Our Client

Our client is a commercial art and graphic design company that develops integrated branding programs to help its clients to create, build and revitalize their brand power in both the U.S. and international markets.
Since 1991 our client has helped leading companies in a variety of industries - from packaged goods and health care to apparel and technology - to create, build and revitalize the power of their brands. Clients include Nestle US, Nestle Waters, Unilever and Coca-Cola.

Responsibilities

Project Management – Responsible for managing client relationships and coordinating the execution of projects.

• Acts as the ‘central point-of-contact’ between the client and the firm. Communicates client information to creative/design and production teams throughout the life cycle of the project. Meets regularly with clients and design team to ensure a smooth flow of communication.
• Organizes and leads client presentation meetings, briefings and updates throughout the project to ensure client and team are up-to-date and aligned on project concept and status.
• Manages each major project from strategic audit and analyses through all design development phases including initial concept exploration, design refinement, design extension and final client approval of design.
• Ensures that the overall strategic direction for each project is communicated effectively to the design team; reviews design alternatives to ensure that they fulfill design objectives, brand positioning/strategy and other client criteria.
• Ensures that all work is consistent with other important criteria (regulatory, client-supplied copy, package specifications, etc.).
• Prepares project estimates/proposals for assigned clients for review by GAD and secures client approval.
• Alerts clients to cost implications, as they relate to change-orders (non-budgeted requests). Prepares budget addendums when needed.
• Creates an internal design brief for each project; includes brand positioning, key communication attributes, criteria, design objectives/strategies, timetable graphic communication hierarchy, SKUs to be explored and key production/art requirements. Provides contact information to design and production teams to ensure projects proceed appropriately in a timely fashion.
• Issues a conference report after each meeting.
• Works with front office to coordinate tracking sheets, proposal and invoicing.
• Works closely with the Production Director and Design Director to oversee the implementation of each project.
• Ensures art and printing requirements are obtained and provided to design and production teams. Provides vendor/supplier contact information to production team.
• Attends selected focus groups, as appropriate. (will depend on level of exp)
• Oversees project transition from design to production phase.
• Updates GAD and Chief Creative Officer on status of various projects and to any unusual conditions through weekly status meeting and ad hoc updates.
• Responsible for “Wrapping Up” all projects; including debrief, conference notes, preparing client invoices, preparing budget reconciliation, etc.

Qualifications

• College grad – Marketing/communications degree preferred
• 5-8 years account management experience in a brand identity, packaging design firm
• CPG experience preferred
• Well-developed skills in project management, client contact, business writing,
• Knowledge of principles of branding and creative strategy
• Computer skills: Proficiency with standard office programs including Word, Power Point, Excel. Experience with web and/or consumer research a plus
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment on a demanding client business
• Responsible in a proactive and complete way
• Ability to thrive in a team environment
• Well-organized and detail-oriented (taking personal responsibility for thorough management of details is crucial)
• Ability to quickly adapt to a unique approach to account management
• Demonstrable initiative and ability to thrive in small, entrepreneurial environment
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate strong working relationships both with various clients as well as internal colleagues
• Good written communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage heavy work load, multiple projects and evolving priorities