German or Bi-lingual speaking Account/Project Manager
About the role
This is an amazing opportunity for a dynamic and experienced Senior Account/Project Manager who has strong project management experience. This role offers the opportunity to work on high profile brands within the organisation which require excellent project management skills. The successful candidate will have the ability to take on a number of projects independently, will demonstrate efficiency and resilience and will have the experience of managing projects and leading large rollouts within the creative industry. European language skills are advantageous. Some line management responsibility may be required.
Overall responsibility:
* Responsible for the administration and running of accounts, projects and complete brands, and for maintaining long-standing client relationships as well as building and maintaining strong internal relationships across the company.
* To own and independently manage a large number of projects and/or complete brands (at times 100 - 200 SKU’s) from taking the initial brief from the client to obtaining approval to release the project to the client, working closely with the internal Design, Retouching, Artwork and Quality Control teams to facilitate the production of packaging for our clients.
* To own and independently manage large international packaging rollouts across brands/countries as required.
* Have detailed knowledge of all your brands and your brand guidelines, and ensure consistency of design and production across all product packaging and outer cases within the brands.
* Analyse, understand, question and challenge German client briefs.
* Be able to confidently advise clients on timelines for the design and artwork process, the requirements for branded and own-label packaging and the details of specific client (brand) guidelines. Have complete and detailed knowledge of our clients’ corporate, barcode, nutritional declaration and sustainability guidelines.
* Write briefings for internal design, photoshoot and digital artwork projects and brief the design or artwork team on individual projects.
* Effectively manage the timing and execution of the internal design and artwork process.
* Have a good understanding of cutter guides for packaging and of print processes. Identify potential difficulties in the print process for each project early and discuss them with the artwork/production department and the printers.
* Organise photoshoots, get quotations, book photographers and home economists, organise/source product samples, write photo briefings etc.
* Responsible for ensuring all projects are completed to the highest standard, to deadline and to complete client satisfaction. Managing conflicting deadlines to ensure changing priorities are recognised and planned for accordingly. Ensuring that your projects comply with all current client design and artwork guidelines.
* Proof read your designs and artworks.
* Keep full track of all your live projects and be able to give a full account of the status of each project at any given time.
* Communicate with clients professionally, building client relationships to inspire trust and confidence in the Company. Manage client expectations and make sure that all deadlines are met.
* Effectively communicate client briefs to the Design and Artwork departments to ensure work is produced to client specification first time.
* Ensure the accuracy and precision of all work by continuously checking all details against the client brief, brand guidelines and/or style guides.
* Liaise with the Studio Manager, Design and Artwork departments, giving adequate notice for jobs to be scheduled for production.
* Advise and assist other members of the Client Services department as required.
* Provide guidance and support to more junior members of the team.
* Fully accountable for the quality and accuracy of all work that is released to our clients.
* Responsible and fully accountable for the complete budget of all projects.
* Accountable to ensure all projects are invoiced promptly and within company timelines.
* Line management and mentoring more junior members of the team.
Job Skills and qualifications:
* Account/Project Management experience is essential. You must be able to demonstrate previous experience running accounts or projects with precision in a fast paced environment and working to short deadlines.
* Previous experience working within a creative environment is essential.
* Experience within a print and design environment essential.
* Some marketing or branding experience would be highly beneficial.
* You must be articulate, have an excellent telephone manner, and proven communication skills dealing with clients over the phone or in writing in both German and English.
* Self-motivated, highly organised, able to manage time-lines and meet constant deadlines.
* You must demonstrate a passion for building strong working relationships.
* Experience of managing a range of projects from design through to print ready artwork.
* A proven ability to work to strict deadlines coupled with excellent attention to detail is essential and an understanding of design briefs and creative direction would be advantageous.
* You will be highly organised and efficient in managing an admin heavy workload.
Attributes
* Conscientious, reliable, good attendance and timekeeping standards
* Excellent attention to detail and works with precision
* Effective project manager, able to manage workload
* Honest, trustworthy, and able to work unsupervised
* Demonstrates initiative, is creative and contributes ideas
* Pragmatic approach to problem solving without cutting corners
* Friendly, approachable, respectful and a positive team player.
* Flexible, adaptable, calm whilst working under pressure
* Professional with excellent communication skills.
* Proactive, takes ownership of daily tasks with a can-do attitude.
* Must be able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the business.
Equal Opportunities - as a company, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of any characteristic as protected by law.
Data Protection – any information we receive as part of an enquiry about opportunities with Tjarks and Tjarks Design Ltd including personal contact details, CV and email address will be kept and used for recruitment purposes for a period of at least one year. You can view the Privacy Notice at https://tjarksandtjarks.com/en/job-applicant-privacy-notice/. Please contact us on careers@tjarksandtjarks.com if you wish us to delete any information you have given us and, subject to our rights and obligations under the GDPR, your information will be deleted upon request.