Print Production Manager

The primary goal of this role is to oversee the workflow necessary to transform creative ideas into tangible printed materials, ensuring both the creative vision and client expectations are met while maintaining budget and time constraints.

Internal and Administrative Responsibilities:

Client Communication & Issue Resolution:

• Handle account queries promptly, ensuring accountability in resolving any issues.

• Follow up on outstanding invoices when needed.

• Generate order numbers for all commissioned work.

• Reconcile jobs to ensure accuracy and completion.

Collaboration & Liaison:

• Act as a point of contact for client service and operation teams, providing updates on job status, issues, delays, or specification changes.

• Ensure creative and client service teams are engaged on each project from start to finish.

Creative & Budget Management:

• Ensure creative objectives are achieved within the allocated budget for each project.

• Provide recommendations to streamline the job process, improve efficiency, and add value.

Project Management:

• Attend status and pre-production meetings.

• Submit timing plans as requested by traffic management.

• Provide budgets for campaign-related work.

• Guide and train the client service team, ensuring proper briefings and correct processes are followed.

• This may include coordinating of 3rd party suppliers, like event companies.

DTP & Retouching Responsibilities:

Scheduling & Resource Management:

• Coordinate and schedule DTP and retouching resources, ensuring sufficient capacity for the production department.

• Brief DTP operators with detailed specifications, considering the project budget.

Artwork Review & Coordination:

• Chase finished artwork to meet deadlines.

• Ensure the quality and accuracy of artwork after it passes through DTP.

• Oversee the dispatch of press and print materials, ensuring smooth delivery via email or other digital means.

Team & Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with DTP operators, guiding their work and ensuring efficiency.

• Align creative needs with budget and delivery timelines.

Printing Responsibilities:

Sourcing & Production Oversight:

• Source appropriate printing methods (litho, silkscreen, digital print, etc.) for both above-the-line (ATL) and below-the-line (BTL) materials (POS, promo items, etc.).

• Approve printer proofs and confident with color passing on the press.

Quality & Deadline Management:

• Monitor the quality of printed products before they are delivered.

• Ensure that printing deadlines are met and that final products meet the creative requirements.

Packing & Distribution:

• Oversee the packing process (including kit packing) and distribution of print materials.

• Track and follow up on proof of delivery (POD).

Problem-Solving:

• Find solutions that balance time, budget, and creative expectations.

Costing Responsibilities:

Supplier & Cost Management:

• Brief suppliers and gather 3 competitive cost estimates for each job.

• Include internal costs in cost estimates.

Budget Monitoring:

• Monitor the actual costs versus the estimates throughout the project.

• Inform the client service team if additional costs arise.

• Report any losses, whether external or internal, to management.

Efficiency & Cost Optimization:

• Aim to improve operational efficiency and minimize overall costs.

Management & Leadership Responsibilities:

Team Leadership:

• Support and guide the Production Assistant.

• Provide leadership support to senior staff members.

Admin & Scheduling:

• Manage administrative tasks like leave schedules for the team.

• Oversee DTP and retouching schedules, ensuring smooth operations.

Financial Management:

• Take responsibility for the financial management of proof-related activities and ensure adherence to budget.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Strong project management and communication skills.

• In-depth understanding of print production processes.

• Ability to manage budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness.

• Leadership and team-building abilities to guide junior staff.

• Problem-solving aptitude, particularly in meeting creative needs within time and budget constraints.