Freelance Print Production Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're Looking For A: Print Production Manager

Location: Hybrid (El Segundo, CA and/or Burbank/North Hollywood, CA)

What You'll Be Doing: We are seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented Print Production Manager to join the Golden Pets Brand team. The ideal candidate would be a highly organized team player knowledgeable in both project management and print production processes. High level responsibilities would include gathering project details and briefing designers, developing project timelines, overseeing the routing & approval process, managing all communication with our external print vendors and co-packers. 

The Print Production Manager would also be the go-to authority on print production processes for the design team, working closely with the Creative Director to ensure brand color standards are met, and helping to review print proofs for quality and accuracy. 

• Manage and audit project request forms to ensure they are complete before assigning to the designers
• Work cross-functionally to gather necessary details for new or incomplete projects in order for designers to complete their projects effectively and efficiently
• Maintain a centralized project tracker and provide regular status updates to key stakeholders.
• Develop and manage project timelines for all new and active design projects, including packaging, print, and digital-with an emphasis on packaging
• Manage the project routing process to ensure projects are reviewed and approved in a thorough and timely manner
• Collaborate closely with the Regulatory team to ensure all label claims, ingredient panels, and nutritional information comply with AAFCO and FDA guidelines, and are easily accessible to reference company-wide
• Work with the Operations teams to align artwork delivery schedules with production and launch timelines.
• Manage all communications with our print vendors, including requesting dielines, sending final artwork files, and routing printer proofs. 
• Work with the Creative Director to review digital and printed proofs for color and content accuracy in order to ensure all packaging and printed pieces are accurate and high quality.

Qualifications (Note: We strongly encourage you to apply even if you don't tick ALL of these boxes.):

• 4+ years experience of project management experience in a creative, marketing, or packaging environment; consumer packaged goods (CPG) experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously from kick-off through completion.
• Strong understanding of the packaging production process, including print specifications, dielines, pre-press production, and color management.
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheets, Wrike, or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to work across creative, operational, and business teams.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in pet food, pet care, or specialty food/beverage packaging.
• Working knowledge of packaging regulations related to supplements, pet food, and consumer health products.
• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) platforms, preferably Esko

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage - We cover 100% of premiums for medical, dental, and vision plans for employee-only plans.
• Annual bonus
• We match up to 3.5% of your 401k contributions, ensuring your retirement savings grow alongside your career.
• 6 paid sick and mental health days, an Employee Assistance Program, free weekly yoga and meditation classes, and additional mental health benefits, because we take a holistic approach to your well-being.
• Invest in your future with our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, where company contributions fund your retirement plan with company stock. Learn more.
• Reimbursements for a portion of personal cell phone and internet usage for eligible employees.
• Professional development opportunities with mentorship, continuous learning programs, and performance-based pay increases, empowering you to progress and excel in your career.
• Through our charity sponsorships, you can make a positive impact on communities worldwide. We've donated over $9 million to date.
• Potential for quarterly KPI bonuses.

The base salary range is $84,000-$105,000, plus bonus potential.

The posted salary range in this job posting reflects data based on California's cost of labor analysis. This salary range is subject to change per state; please click here to find the pay differential in your state of residence if the role is remote. 

Salary is based on a wide range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and geographical location.