Role Description
We are currently looking for an experienced Packaging Artwork Manager to join our driven and accomplished Insights & Innovation team, based at our Head Office in Liverpool City Centre.
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 to 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.
* Project manage artwork change projects – lead, execute and coordinate large artwork programmes or cross‑business unit changes, e.g. wholesale artwork changes for legislation, redesign, and artwork‑specific projects.
Dimensions
* Estimated £2.0M spend on branded and customer‑own brand artwork.
* Part of the Product Change PMO team (15 people, including project management) managing around 300+ product change projects or 1,200+ SKU changes that often require new or amended artwork.
* 3 direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the Princes group Artwork delivery team and set objectives, review and measure outcomes through the performance management process.
* Instill a continuous improvement mindset, develop new procedures, and improve efficiency.
* Plan, organise and coordinate the workload balance of the team.
* Build commitment with other departments to the product change framework, artwork generation and approval process, and support decisions that align with Princes strategy.
* Develop, own and educate the business on the Princes artwork processes, systems, and tools.
* Own the artwork system for capacity planning, anticipate issues, and mitigate risks; facilitate priority calls on artworks when necessary.
* Report artwork performance and drive continuous improvement; eliminate quality incidents and improve artwork right‑the‑first‑time rates; update senior management on quality incidents.
* Hold people accountable for process adherence and collaborate on solutions for systemic issues.
* Own supplier relationships – lead improvement work with studios, separators, and suppliers; conduct quarterly KPI reviews.
* Manage costs, provide decision criteria for optimal cost management, and oversee purchase requests.
* Lead the enhancement of the current artwork system using Wave and advise on 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 artwork approval process, ensuring all key stakeholders approve on time.
* Own the timeline and meet all key deadlines so finished products reach the shelf on time; act as the link between pre‑press suppliers, printers, production plants and Marketing/Project Managers.
* Attend or initiate specific artwork project meetings and lead cross‑functional project teams.
* Develop technical knowledge of artwork, repro and print processes to support the wider business.
* Manage and control approved APC spend via the SAP PO system.
* Continuously seek to simplify processes and reduce the number of separate artwork changes.
Role Requirements – Knowledge, Skills & Experience
* Degree level education with 5+ years of experience in artwork, either within an artwork agency or in internal artwork coordination roles.
* People‑management experience in FMCG or a related business is an advantage.
* 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 environment.
* Ability to engage with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders with confidence and authority.
* 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.
Skills
* Excellent influencing and facilitation techniques, and coaching skills both within the artwork team and across departments.
* Proficient use of technology/workflow systems to deliver high‑quality artwork services.
* Attention to detail.
* Relevant qualification such as the Institute of Packaging diploma or equivalent is valuable.
* Strong planning and organisation skills.
* Excellent communication skills – presenting complex commercial and technical information at appropriate levels.
* Creative and change‑oriented – recognising opportunities, challenging the status‑quo and innovating to meet business needs.
* Leadership – creating and implementing a shared team vision and delivering outcomes.
* Strong mentoring skills and talent development.
* Effective stakeholder management at all levels, driving and influencing business decisions and commanding 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.
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. We strive to be an employer of choice, where our colleagues are proud to represent our business.
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