Senior Print Production Manager [AQ-14250]

About the role

Join a leading organization at the forefront of delivering critical institutional marketing materials and print media. This enterprise is dedicated to effective communication and impactful engagement with its audience, ensuring clarity and reach through high-quality print solutions. As a key partner, Aquent connects top talent with opportunities to make a significant difference in dynamic environments. In this pivotal role, you will be the architect of the print strategy, directly impacting the organization’s ability to connect with its audience through compelling and flawlessly executed marketing materials.

Responsibilities

• Drive the end-to-end production workflow, from initial concept to final delivery, consistently meeting critical timelines and deadlines.
• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with print vendors, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective, and timely production outcomes.
• Lead competitive bidding processes, negotiate favorable pricing, and collaborate with suppliers to innovate production solutions.
• Conduct ongoing market research to identify and integrate advancements in printing technologies, materials, and delivery options.
• Develop, manage, and track project estimates, secure budget approvals, and perform detailed cost analyses to maximize value.
• Oversee the meticulous review, tracking, and approval of mock-ups, prototypes, and printer proofs between vendors and internal teams.
• Partner with vendors to develop innovative packaging, fulfillment, and postal solutions, ensuring adherence to all mailing regulations.
• Proactively identify and resolve supply chain bottlenecks, communicating solutions effectively to all stakeholders.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation to ensure vendor accountability and operational efficiency.
• Oversee document storage and physical record retention in strict alignment with compliance policies.
• Develop, document, and refine internal department policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance efficiency.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Alternative Experience: A High School Diploma (or equivalent) combined with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience within a marketing agency, commercial printing, publishing, or supply chain environment will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Deep knowledge of four-color printing processes, various paper stocks, finishing techniques, and commercial printing standards.
• Proven ability to negotiate competitive rates, manage supplier Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and optimize production costs.
• Superior ability to prioritize multi-channel workloads, make quick, high-pressure decisions, and effectively manage competing deadlines.
• Exceptional eye for accuracy, meticulous proof alignment, precise design specifications, and thorough financial tracking.
• A flexible mindset equipped to swiftly resolve supply chain interruptions, tight timelines, and complex technical production issues.
• Clear, effective communication skills capable of seamlessly bridging technical print language between internal stakeholders and external vendors.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.