Description
The Production Manager is responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of print and direct mail production campaigns, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This role oversees all aspects of production including vendor sourcing, estimating, scheduling, and delivery.
The Production Manager partners closely with cross-functional teams—including creative, strategy, account, data, and external vendors—to ensure seamless execution of campaigns. This role plays a critical part in maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with postal regulations, and delivering high-performing direct response campaigns for nonprofit clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full lifecycle of print and direct mail production projects from planning through final delivery.
- Develop production schedules, estimates, and timelines to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Review and validate creative specifications, layouts, and proofs to ensure alignment with brand standards, quality expectations, and USPS requirements.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to align deliverables and ensure successful campaign execution.
- Lead vendor sourcing, RFQs, and competitive bidding processes to identify optimal production partners.
- Manage vendor relationships, including performance oversight, quality control, negotiations, and contract management.
- Monitor compliance with USPS regulations and industry best practices across all production activities.
- Track project budgets, manage purchase orders and invoices, and ensure accurate financial documentation and reconciliation.
- Serve as a liaison between internal teams and vendors, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the production process.
- Identify risks, resolve production challenges, and proactively manage issues to maintain timelines and quality standards.
- Stay current on production technologies, vendor capabilities, and industry trends to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) in Advertising, Design, Communications, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in print production, direct mail production, or related fields, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred experience includes:
- Agency or marketing environment experience
- Experience with sustainability and compliance best practices in print production
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of print production processes, including offset and digital printing, variable data printing (VDP), finishing, and prepress workflows.
- Understanding of USPS regulations, postal requirements, and direct mail production logistics.
- Experience with lettershop operations, data processing, and vendor coordination.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
- Strong vendor management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience with budget tracking, cost estimation, and financial reconciliation.
- Strong organizational, project management, and workflow coordination skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and resolve production challenges.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and production tracking tools.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At AGP we strive to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. If you think this role sounds like you, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every single qualification or skill in the description, please apply! You could be just the person we are looking for to fill this, or other, roles!
Benefits, Rewards & Perks
We are friendly, smart, curious and passionate about what we do! Working here, you will also enjoy:
- Competitive salaries + quarterly recognition program
- Work-life balance + 100% remote workforce
- Excellent benefits including Health, Dental, and Vision plans, Disability and Company Paid Life Insurance!
- Flexible PTO Policy + Paid Parental Leave
- 401k and company match
- Oh, and don’t forget - You're working with clients who are making a positive difference in the world.