Print Production Group (PPG) Project Manager I

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table. We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider, serving a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National, and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks. We are solutions-based, innovative, and continually seek out new challenges.

About the role

Print Production Group (PPG) is the category expert for maintaining high-quality, regulatory-compliant, on-time execution of all printed product packaging for Refresco North America. PPG guides each packaging component through the stages of print production within the commercialization process, providing technical expertise and project management services to achieve the highest quality packaging in the beverage industry. PPG embraces Refresco’s five core values: entrepreneurial, agile, passionate, responsible, and excellence.

Reporting to the Process Execution Manager, the PPG Project Manager 1 manages efficient print production workflows and develops timely, consistent communication with Design, Commercialization, Customers, Separation/Plate Making/Print vendors for all North American product launches or revisions of printed packaging components produced on Refresco manufacturing lines. This includes interaction with external customer packaging teams, external design firms, separation and print vendors, commercialization managers, account managers, and design team members.

Responsibilities

• Supports Commercialization and Procurement Teams to prioritize project initiatives within the PPG workflow, based on Top Refresco Accounts and priority projects. Challenges new project assignments and works independently to set and maintain priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Manages approximately 10 active accounts, including primary ownership of 2 to 3 Top Refresco Accounts, with a PM2 as secondary support. Focuses on accounts requiring the most man-hours, financial responsibility, and management expectations to satisfy key customers.
• Independently gathers preliminary information, reviews ACE project notes, and inputs initial project details into the PPG Database.
• Initiates PPG Artwork setups from ACE assignments, creates new project tasks in the PPG Database, and manages work orders, artwork proofs, internal/external art reviews, revisions, approvals, and file transfers to vendors. Maintains project status updates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proactively seeks information gaps with stakeholders, with guidance from PM2, to maintain project momentum.
• Performs ACE tasks for PPG Reviews and adds Prepress Costs for assigned accounts in a timely manner. Creates POs in SAP and secures vendor quotes for ACE prepress tasks with PM2 guidance.
• Develops and maintains strong vendor relations with Refresco print vendors, separators, and graphic suppliers. Communicates project timing and deadlines to vendors for assigned accounts and ACE projects.
• Acts as a Print Production Consultant for CoPack projects, advising on best practices for artwork setup and printability issues when sought by Commercialization Managers.
• Assists PM2 with monitoring print quality control for all Refresco print initiatives. Coordinates receipt of print samples (Color Targets), reviews quality, presents concerns, and maintains filing organization of control samples.

Requirements

• Basic understanding of the packaging print production process and print types (Flexography, Lithography, Dry Offset, Roto Gravure) is preferred.
• Fundamental project management skills.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Basic working knowledge of both Macintosh and PC computers. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required; basic understanding of Photoshop and Illustrator is an asset.

Qualifications

• Sound analytical skills matched with business acumen.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present information and respond to questions from senior management.
• Strong collaboration and people skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably in Business, Marketing, Design, Graphic Arts, or Commercial Studies with a sound understanding of business processes.
• 0-3 years of print production experience preferred.
• Private Label/Consumer Packaged Goods industry experience and/or knowledge is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, procurement, or supply chain environments is preferred.
• Experience with SAP is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Regular requirements to sit and enter data into a computer. Standing, walking, and working inside an office environment.
• Minimal travel may be required (10-15% within the US and Canada for customer prepress reviews, team meetings, and trainings).
• Requires the ability to work long hours in front of a computer.
• Fast-paced work environment with pronounced pressure from meeting deadlines, schedules, and accurate work output.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
• Well-being Benefit Discount and Total Reward Programs