Production Manager

Chase Design Group is seeking a versatile, organized, and talented Production Manager to join our NY Studio. This individual will work with our Director of Production to oversee the artwork delivery process, managing multiple adaptations, mechanical production, and ensuring the integrity of design intent throughout the production process. The role requires expertise in print production, color management, and vendor relations to ensure projects are executed efficiently and to the highest standards.

Our ideal candidate is a proactive, hands-on professional with at least five years of experience in packaging production within a fast-paced team environment. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is essential, along with strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and a deep understanding of print processes and technology. The role demands adaptability in a fast-moving environment with a steep learning curve, and experience working with large clients such as Procter & Gamble is a plus. This role requires in-studio presence based on project requirements as needed, must be flexible to come into our NYC Studio, whenever projects dictate. Although rare, there may be the need to travel out-of-state or overnight for proof or press checks.

Salary: $85-105K

Project & Production Management

• Lead internal project communication, ensuring clarity between design, account,
  and production teams
• Maintain brand history and project knowledge to ensure consistency in execution
• Plan and oversee production workload across multiple projects
• Manage vendor relations, sourcing, and bidding sub-projects when necessary
• Organize and maintain production files, master art, and internal standards
• Ensure accuracy of copy, regulated package elements, and legal mandatories
• Schedule and lead internal reviews to meet external deadlines
• Conduct proofreading and quality control reviews to ensure design integrity
• Obtain, understand, and implement print and production specifications for each job
• Create, review, and release pre-press-ready mechanical files for vendor execution
• Partner with client artwork production teams and separators to ensure correct,
  on-time delivery
• Initiate and lead pre-production meetings with internal teams, clients, and vendors

Technical & Executional Expertise

• Work with design teams to standardize inks, color builds, and printing processes
• Manage internal color standards and oversee the color review process with vendors

• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, including FDA restrictions where applicable
• Provide production guidance to the design team, ensuring seamless project execution

• Maintain extensive knowledge of different printing processes, techniques,
  and industry standards, and stay informed about trends, and technology advancements

• Train and oversee production artists and freelance support staff as needed

• 5+ years of experience in packaging production, preferably in a fast-paced agency environment
• Able to operate in a fast-paced environment who can remain calm and focused
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
• This is a hybrid role and must be available to come in the studio when projects dictate, particularly for color proofing
• Strong understanding of color management, print processes, and production workflows
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, clients, and vendors
• Receiving & handling samples, receiving Epson inks & paper, reloading the Epson with paper. Preparing packaging proofs & samples to ship, bringing multiple proofs or sample packages to FedEx
• Constructing/making simple comps, and building altering and adapting dielines & structure
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to managing projects and deadlines
• If relevant to the project, initiate prepress and/or postproduction involvement through to the press check, final product or outcome to ensure design intent (i.e. drawdowns, prepress PDFs, GMG proofs)
• Must be flexible to come into our NYC Studio, whenever projects dictate.
• Experience with large clients, such as Procter & Gamble, is a plus