Premedia Project Manager

Quad•Sussex, WI

11d

About The Position

The Premedia Project Manager is responsible for successfully managing assigned Premedia and production projects from inception through delivery on behalf of Quad Agency Solutions. The role coordinates client, internal team, supplier, vendor, printer, and other production partner activities as applicable to achieve defined project objectives. The Premedia Project Manager supports a broad range of Premedia work, which may include packaging, commercial print, retail, marketing, advertising, digital, and other production-related projects based on client and business needs. The role applies working knowledge of Premedia and production workflows to coordinate projects that meet client requirements for timing, scope, quality, and delivery.

Requirements

4-year college degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Equivalent education and experience considered.
3–5 years of applicable experience in Premedia, print production, packaging, advertising production, project management, or project coordination.
Working knowledge of Premedia, print, production, post-production, proofing, file preparation, and delivery workflows.
Working knowledge of packaging print production and converting processes, along with the ability to apply that knowledge to packaging assignments when required.
Understanding of color, proofing, and print-quality requirements, including the ability to review proofs, identify potential discrepancies, and provide or coordinate clear direction for correction.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
Ability to understand project requirements and manage execution through applicable Premedia and production workflows.
Ability to develop strong working relationships with clients, internal teams, suppliers, vendors, printers, and other production partners.
Sound judgment and problem-solving ability within established processes and procedures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Ability to identify and recommend workflow, service, quality, and process improvements.
Ability to understand client business and marketing objectives and translate those objectives into effective project execution.
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and disciplines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting packaging and/or other complex print production workflows is preferred.
Agency and/or retail advertising experience is desired.
Experience coordinating work across internal production teams, clients, suppliers, vendors, printers, or other external production partners is preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain effective working relationships with key client contacts, Quad teams, suppliers, vendors, printers, and other production partners to support successful project delivery.
Manage multiple assigned Premedia and production projects simultaneously from initiation through applicable production stages, which may include file preparation, prepress, proofing, approvals, final file release, production, and delivery.
Develop and coordinate project timelines, task lists, instructions, approvals, dependencies, and deliverables to meet defined client deadlines, scope, quality standards, and objectives.
Communicate regularly with clients, Quad service teams, and external partners regarding project status, requirements, dependencies, risks, and next steps.
Develop a practical understanding of the client's business, marketing goals, priorities, and production requirements and apply that knowledge when coordinating work and resolving routine project or production issues.
Apply working knowledge of Premedia, print, production, post-production, proofing, file preparation, delivery methods, and applicable vendor or production specifications to assigned projects.
Apply knowledge of packaging production and converting workflows when supporting packaging-related assignments, including applicable print processes, substrates, proofing, color, finishing, and production requirements.
Evaluate and monitor the quality and performance of assigned projects, including file and production quality, proofs, routing feedback, and other quality checkpoints appropriate to the work.
Review color and proofing requirements as applicable to the assigned project, identify potential discrepancies, and coordinate appropriate direction or escalation for correction.
Recommend appropriate design, file, workflow, or production adjustments when needed to streamline production and meet client, vendor, printer, or quality requirements.
Provide clear and detailed instructions and annotations for edits, revisions, file preparation, and production setup as appropriate.
Traffic project instructions, files, proofs, feedback, and approvals to ensure work progresses accurately and efficiently through required production stages.
Follow established operating guidelines, processes, and procedures while identifying and recommending practical enhancements that may improve workflow, service, quality, or production efficiency.
Attend client and internal planning meetings as needed and provide written recaps, action items, project documentation, or status updates when applicable.
Keep Quad management informed of project and client status, key milestones, risks, and issues; exercise sound judgment within established parameters and escalate matters outside the defined scope as appropriate.
Work collaboratively across Quad teams and external partners to support timely, accurate, and high-quality service delivery.
Identify opportunities to improve current services, workflows, or processes and support new or expanded services based on client and business needs.
Evaluate prospective projects, jobs, and services within the scope of the role and provide appropriate input regarding feasibility, requirements, workflow, timing, and production considerations.