POSITION OBJECTIVE The Production Manager helps raise Case Western Reserve's stature as a leading national research university by overseeing project management and print operations within University Marketing and Communications. This individual is tasked with ensuring professional communications between project managers and partners, assisting with the development of appropriate project timelines and benchmarks, tracking and communication of project progress, and ensuring final quality review and delivery of print materials. The Production Manager is a dynamic problem solver who understands the nuances and importance of gathering detailed information on the front end of a project, working closely with our campus partners to extract details and overall goals that will be critical to a successful project outcome. On the back end, they're able to propose materials recommendations that meet department goals, timelines and achieve campus partner satisfaction. The Production Manager must be able to manage every step in the production process/ client facing and behind the scenes have a deep understanding of printing techniques, have exceptional customer service skills, especially as it relates to marketing, and guide project managers and the print production coordinator to do the same. The Production Manager will work closely with the creative director and associate art director to ensure that project managers and graphic designers are working together efficiently and successfully. They will also ensure that print vendors are producing at a high level within the scope of budget goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Team leadership and collaboration: Work closely with the creative director to ensure project managers and the print production coordinator maintain thorough and professional communications with key stakeholders. Provide direct reports specific, ongoing and constructive direction, and keep creative director apprised of day-to-day. (20%)
2. Efficiency and timeline management: Assess the production process from a high level and constantly examine for efficiency improvements. Proactively pursue updates from vendors to ensure product delivery. Work with creative director, project managers and graphic designers to establish project timelines and troubleshoot production challenges. (20%)
3. Vendor liaison and quality control: Act as a key liaison between University Marketing and Communications and print vendors, negotiate and solicit print bids, ensure deliverables reflect the university's desired print quality, vet new vendor relationships, and maintain vendor accountability in instances of error. Seek out cost-effective printing alternatives and clarification related to specialty printing techniques, vendor-specific file setup, and request templates and materials samples. Apply knowledge of printing processes and graphic design language when corresponding with print vendors. Facilitate smooth transition and clear communication between vendor and the financial team to ensure budgetary and payment needs are met. (20%)
4. Brand management: Assist with the maintenance of key archiving and templating platforms, such as Marq and DAM systems. Maintain a thorough understanding of the visual brand and provide professional and informative feedback when corrections are needed on submissions from external partners. (20%)
5. Client services: Maintain a thorough understanding of marketing initiatives within University and Marketing and Communications and provide project-based materials and process recommendations when applicable. Effectively present solutions that fit within the scope of marketing initiatives and manage direct communications with key stakeholders when appropriate. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Stay apprised of current and emerging trends and technology regarding design and communication and educate the design team. (5%)

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)