Production Manager, Mailing Operations

EAB•Richmond, VA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

EAB is seeking an energetic, solution-oriented, hands-on Production Manager to join their Mailing Operations team. This role is crucial for managing all aspects of direct mail production, from print and sourcing to fulfillment and mail deployment. The Production Manager will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks, fostering cross-functional collaboration, managing vendor relationships, ensuring quality, and delivering campaigns on time. This position requires expertise in printing, lettershop operations, and USPS postal regulations, and will partner closely with Creative, Data Management, Client Services, Project Management, and external vendors. The role can be based in Richmond, VA or Washington, DC.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Business Administration, or a related field
Two years of experience in project management, print production, marketing operations, direct mail, manufacturing, production coordination, or a related field
Excellent time management, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple campaigns under tight deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel and Outlook), and project management software such as Workfront or Asana

Nice To Haves

Experience in direct mail production, print manufacturing, or mailing services, including offset and digital printing, lettershop operations, postal regulations, and mail logistics
Experience collaborating with Production, Creative, Data, Project Management, and Account Management teams
Experience using variable data and automation tools to produce personalized creative at scale (e.g., XMPie, Adobe InDesign Data Merge, or similar platforms)
Knowledge of print production processes, variable data printing, and USPS postal regulations
Experience translating structured data and business rules into design systems and production templates
Experience with variable data printing workflows, Print MIS or workflow systems, Adobe InDesign, and USPS Mail.dat/Mail.XML
Commitment to embracing a continual learning environment and contributing to a dynamic and welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging in support of EAB’s mission, values, and aspiration

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert responsible for the day-to-day management of direct mail production campaigns
Manage a high volume of complex production projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Own quality assurance throughout the production lifecycle to ensure accuracy, brand consistency, postal compliance, and print quality
Approve production priorities throughout the creative routing process, including final approval of artwork, formats, mock-ups, and proofs
Recommend production methods, materials, mailing strategies, and print specifications that balance quality, timing, and cost
Serve as the primary production advisor to Creative, Data, Account Management, Project Management, and external print partners throughout campaign development
Deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership
Monitor campaign progress to ensure key production milestones, mail drops, and in-home delivery dates are achieved
Analyze job specifications to ensure production requirements, quality expectations, postal regulations, templates, and materials are ready for execution
Participate in daily production meetings and weekly cross-functional project status meetings
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, reduce errors, and standardize production processes
Manage vendor performance, production schedules, and issue resolution to ensure quality, cost, and delivery expectations are met

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible
20+ days of PTO annually, in addition to paid firm and floating holidays
Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours per month each)
401(k) retirement savings plan with annual discretionary company matching contribution
Health savings account, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account, and pre-tax commuter plans
Employee assistance program with counseling services and resources available to all employees and immediate family
Wellness programs including gym discounts, incentives to promote healthy living, and family access to the leading app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance
Paid parental leave with phase back to work program for birthing and non-birthing parents
Access to milk shipping service to support nursing employees during business travel
Discounted pet health insurance coverage for dog and cat family members
Company-provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance
Financial wellness resources and membership in a robust employee discount program
Access to employee resource groups, merit-based advancement, and dynamic professional growth opportunities