Production Manager

CJK Group, Inc.•Nashville, TN

1d•Remote

About The Position

Continuum is a marketing execution and creative services company that works as an extension of its clients’ teams, delivering custom, physical marketing solutions – from direct mail and print, to in-store and experiential. As a Production Manager, you will lead the end-to-end production of marketing and operational materials for a leading trade publisher. This involves defining and managing print production specifications, advising marketing teams on format, materials, and feasibility, and ensuring outputs meet quality and cost objectives. You will manage schedules, coordinate with vendors, and deliver projects on time and on budget. The role also includes job setup, purchase order management, freight reconciliation, and invoicing within the production management system. Working closely with both internal and client teams, you’ll ensure campaigns run smoothly from concept to completion. This role is remote, with occasional travel to New York City, supplier facilities, and Continuum headquarters in Chicago, IL.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in production management, ideally in print production.
Experience with purchasing and negotiating in a manufacturing, client, or agency setting.
Strong understanding of print production processes (pre-press, printing, finishing).
Experience managing print and logistics vendors, including RFQs, bid analysis, and performance management.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects while upholding quality standards.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with production management or ERP systems (e.g., print workflow or order management platforms).
Strong financial acumen, including budget management, cost analysis, and reporting (advanced Excel required).
Ability to meet deadlines under pressure and adapt to shifting priorities.
Willingness to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end production of marketing and operational materials for a leading trade publisher.
Define and manage print production specifications.
Advise marketing teams on format, materials, and feasibility.
Ensure outputs meet quality and cost objectives.
Manage schedules and coordinate with vendors.
Deliver projects on time and on budget.
Own job setup, purchase order management, freight reconciliation, and invoicing within the production management system.
Work closely with both internal and client teams to ensure campaigns run smoothly from concept to completion.
Review active production schedules, prioritizing projects, and aligning on key deadlines.
Enter new jobs into the production management system and ensure all projects are properly set up for execution.
Join team status calls to review open jobs, flag risks, and confirm next steps.
Review supplier quotes, timelines, and specifications.
Negotiate costs, confirm capacity, issue purchase orders, and validate alignment of delivery expectations for upcoming campaigns.
Partner with the client’s marketing and creative teams in project kickoff meetings.
Translate campaign objectives into clear production plans, identifying specifications, timelines, and potential risks early in the process.
Monitor production progress across multiple projects.
Conduct quality checks and troubleshoot any issues with vendors or logistics.
Reconcile freight charges and coordinate with internal teams to resolve challenges and keep projects on track.
Review project financials, including estimates vs. actuals.
Finalize billing by validating costs and issuing customer invoices.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and efficiencies to enhance future execution.