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 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), and Project manage artwork change projects (lead, execute and coordinate large artwork programmes / cross business unit changes projects e.g. wholesale artwork changes across products for legislation / re‑design and artwork specific change projects). The Packaging Artwork Process & Team Manager is key in enabling the business to manage artwork changes consistently and manage the team of artwork managers to deliver finished artwork in full and on time for branded and customer‑own brand products across all sectors. Responsibilities include controlling approved artwork amendment and origination expenditure based on least cost principles; maintaining Princes brand and COB presence across customer e‑commerce sites via Brandbank and other service providers; controlling colour standards in line with approved brand guidelines.
The role will support a £2.0 million spend on branded and customer‑own brand artwork, be part of a 15‑person Product Change PMO team handling 300+ product change projects or 1200+ SKU changes, and will have 3 direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the Princes group Artwork delivery team: set objectives and time‑bound outcomes, instill a continuous improvement mindset, plan and coordinate workload, build commitment with other departments, and support or influence other departments to take appropriate decisions.
* Develop, own and educate the business on the Princes artwork processes, systems and tools – the team’s role and value.
* Develop and own the artwork system to facilitate artwork capacity planning, anticipate capacity issues, and mitigate risks; facilitate business priority calls on artworks when needed.
* Report artwork performance and drive continuous improvement; focus on eliminating quality incidents and improving Artwork Right The First Time; update senior management on any quality incident.
* Hold people accountable for process adherence and work with the team on systemic issues and solutions.
* Own supplier relationships by leading improvement work with studios, separators, suppliers and setting up quarterly KPI reviews.
* Manage costs, provide decision criteria for optimal cost management, and be responsible for purchase requests.
* Work with and lead the enhancement of the current artwork system using Wave; provide input on potential expansion and operation/utilisation for artwork approval and delivery.
* Own and lead the development of packaging artworks (labels, cases, displays, etc.) using the Princes Wave packaging workflow tool; manage the approval process, ensure all key stakeholders are included and approve on time.
* Own the timeline and ensure all key deadlines are met so finished product can appear on shelf on time; act as link between pre‑press suppliers, printers, production plants and Marketing/Project Managers.
* Attend project meetings and/or initiate specific artwork project meetings, lead cross‑functional project teams.
* Develop technical knowledge of artwork, reprographics and print processes to provide knowledge and support to the wider business.
* Manage control of approved APC spend via the SAP PO system and constantly look to improve, simplify process and reduce the amount of separate artwork changes.
Role Requirements
* Education & Experience
o Degree level education with 5+ years’ experience in artwork either within an agency or internal artwork coordination roles.
o People‑management experience in FMCG or a related business is an advantage.
o Significant, in‑depth understanding of artwork, reprographics and print across a broad range of substrates and print processes (ideally FMCG manufacture).
o Knowledge of packaging technology and packaging materials.
o Proven ability to influence, lead and manage cross‑functional teams at all levels in a fast‑paced environment; ability to manage a complicated breadth of projects, people, geographical distance, supply and customer complexity.
o Ability to engage with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders with confidence and authority.
o Ability to manage budgets and report variances.
o Understanding of relevant systems and SAP processes.
o Ability to manage an effective system for control of colour standards.
* Skills
o Influencing, problem‑solving, facilitation and coaching skills within the artwork team and across departments.
o Use of technology / workflow systems in delivery of high‑quality service (ideally artwork).
o Attention to detail.
o Relevant qualification such as the Institute of Packaging diploma or equivalent would be of great value.
o Planning and organisation.
o Excellent communication skills – able to present complex commercial and technical information at appropriate levels.
o Creativity and change – ability to recognise opportunities, positively challenge and innovate to meet business needs.
o Leading a team – creating and implementing a shared vision and delivering outcomes.
o Strong mentoring skills – developing talent, providing direction and guidance, matrix management across functions.
o Excellent stakeholder management at all levels; ability to drive and influence business decisions and command credibility at senior management level.
o 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 contribution
* 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
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