Creative Production Manager

Overview

Ready to make a real impact on a major financial services company? As a Creative Production Manager partnered with Aquent, you’ll be the driving force behind bringing marketing campaigns to life, from concept to completion. You’ll collaborate with creative teams and vendors, ensuring every detail is perfect, on time, and within budget. Your expertise in print production and digital integration will be essential to delivering high-quality, engaging experiences that resonate with customers.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to own the entire production process. You’ll be responsible for managing budgets, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring quality control across all deliverables. Your ability to navigate the complexities of print and digital production will be key to the success of marketing campaigns.
What You’ll Do:

• Manage projects from start to finish, using procurement platforms and project management systems to track progress, maintain records, and ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with creative teams and vendors, providing expert guidance on file construction, image quality, resolution, color, fonts, paper stock, design construction, mailing, and fulfillment.
• Develop promotional strategies for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and brand initiatives across various channels, staying ahead of competitive trends and industry best practices.
• Negotiate costs with vendors, ensuring the quality of materials before delivery and advising internal partners on budgetary options.
• Manage project specifications, aligning schedules internally and externally to meet delivery milestones.
• Oversee quality assurance, meticulously reviewing all deliverables for accuracy and adherence to brand standards.
• Develop and track production timelines, coordinating with print vendors and implementing cost-saving measures.
• Become the in-house expert on direct mail practices, understanding the connection between data files and variable content.

Must-Haves:

• 2-5 years of experience managing print production with an agency or internal design team.
• Experience working with creative staff and studio production teams.
• Familiarity with creative workflow systems.
• Ability to understand file construction and utilize PDF preview software.
• Understanding of design software such as InDesign and Photoshop.
• Experience working on projects with third-party vendors or clients.
• Expertise in writing production specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Knowledge of paper stocks, weights, coatings, and ink configurations.
• Knowledge of purchasing specifics, unit costs, and change request calculations.
• Working knowledge of procurement systems.
• Understanding of direct mail best practices and postal regulations.
• Ability to estimate production times based on specifications and quantities.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $40.20 to $44.67 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

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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. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.