Artwork Project Manager

We are recruiting for a Senior Artwork Coordinator/Project Manager to join our team in Milan. This is a hybrid role.

You will act as a representative of SGK ensuring a first-class service is consistently provided with professionalism and enthusiasm, whilst in alignment with client culture. You will be responsible for delivering the highest quality product and ensuring the most efficient solutions are consistently supplied to the client.

Minimum Requirements:

Good knowledge of print in an FMCG environment is essential. You must be fluent in English and Italian.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

1. Responsible for gathering, managing and coordinating new and updated graphics & packaging projects for the client’s brand portfolio.
2. To co-ordinate the pack change process for all projects for the Client, including packaging artwork, artwork amends, repro, proofs and all services provided by SGK.
3. Manage and maintain project and job status trackers.
4. Communicate key milestones and critical path timelines where applicable to all key stakeholders.
5. Escalate as appropriate any risks to critical path timelines.

Briefing & Approval Process

1. Collate ‘accurate’ briefs and submit to production centre.
2. Collate amends and brief to production centre.
3. Co-ordinate and lead pre-artwork meetings with support of technical manager where appropriate. Collate and distribute minutes and actions.
4. To advise on print and technical feasibility on all assigned projects with the direct support of the SGK Print Technical Team and Operational Teams.
5. Co-ordinate press attendance where applicable with the SGK Print Technical Team.
6. To ensure the overall requirements of the client are clearly understood, and that appropriate actions are taken to deliver the highest levels of service possible.
7. Support the control and development of brand consistency and print feasibility on behalf of the Client along with the SGK Print Technical Team and Operational Teams (Client Services and Production).
8. To be responsible for getting approval of jobs from each relevant client department before release of fully approved files.

Relationship Management

1. To build, maintain and develop effective & positive working relationships across the client and print supply chain, becoming a trusted advisor and enabling first class service.
2. To fully understand and appreciate client’s culture, reflecting this in behaviour and ways of working.
3. To build and maintain an on-site relationship with the relevant marketing team and supporting departments with the support of designated Account Director.
4. To represent SGK professionally at all times at all levels of management within the client as required, including (but not exclusively) project briefings and non-conformance investigations.
5. To identify areas for continuous improvement within the client and SGK processes, recommending robust and appropriate actions, in close association with the Account Management and Operations Teams.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

1. Excellent organisational skills and logical approach.
2. Remains calm under pressure.
3. Strong knowledge of FMCG print processes and packaging materials to understand the limitations and/or restrictions faced by designers.
4. Attention to detail.
5. Experienced in using Microsoft Office.
6. Some experience/knowledge of Adobe products.
7. Experience/Knowledge of working with FMCG brands.

Personality/Work Style:

1. Proactive, self-starter; able to work independently/autonomously.
2. Appreciate cultural sensitivities.
3. A good listener and able to demonstrate strong empathy skills.
4. Strong process orientation.
5. Capable and effective leader, who displays collaboration and teamwork.
6. Strong and commanding presence internally to facilitate in driving results for client demands.
7. Excellent project manager who can navigate relationships at all levels within the client environment.