Account Manager

Brown-Forman Corporation•Louisville, KY

10d

About The Position

The Account Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and executing projects for Brown-Forman, ranging from medium to large complex design projects of various levels of scope, complexity, duration, and project team size. Primarily manages the design aspect of Brown-Forman Packaging and Product Initiatives (PPI) projects and Gift, in addition to Design-led initiatives. Works collaboratively and leads effort with BF Design team members, Brand, Packaging, Sourcing, Supply Chain, outsourced production design service provider, outside agencies, and freelancers. Develops and manages project timelines, scope, budgets and schedules.

Requirements

College/University (Bachelors or Equivalent); project management or design-related discipline preferred
5-7 years of experience in project management, graphic design, brand identity, and/or package design with a proven ability to prioritize and lead multiple projects.
Ability to work in a high-pressure environment, meet deadlines, and simultaneously develop, deploy and coordinate multiple projects.
Experience performing the overall project management role for several medium to large scale project initiatives, including prioritizing and managing multiple projects.
Proven ability to effectively communicate ideas and solutions across all levels of the organization, including senior management, Brand, Packaging and Production (written & verbal).
Experience managing outside agencies, freelancers, and other vendors.
Deep level of proficiency and understanding of the Design, Packaging, and Production processes.
Experience working with consumer durables, consumer products and/or specific beverage industry experience.
Well versed in project management tools and methodology.

Nice To Haves

Design agency or design department environment experience.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification / relevant experience with a strong background in design project management.
Outstanding creative portfolio of brand identity and package design.
Proficient in all design-related Macintosh software and an expert in creating final and working art files.
Experience working with online project management and approval systems, like Workfront.
Experience leading projects with international organizations with diverse cultures, business operations and organizational needs.

Responsibilities

Manages the planning and execution of all assigned Packaging and Product Initiatives, Gift and Design-led projects.
Responsible for the quality delivery of project outcomes and deliverables, overseeing internal and external resources, and ensuring the project is on time and on budget, while meeting Brand expectations and Production schedules.
Fosters and builds strong relationships with project team members.
Works closely with outsourced production design service providers to ensure completion of all production-related tasks, including acquiring renders, comps, sales samples, mechanical art, and ensuring the appropriate print runs are attended.
Collaborates with Brand teams to ensure design directions are consistent with brand objectives as well as other marketing communications.
Proactively communicates project status and issues, across all the appropriate levels of the organization.
Leads the planning and execution of medium to large Packaging and Product Initiatives, Gift, and Design-led initiatives.
Oversees all project activities and overall delivery, managing internal and external resources, and ensuring the project is on time and on budget.
Simultaneously leads multiple projects, coordinating resources across Design, Brand, Packaging, and outside Agencies and Freelancers.
Partners with Design, Brand, Packaging, Sourcing, and Supply Chain to ensure a quality delivery of project deliverables.
Ensures project activities are aligned to the brand identity and production requirements.
Works in conjunction with the Global Production Project Management Office, Design, Packaging, and Brand leadership teams, provides accurate design project timelines and cost estimates for the development phases of projects.
Ensures project activities and resources are allocated to align with the priorities established by Brand.
Tracks issues and facilitates timely decisions to ensure project success, resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely manner.
Builds rapport, serves as the primary point of contact, and ensures BF Design maintains a strong working relationship with Global Production Project Management Office, Brand, Gift Council, Packaging, Supply Chain and other key areas.
Maintains knowledge of B-F Brand groups, Brand Identity, and Positioning as well as business and competitive set.
Proactively communicates project status and issues across all the appropriate levels of the organization.
Uses strong facilitation skills to efficiently and effectively drive issue resolution and consensus across all levels of the organization.
Holds project kick off meetings, closeout/lesson learned discussions, regular project status meetings, and brand portfolio review meetings.
Assists managing agencies and outside freelancers, contributing to contract development and execution, processing invoices, and managing overall relationships.
Creates, collects, and publishes meeting minutes, presentations and other project-related documentation and ensures all art files are archived on the digital asset management system prior to completing the project.
Manages Design Interns, mentors and provides guidance to Design Interns, Freelancers, and other Design team members.
Champions internal Project Management and artwork approval system (Workfront), trains key users, ensures project information and timelines are kept current, and strongly encourages project team members to communicate within the tool and follow our standard processes and procedures.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of design trends and actively supports the BF Way of Brand Building.