On-Site Artwork Project Manager, Packaging

On-Site Artwork Project Manager, Packaging

With more than 150 years of industry-leading experience, the businesses of SGS & Co and SGK are united as SGX - a powerful force in innovative packaging production. Building on the legacy of trusted service since 1947 and 1953, we deliver the full suite of packaging graphics, plate and cylinder production and metal deco services to brand owners, retailers, and printers.

We are focused on simplifying complexity, delivering flawless in-market execution and leveraging our global reach to drive consistency and amplify brand impact at scale.

Job Summary:
Manages the full lifecycle of Packaging projects for assigned client(s). Monitors and communicates project milestones and progress to ensure projects are executed on time and within budget. Partners across the Brand Development function to identify and resolve project issues; resolves the most complex problems using strong technical knowledge.

Your Role:
We are looking for a dynamic, creative project manager to work with our Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream account leading the packaging artwork process, driving all packaging commercialization activities.

This is a hybrid position that will require a minimum of 3 days per week at the client's office in Walnut Creek, CA. You will be working in a client's office supporting an SGx team that is mostly remote or in office less frequently.

Manage Projects and Coordinate Artwork Production

• Oversee end-to-end workflow of packaging artwork from a highly detailed perspective
• Collaborate with team leaders to ensure client expectations are managed regarding scope and progress in schedule and budget
• Manage high-volume project timelines, facilitate planning and related task management
• Oversee and communicate key timelines and priorities
• Act as a liaison between management, internal departments, and clients to troubleshoot problems and provide solutions
• Partner and collaborate with internal teams in a positive, professional, and constructive way
• Ability to manage and engage in pre-production calls with the support of technical print production managers

Coordinate and Traffic Artwork Production and Prepress

• Translate client instructions into measurable and effective communication to all necessary end-users
• Lead/participate in meetings as needed to review active projects and action items
• Create, manage and communicate project timelines and submission deadlines
• Manage extremely tight, sensitive timelines as needed with clear communications on any barriers and timeline risks managing client expectations
• Manage projects in workflow tool (Media Box), monitor routing approvals
• Supervise and lead to help other members of team learn best practices regarding project management and communication

Workflow Management

• Have a working knowledge of the workflows for packaging production and complex execution, understanding how to adjust to each component's needs
• Demonstrate critical and strategic thinking skills, and be solution-oriented and flexible in your approach
• Develop, improve and consistently streamline workflow processes
• Set up projects and approvers in workflow tool, onboard new users as needed
• Optimize project organization to improve quality
• Create Estimates and Manage POs on behalf of project assignment

Quality Control

• Verify technical and content in supplied art is correct
• Refine and enforce quality control processes in each project
• Set clear expectations for tasks and deliverables, communicating clearly to team and providing proper materials/documentation when necessary
• Report production issues and be actively involved in the continuous improvement of tools and processes
• Take corrective action if anomaly is detected during the delivery
• Be proactive, anticipate risks
• Advise and guide production group on brand's best practices
• Efficiently monitor color quality of initial production, timelines and implement corrective actions
• Manage expectations with client leads of how color data is used as it pertains to supply chain requirements across packaging deliverables and their interdependencies across multiple supplier capabilities

Business Continuity

• Nurture good relationship with clients, develop trust and stay alert to potential business opportunities
• Provide quality service by anticipating clients' needs and regularly measuring satisfaction
• Demonstrate good judgment in choosing methods of communication that are most effective and efficient (i.e., team meetings, in-person visits, phone calls, email)

Qualifications:

• Microsoft Office experience required
• Fully conversant with Adobe CS or Adobe certification is a plus
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of artwork management systems
• Able to work effectively and efficiently towards goals in a complex, diverse environment with multiple and changing demands
• Comfortable with interacting with clients of all levels, printers and suppliers.
• Must be forward thinking and improvement driven

Education and Experience:

• 5-10 years' experience in: packaging, artwork, creative project management
• Education degree or equivalent in print, graphic design ideal
• Strong understanding of print, production, design, art industry, pre-press, color management theory
• Client-facing experience is a must

Location:

Walnut Creek, CA : hybrid model

Start Date:

ASAP

Competitive salary and benefits available with offer

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $85,000 - $95,000 USD annually. Ultimately, in determining pay, we will consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.

Group benefits currently include a selection of health care plans with prescription drug coverage, dental plan, vision plan, basic and supplemental life insurance, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses or a health savings account based on plan selection, short/long term disability and 401(k) Savings Plan.