Role Description
* Business change and artwork process adaptation for integration of recent acquisitions and a Princes Group Global approach.
* Integration of separate business units and product category acquisitions into one artwork process and agency.
* The role consists of three elements: people (leading the team), process & systems (total process development and ownership for artwork delivery), and project management of artwork change projects (lead, execute and coordinate large artwork programmes / cross‑business‑unit changes).
* The Packaging Artwork Process & Team Manager is key to enabling the business to manage artwork changes consistently and to lead the team of artwork managers to deliver finished artwork in full and on time for branded and customer‑own‑brand products across all sectors (an artwork is the combination of all the graphical, text, and coding elements on a label, tray, outer case, shrink, etc.).
* Control approved artwork amendment and origination expenditure based on least‑cost principles.
* Maintain the Princes brand and COB presence across customer e‑commerce sites via Brandbank and other service providers.
* Control colour standards in line with approved brand guidelines.
Dimensions
* Approximate £2.0 M spend on branded and customer‑own‑brand artwork.
* Part of the Product Change PMO team (15 people, including project management) that manages approximately 300+ product change projects or 1 200+ SKU changes, often requiring new or amended artwork.
* Three direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the Princes Group Artwork delivery team: set objectives, review results through performance management, instil a continuous improvement mindset, and coordinate team workload.
* Build commitment with other departments to the product change framework, the artwork generation and approval process, and support decisions needed to drive changes.
* Develop, own, and educate the business on the Princes artwork processes, systems, and tools – highlighting the team’s role and value.
* Own the artwork system for capacity planning, mitigating capacity issues, and facilitate business‑priority calls on artworks when needed.
* Report artwork performance and drive continuous improvement, focusing on reducing quality incidents and improving artwork right‑the‑first‑time outcomes.
* Hold people accountable for process adherence and work with the team on systemic solutions.
* Own supplier relationships, lead improvement work with studios, separators, and suppliers, and conduct quarterly KPI reviews.
* Manage costs by providing decision criteria for optimal cost management and handling purchase requests.
* Lead the enhancement of the current artwork system using Wave and input for potential expansion and operation for artwork approval and delivery.
Artwork Projects
* Own and lead the development of packaging artworks (labels, cases, displays, etc.) using the Princes Wave packaging workflow tool.
* Manage the approval process, ensuring all key stakeholders approve on time and that key deadlines are met for shelf availability.
* Act as the link between pre‑press suppliers, printers, production plants, and marketing/project managers.
* Lead cross‑functional project teams by attending or initiating specific artwork project meetings.
* Develop technical knowledge of artwork, repro, and print processes to support the wider business.
* Control approved APC spend via the SAP PO system and continually seek process simplification and reduction of separate artwork changes.
Role Requirements
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
* Degree level education with 5+ years of experience in artwork within an agency or internal coordination role.
* Experience of people management in FMCG or related business is an advantage.
* Significant and in‑depth understanding of artwork, reprographics, and print across a broad range of substrates and print processes (ideally FMCG manufacture).
* Knowledge of packaging technology and materials.
* Proven ability to influence, lead, and manage cross‑functional teams at all levels in a fast‑paced, complex environment.
* Ability to engage customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders confidently and authoritatively.
* Ability to manage budgets and report variances.
* Understanding of relevant systems and SAP processes.
* Ability to manage an effective system for control of colour standards.
Experience
* 5+ years’ experience in artwork agency or internal coordination roles.
* People management experience in FMCG or related sector (advantage).
* In‑depth knowledge of artwork, reprographics, and print processes.
* Knowledge of packaging technology and materials.
* Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and projects.
* Confidence in engaging with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
* Budget management skills.
* Experience with SAP and other relevant systems.
* Control of colour standards.
Skills
* Influencing – excellent problem‑solving, facilitation, and coaching skills within the artwork team and across departments.
* Technology and workflow system expertise for high‑quality service delivery.
* Attention to detail.
* Relevant qualification such as Institute of Packaging diploma or equivalent is valuable.
* Planning and organisation capabilities.
* Excellent communication skills for presenting complex commercial and technical information.
* Creativity and change orientation – recognise opportunities, challenge positively, and meet business needs innovatively.
* Team leadership – ability to create and implement shared vision and deliver outcomes.
* Strong mentoring and talent development skills, including matrix management.
* Stakeholder management at all levels – drive decisions and command credibility at senior management level.
* Proactive and pragmatic approach.
Benefits
* Cash car allowance
* 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
* 14.5% pension – 5% employee opt‑in / 9.5% employer
* Hybrid and flexible working – 4 days in office / 1 day WFH
* Flexible holiday option – buy 5 additional days
* Enhanced family‑friendly & carers policies
* Life assurance cover
* Private medical insurance
* Critical illness cover
* Learning and development opportunities.
Country: United Kingdom
Location: Liverpool
Business Area: Group Strategy & Transformation
Workplace Type: Hybrid
About Princes: The Princes Group has over 7,000 employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. Princes manufactures 350 different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day.
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