Program and Project Management - Print Project Manager - Mid-Level (Brand Integrated Production Manager)

Mindlance•Austin, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Brand Integrated Production Manager is responsible for all aspects of the production management cycle, 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. Partner with Brand, Marketing, Creative, Digital, and Media teams to plan and execute integrated production across channels ensuring consistency with brand standards. Build and maintain integrated production plans, including scopes, estimates, schedules, milestones, and dependencies; proactively identify risks and drive solutions to keep work on track. Own cross-channel delivery and asset handoffs (specifications, naming conventions, versioning, and final file packages) to support timely launches and downstream trafficking to platforms/partners. Establish and enforce integrated QA standards across formats (color/typography, accessibility, functional testing, proofs, and preflight) and ensure deliverables meet brand, legal/compliance, and channel requirements. Manage external production partners (studios, retouchers, developers, printers, and fulfillment vendors), including SOWs, bids, rights/usage, and deliverable acceptance—driving cost efficiency without sacrificing quality. Collaborate with Creative Directors, Designers and outside vendors to take projects from conception to fruition. Develop and lead promotional strategies for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and brand initiatives across various channels. Monitor competitive trends and industry best practices to inform innovative promotional strategies. 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 assessing 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.

Requirements

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.
Fluency in Adobe Creative suite and ability to create or revise native files, including creation and revising of PowerPoint decks.
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 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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of paper, stocks, weights, coatings and the ability to understand visual outcomes based on ink configurations a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of the production management cycle for printed media and integration with digital channels.
Work with internal business partners, creative staff, and outside vendors to ensure timely project completion and meet quality/budget expectations.
Partner with Brand, Marketing, Creative, Digital, and Media teams to plan and execute integrated production across channels.
Build and maintain integrated production plans, including scopes, estimates, schedules, milestones, and dependencies.
Proactively identify risks and drive solutions to keep work on track.
Own cross-channel delivery and asset handoffs.
Establish and enforce integrated QA standards across formats.
Ensure deliverables meet brand, legal/compliance, and channel requirements.
Manage external production partners, including SOWs, bids, rights/usage, and deliverable acceptance.
Drive cost efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Collaborate with Creative Directors, Designers, and outside vendors to take projects from conception to fruition.
Develop and lead promotional strategies for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and brand initiatives.
Monitor competitive trends and industry best practices.
Work with outside vendors to engineer projects and advise on file construction and delivery.
Negotiate costs and ensure quality of materials.
Manage large budgets and advise internal partners of budgetary options.
Manage project specifications and align schedules to ensure delivery milestones are met.
Develop and track all production timelines for internal partner needs.
Coordinate various deliverables with outside print vendors.
Be the ultimate owner of production QA, managing file construction, image quality, resolution, color, fonts, paper stock, design construction, mailing, and fulfillment.
Assess specific vendor pools to direct competitive bid analysis.
Work with vendors to develop template design programming for on-demand, personalized content.
Act as the expert in Direct Mail practices and constraints.
Understand the connection between data files and variable content.
Develop and implement cost-saving measures.