Peoplesoft

Ariba

Job description

Job Details:
Job Title: Creative Production Manager (Print Production)
Location: Austin, TX (3-4 days hybrid onsite)
Duration: 18 Months
Type: Full-Time, Contract

Description:


What you will do?

• Use our various procurement platforms and project management systems to manage, document, review, and track the work accurately and timely. Maintain accurate production records and reporting at all times.
• Collaborate with Creative Directors, Designers and outside vendors to take projects from conception to fruition.
• Develop and lead promotional strategies for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and brand initiatives across various channels.
• Monitor competitive trends and industry best practices to inform innovative promotional strategies.
• Work with outside vendors to engineer the project and advise the design/production department of specifics regarding file construction and delivery. Negotiate costs and ensure quality of materials before delivery.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage large budgets and advise internal partners of budgetary options as they relate to design deliverables.
• Manage the project specifications for various deliverables and align schedules internally and externally to ensure delivery milestones are met.
• Develop and track all production timelines for internal partner needs and coordinate various deliverables with outside print vendors.
• Be the ultimate owner of production QA, managing elements around file construction, image quality, resolution, color, fonts, paper stock, design construction, mailing and fulfillment.
• Understanding current vendors, capabilities and easily assess specific vendor pools to direct competitive bid analysis.
• Work with vendors to develop template design programming to generate content on demand that can be personalized.
• Be the expert in Direct Mail practices and constraints. Understand the connection between data files and variable content rendered with the xml transfer.
• Develop and track all production timelines for internal client’s needs and coordinating various deliverables with outside print vendors. Develop and implement cost-saving measures.

Qualifications:

• 2-5 years’ experience managing print production with an agency or internal design team.
• Experience working with creative staff and studio production teams.
• Familiarity with creative workflow systems such as Workfront or Basecamp.
• Ability to understand file construction and utilize Adobe PDF preview.
• Understanding of InDesign, Photoshop and creation of native source files.
• Experience working on Projects with third parties either on the client or vendor side.
• Expertise in writing Production Specifications that translate file information into production instructions.
• Knowledge of paper, stocks, weights, coatings and the ability to understand visual outcomes based on ink configurations a plus.
• Knowledge of purchasing specifics, figuring unit costs and calculating change requests.
• Working knowledge of procurement systems such as Peoplesoft or Ariba, or other purchasing instruments.
• Understanding of Direct Mail best practices and Postal Regulations.
• Ability to estimate production times based upon specifications and quantities needed.
• Strong attention to detail. Ability to work well under pressure

Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.