Print Program Manager

A Hybrid working model

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).