Print Production Manager

JOB SUMMARY
Experienced, self-motivated print production specialist to work in fast-paced Corporate and Marketing Communications Department. Directs timely, high-quality, cost-effective production and fulfillment of sales literature and collateral. Assists department operations management, project managers and designers in making creative decisions that fulfill the mission to drive profitable sales in all Phoenix product lines.

o Manage internal and external vendors, including printers, fulfillment centers, procurement and other Phoenix departments as identified.
o Manage straight-through processing of Marketing projects from procurement of print through receiving and fulfillment.
Obtain competitive bids on projects in conjunction with corporate procurement procedures.
o Recommend measures to increase efficiency (e.g. ganging of materials, appropriate quantities, etc.).
o Establish and drive production schedules and press time with vendors.
o Facilitate changes in project scope by creating revised specifications and working through changes with vendors.
o Check projects for adherence to department standards for quality, including but not limited to use of logos, trademarks and art; selection of paper and printing processes; general layout and design and; quality control design files prior to release to vendor.
o Conduct press checks during and outside of business hours as required and obtain approval on proofs.
o Troubleshoot and rectify printing problems and issues.
o Direct fulfillment activities, including ensuring notification of expected delivery date of jobs into fulfillment, instructions for kits and packing, and instructions for destruction of obsolete materials.
o Generate purchase orders for job and department expenses; approve vendor invoices for payment; rectify purchase-order discrepancies.

Creative consultation:
o Collaborate with project managers and designers to produce high-quality, cost-efficient material by:
o Identifying opportunities for efficiency and cost savings solutions.
o Recommending packaging, paper stocks, printing methods, quantities, timing, brainstorming, etc. to ensure that projects are practical, executable and in keeping with company's guidelines for quality and effectiveness.
o Discussing selection of color, technique, fonts, photography and artwork to set and maintain consistently high standards for marketing materials that impart the company's brand identity and promise.
o Investigate and recommend use of new print production and communication delivery technology.

JOB SPECIFICCOMPETENCIES:

o Five to ten years experience in print production and marketing services administration, either at a full-service printer or corporate or agency setting
o Thorough knowledge of printing and mailing methods, processes and technologies and the creative development process
o Ability to manage multiple tasks in an environment of competing priorities and deadlines
o Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with other departments and lines of business to achieve best practices in marketing materials production and fulfillment
o Strong project management skills with successful track record coordinating print, mail and fulfillment projects
o Comfortable working in a Corporate Creative environment.
o Comfortable working in various office/graphics software applications and databases
o Ability to skillfully manage, coach and mentor staff in the roles of production and/or fulfillment
o Ability to negotiate with and motivate internal and external resources on short notice
o Ability to manage budgets, good math aptitude required