Artwork Production Specialist
Unilever City Of London, England, United Kingdom
Manpower are currently seeking an interim Artwork Production Specialist to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.
The position is based at Blackfriars on London’s Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full-time temporary role to last until the end of July 2026 requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £48,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.
The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.
The APS requires to drive the efficiency along the design and artwork chain within the artwork projects they manage. They should drive this efficiency with the focus on the cooperation with Unilever internal functions. Therefore, the APS must have a certain experience in deploying this artwork expert role within Unilever, being able to independently closely work together with the Unilever functions who deliver the artwork data input.
The primary purpose of this position is to manage the creation and approval of packaging artwork from design lock, through to commercially reproducible mechanical artwork and separations which are handed over to the printer in a timely manner. This person will be responsible for initiating and managing projects using the artwork management system and also working within a multi functional and sometimes multinational project team to deliver projects on time, in full.
The position must interface with internal teams (such as Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, e‑Commerce) who provide master design files and pack content, and also external partners (print management agencies, design agencies, printers, etc) who deliver the work in the form of mechanical artwork, pack image albums and printed packaging.
As technical experts, they will provide expertise and input into the design, artwork and print phases of the project to ensure that the right levels of approval integrity, brand quality and consistency are maintained throughout the artwork process and supplier printing process. There is also a responsibility to manage the creation of digital pack images and hero images for various channels and touch points internally and externally in an ever more digital and connected world.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the artwork process, roles and responsibilities and ensure integration with the innovation project management process to deliver projects on time and in full.
* Act as the Artwork Business Partner for the business, brand DNA & guidelines, plans, priorities and volume per year.
* Manage stakeholders within cross‑functional teams on artwork projects.
* Collaborate with marketing and design agencies at the design phase, providing expert guidance and technical inputs to ensure design is technically printable before artwork is routed for internal approval.
* Set up and run pre‑production meetings bringing together design agencies, print management agencies, printers and internal stakeholders to maintain quality and consistency from artwork to print phase.
* Ensure master design files are created according to prescribed toolbox specifications and handed over correctly, and that printed artwork matches the design requirements.
* Work with marketing to ensure visibility on artwork cost and spend, and that printed packaging is optimised for cost (e.g., print process, number of colours).
* Take accountability for delivery of mechanical artwork and separation files to printers, proactively manage issues if they arise.
* Create and manage projects in the internal artwork management system BLUE adhering to Unilever’s defined artwork process. Manage delivery of digital pack images following Artwork Excellence process, to the right quality and on time.
* Manage internal and external stakeholder expectations for status, timings and technical expertise.
* Ensure print management agency follows approved rate cards and service level agreements, and that procurement and payment procedures are followed per company policy.
* Approve colour‑reliable proofs on behalf of marketing to ensure proof meets marketing’s expectations.
* Sourcing printer specifications and aligning them to defined processes and ways of working.
* Approve colour standards (first press pass) if not covered by the print management agency, and distribute to relevant parties if required.
Key Requirements
* Experience in artwork management or a similar role (print production, print management, graphic design, packaging development, supply management, etc.).
* Good project management skills dealing with global projects, covering communication, stakeholder management and project tracking.
* Understanding of design elements of artwork and ability to advise and suggest to marketing and agency.
* Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously with cross‑functional and external stakeholders.
* Ability to work in a multi‑cultural environment with partners in many different countries.
* Capacity to manage artwork in a constantly changing environment where timelines are tight and artwork is critical path for delivery.
* Adherence to process and online system discipline.
* Ability to manage external vendor compliance within agreed lead time and quality of delivery; compliance to rate card and processes.
* Influence improvement to artwork management efficiency through project management, process compliance, visibility of artwork KPIs and ways of working.
* Function as a technical expert and business partner to Marketing and other functional teams from design to artwork to print phase.
* Manage and report on print management agency performance based on Unilever evaluation criteria.
Scope
* Adaptive design, artwork, print management and digital image creation responsibilities.
* Can be responsible for several brands and categories simultaneously, across market clusters or countries.
* Position not tied to a central time zone; may work in several different environments.
* Coordinate multiple external vendors across time zones.
* Interaction with many departments to manage all projects per the artwork process.
* Build collaborative relationships.
* Hold people accountable.
* Good organizational awareness.
* Strong influence skills.
* Business partner mindset (not customer service).
Key General Skills
* Strong Project Management
* Highly computer-literate
Additional Information
* Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment.
* Short walk from Blackfriars station.
* Staff shop discounted products.
* Free tea & coffee facilities.
* Onsite deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch.
* Gym available for use (subscription required).
Seniority level
* Associate
Employment type
* Temporary
Job function
* Project Management
Industries
* Manufacturing
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