Print Program Manager

WPP Company; Sunnyvale (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP Production is seeking a Print Program Manager in Sunnyvale, CA to organize packaging graphics, prepress reviews, and color accuracy while meeting tight deadlines. You will manage part-number lifecycles, coordinate with producers and suppliers, and drive packaging projects end-to-end in a fast-paced environment.

The role demands a BA/BS in Graphic Communications with 7+ years of print production, deep knowledge of prepress processes, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• BA or BS in Graphic Communications or equivalent.
• 7+ years print production experience in agency or in-house design.
• Knowledge of electronic pre-press and printing processes.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Scheduling, maintaining deadlines, and communicating any issues.
• Comfortable working with complex worksheets containing critical production details.
• Establishing strong working relationships with key suppliers and ensuring best visual quality.
• Write print specification documents with Graphics Producers and obtain approvals before releasing to suppliers.
• QC and organize assets in the database for each mechanical (part numbers, packaging die-lines, translations, illustrations, copy, etc.).
• Manage project life cycles and the release of part numbers.
• Prepare asset handoff documents for review by Packaging Graphics Producers and route to marketing groups.
• Attention to detail in cross-referencing all assets against final mechanicals and ensuring layer accuracy.
• Communicate updates to the Marcom Project Management team to facilitate routing.
• Provide feedback on digital mechanicals, pre-press, and printer proofs.
• Review and approve supplier PDFs and press sheets.
• Organize final reviews with Packaging Graphics Producers.
• Collaborate to document best practices and SOPs for internal/external partners.
• Press check print runs for existing products at domestic and international suppliers.

Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

Project management

Microsoft Office

Mac OS proficiency

Attention to detail

Education

BA or BS in Graphic Communications

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to origin, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

A Hybrid working model

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office three days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

What does a Print Program Manager do at WPP Production?

The Print Program Manager assists Graphics Producers in organizing documentation, reviewing accuracy of packaging mechanicals, organizing color and press sheet reviews, and meeting tight deadlines in peak seasons. The PPM will manage deliverable due dates according to established standards and timelines while also coming up with creative solutions to challenges. The Print Program Manager role provides strong project/production management skills (extensive prepress, detailed assembly, project management) to maintain schedules and project details for printed materials. The range of work focuses on (but is not limited to) packaging, large format merchandising graphics, and other printed materials. Candidate must be a strong communicator/project manager who is proactive, highly organized, excellent at multi-tasking, comfortable under pressure, and able to work effectively as a team member. Building strong, professional working relationships with other functions is key to success in this role. Must have expert color analysis skills, extensive experience with organizing/facilitating imagery color reviews, as well as familiarity with a variety of printing processes including large/small format digital, large/small format offset and fabric dye-sublimation. Understanding different color spaces (sRGB, RGB and CMYK) and their considerations (as they pertain to image development and output) is one of the technical knowledge requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Scheduling, maintaining deadlines, and communicating any issues
• Comfortable working with complex worksheets containing critical production details
• Establishing strong working relationships with key suppliers and ensuring best visual quality
• Write print specification documents with the direction of the Graphics Producers - prior to handing off. Ensure all documents have been approved before releasing to suppliers
• QC and organize assets in the database for each mechanical (part numbers, packaging die-lines, translations, illustrations, copy, etc.)
• Manage project life cycles and the release of part numbers
• Prepare asset handoff documents for review by Packaging Graphics Producers and route to marketing groups
• Practice extreme attention to detail in cross-referencing all assets against the final mechanicals per checklist and confirming that all layer’s match print specifications
• Communicate updates collected from Packaging Graphics Producers to the Marcom Project Management team to facilitate the routing process
• Provide complete and timely feedback on digital mechanicals, pre-press, and printer proofs
• Review and approve supplier PDFs and press sheets
• Organize final reviews with Packaging Graphics Producers
• Collaborate with Packaging Graphics team to document best practices and standard operating procedures and processes for both internal and external partners
• Press check print runs for existing products at domestic and international suppliers and prepare for Producer approval

Requirements

• Requires BA or BS degree in Graphic Communications or equivalent and 7 years minimum of print production experience in an agency or in-house corporate graphic design department.
• Knowledge of electronic pre-press and printing processes required.
• Project management experience required.
• Must possess exceptional organizational, time management, verbal, and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to prioritize.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat.
• Proficient in Mac OS and native apps.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, database management.
• Meticulous attention to detail is a must.
• Able to understand and interpret complex processes and shifting priorities.
• Experience in database/project management systems.
• Positive, attentive, focused, and engaged. Strong work ethic. Accountable for actions. Takes initiative. Collaborative “team-player.”
• Trustworthy in a confidential environment. Supportive of company values.
• Manages time effectively. Flexible during high-volume periods (some longer hours).

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://www.wpp.com/en/careers/wellbeing/benefits-at-wpp-in-the-us for more details.

Pay Range: $95k - $105k

Why work here

At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.

Inclusion and Impact

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Please contact [e-mail] if you need the job advert or form in another format.