What does a Print Program Manager do at WPP Production?

The Print Program Manager assists Graphics Producers in organizing documentation, reviewing accuracy of packaging mechanicals, organizing color and press sheet reviews, and meeting tight deadlines in peak seasons. This role will manage deliverable due dates according to established standards and timelines while also coming up with creative solutions to challenges. The Print Program Manager role provides strong project/production management skills (extensive prepress, detailed assembly, project management) to maintain schedules and project details for printed materials, with a specific focus on CGI and Prepress Project Management. This role requires hands-on expertise in color and image quality - reviewing imagery for color accuracy, creative intent, and resolution, and actively driving quality decisions throughout production, not solely coordinating handoffs. This includes coordinating between internal teams and prepress vendors, and managing projects from initial planning through production and final deliverables. The range of work focuses on (but is not limited to) packaging, large format merchandising graphics, and other printed materials. Candidate must be a strong communicator/project manager who is proactive, highly organized, excellent at multi-tasking, comfortable under pressure, and able to work effectively as a team member. Building strong, professional working relationships with other functions is key to success in this role. Must be an expert in color analysis and image creation, with deep hands-on experience assessing and validating imagery for color accuracy, creative intent, and resolution/output quality - drivingthose decisions directly, not solely organizing or facilitating reviews. This requires extensive experience with a variety of printing processes including: large/small format digital, large/small format offset and fabric dye-sublimation, and a strong working knowledge of color spaces

Key responsibilities:

• Serve as the team's color and imagery expert - reviewing and validating color accuracy, resolution, and creative intent across digital, offset, and dye-sublimation print processes
• Actively assess image quality and creative execution against color space and output requirements, driving resolution and quality decisions rather than solely routing work between vendors and internal teams
• Provide complete and timely feedback on digital mechanicals, pre-press, and printer proofs
• Review and approve supplier PDFs and press sheets
• Press check print runs for existing products at domestic and international suppliers and prepare for Producer approval
• Organize final reviews with Packaging Graphics Producers
• Establishing strong working relationships with key suppliers and ensuring best visual quality
• Manage CGI and prepress projects from initial planning through production and final deliverables
• Coordinate directly between internal teams and prepress vendors to keep projects on track and ensure clear handoffs at each stage
• Manage project life cycles and the release of part numbers
• Write print specification documents with the direction of the Graphics Producers-prior to handing off. Ensure all documents have been approved before releasing to suppliers.
• Prepare and route asset handoff documents for review by Packaging Graphics Producers, communicating updates to the Project Management team to facilitate the routing process
• QC and organize assets in the database for each mechanical (part numbers, packaging die-lines, translations, illustrations, copy, etc.)
• Practice extreme attention to detail in cross-referencing all assets against the final mechanicals per checklist, and confirming all layers match print specifications
• Scheduling, maintaining deadlines, and communicating any issues
• Comfortable working with complex worksheets containing critical production detail
• Collaborate with Packaging Graphics team to document best practices and standard operating procedures and processes for both internal and external partners

Qualifications/Requirements

• Requires BA or BS degree in Graphic Communications or equivalent and 7 years minimum of print production experience in an agency or in-house corporate graphic design department.
• Knowledge of electronic pre-press and printing processes required.
• Project management experience required.
• Must possess exceptional organizational, time management, verbal, and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to prioritize.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat.• Proficient in Mac OS and native apps.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, database management.
• Meticulous attention to detail is a must.
• Able to understand and interpret complex processes and shifting priorities
• Experience in database/project management systems.
• Positive, attentive, focused, and engaged. Strong work ethic. Accountable for actions
• Takes initiative. Collaborative "team-player."
• Trustworthy in a confidential environment. Supportive of company values.
• Manages time effectively. Flexible during high-volume periods (some longer hours).

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://www.wpp.com/en/careers/wellbeing/benefits-at-wpp-in-the-us for more details.

Pay Range: $95k - $105k

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