Creative Production Manager

Overview

Our well known Financial Services client in the Austin area is looking for a talented Creative Production Manager to come and join their team! 

The Creative Production Manager is responsible for all aspects of the production management specific to printed media as well as integration with digital channels. The professional will work with internal business partners, internal and external creative staff, and outside vendors to ensure projects are completed in a timely manner and that the deliverables meet quality and budget expectations. Familiarity with creative concepts, practices and procedures specific to design, graphics and print production is mandatory. The position requires attention to detail, organizational skills, strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities:

• Use our various procurement platforms and project management systems to manage, document, review, and track the work accurately and timely. Maintain accurate production records and reporting at all times.
• Collaborate with Creative Directors, Designers and outside vendors to take projects from conception to fruition.
• Work with outside vendors to engineer the project and advise the design/production department of specifics regarding file construction and delivery. Negotiate costs and ensure quality of materials before delivery.
• Manage large budgets and advise internal partners of budgetary options as they relate to design deliverables.
• Manage the project specifications for various deliverables and align schedules internally and externally to ensure delivery milestones are met.
• Develop and track all production timelines for internal partner needs and coordinate various deliverables with outside print vendors.
• Be the ultimate owner of production QA, managing elements around file construction, image quality, resolution, color, fonts, paper stock, design construction, mailing and fulfillment.
• Understanding current vendors, capabilities and easily assess specific vendor pools to direct competitive bid analysis.
• Work with vendors to develop template design programming to generate content on demand that can be personalized.
• Be the expert in Direct Mail practices and constraints. Understand the connection between data files and variable content rendered with the xml transfer.
• Develop and track all production timelines for internal client’s needs and coordinating various deliverables with outside print vendors. Develop and implement cost-saving measures.

Experience: 

• 2-5 years’ experience managing print production with an agency or internal design team. 
• Experience working with creative staff and studio production teams. 
• Familiarity with creative workflow systems such as Workfront or Basecamp. 
• Ability to understand file construction and utilize Adobe PDF preview. 
• Understanding of InDesign, Photoshop and creation of native source files. 
• Experience working on Projects with third parties either on the client or vendor side. 
• Expertise in writing Production Specifications that translate file information into production instructions. 
• Knowledge of paper, stocks, weights, coatings and the ability to understand visual outcomes based on ink configurations a plus. 
• Knowledge of purchasing specifics, figuring unit costs and calculating change requests. 
• Working knowledge of procurement systems such as Peoplesoft or Ariba, or other purchasing instruments. 
• Understanding of Direct Mail best practices and Postal Regulations. 
• Ability to estimate production times based upon specifications and quantities needed. 
• Strong attention to detail. Ability to work well under pressure.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $36 to $40 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

 

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! 

 

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.