Production Manager
A Production Manager is responsible for ensuring that the finished promotional item is produced as briefed: that its specification is correct in terms of colour, size, printing, packaging and number produced.
They are also responsible for ensuring that items conform to any necessary regulations (e.g. postal), and most importantly, that each job is finished on (or before) deadline and within budget. Requirements for the job:
• Ability to work under pressure, have an eye for detail and skill in juggling several projects at the same time
• A thorough understanding of the entire production process, staying abreast of changing technologies
• Responsible for sourcing, briefing and managing suppliers
• Thorough understanding of suppliers' businesses, whatever their field
• Expert knowledge of all aspects of the production process, whether for a space advertisement, insert, direct mail piece or other promotional item: typesetting, design, reproduction, printing, binding, packaging
• Ability to get the best from suppliers in terms of price and service
• Provision of cost estimates and production schedules
• Effective management of the budget allocated for each job
• Constant liaison with suppliers and with in-house marketing or sales teams/campaign managers to ensure that each job stays on brief, or that it adapts accordingly should the brief change
Depending on the size of the organisation, possible management of a team of production coordinators and buyers.
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