Direct Mail Project Lead | Client-Focused Production Manager

Accelerate Talent Group; Mount Pleasant (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions in Mount Pleasant, IA seeks a Project Manager to oversee direct mail campaigns from initiation to completion. You will coordinate across departments, maintain timelines, and ensure postal compliance while translating client needs into actionable production instructions.

The role emphasizes strong communication, organization, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment, with a direct-hire, first-shift schedule in a manufacturing/printing context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 4+ years of project management or customer service experience required.
• Business-to-business experience preferred.
• Experience in commercial printing, direct mail, or a related production environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial printing, laser imaging, data processing, mail processing, postal regulations, and related terminology.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with clients and internal teams.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and implement solutions.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Proactive, resourceful, and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new technologies, systems, and processes.
• Strong customer-service mindset with a focus on client satisfaction and project success.

Responsibilities

• Track project milestones using timelines provided by Scheduling to ensure timely completion.
• Communicate with internal departments to monitor progress and address delays.
• Coordinate activation of new projects by submitting required paperwork to Scheduling.
• Enter detailed print work orders outlining print, laser, and production specifications.
• Ensure production aligns with client requirements and timelines.
• Translate client instructions into actionable work instructions for internal teams.
• Manage client inventory and liaise for internal and external communication.
• Support the team with additional responsibilities as needed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients throughout the project.
• Provide regular project updates and address client questions or concerns.
• Compare project quotes with sales proposals and handle re-quotes if discrepancies.
• Prepare sales proposals and RFQs in the absence of Sales Representatives.
• Ensure client expectations, specs, and deadlines are communicated and met.
• Maintain professional, responsive, solution-oriented client service.
• Create package mock-ups based on client specs conforming to postal regulations.
• Review client artwork for manufacturing and production guidelines.
• Submit artwork and instructions to Project Engineer for pre-press processing.
• Log client data files, layouts, laser mock-ups, and processing instructions into IT systems.
• Provide clear instructions to programmers and image designers, including variable data requirements.
• Review laser and color proofs for compliance with client specs.
• Inspect laser setups and client samples for accuracy and quality.
• Submit envelope artwork to Postal Coordinator for postal verification.
• Pre-bill projects within 24 hours of completion or mailing.
• Use client-approved pricing to determine billing approach.

Skills

Project management

Customer service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Multitasking

Teamwork

Excel

Word

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions in Mount Pleasant, IA seeks a Project Manager to oversee direct mail campaigns from initiation to completion. You will coordinate across departments, maintain timelines, and ensure postal compliance while translating client needs into actionable production instructions.

The role emphasizes strong communication, organization, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment, with a direct-hire, first-shift schedule in a manufacturing/printing context.