The Creative & Technology Manager is responsible for an on-site team of professionals who create web, print, and multi-media projects for a major global pharmaceutical firm. The ideal candidate will serve as the key business contact for clients requiring the services of the team—managing the onsite team and the national studios. The candidate will also liaison with the contract holder and provide IT support for all technology functions. This person is a leader and a strong team player, a self-starter and a problem solver who can interface both with clients and staff, thrive on high-pressure challenges and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment. Working with all members of the on-and off-site studio and print teams, they will deliver creative solutions and be versatile in operational activities, meeting all quality, deadline and productivity targets.
Job duties
Creativity
Consistently provide innovative and creative ideas, putting forward imaginative alternatives and questioning traditional approaches.
Champion the client’s brands through the briefing process, concepts and final solution, implementing design and layouts that are fully compliant with corporate identity guidelines. Liaison with the client around brand guidelines.
Will consider the aesthetic look and feel of any document or piece of communication and be able to provide alternative solutions, challenging the brief through lateral thinking in order to stretch boundaries and redefine creativity.
Should demonstrate an ability to solve business challenges, produce ideas with depth and good reasoning, and be able to clearly articulate the journey from concept to solution.
Delivering high-quality design, artwork and layouts within corporate guidelines and to approved briefs, budgets and timescales, taking projects from concept to finished print or digital/interactive output.
Must demonstrate technical or specialist knowledge of core software
Aptitude with regard to adoption of new technology and process is core to a business that adapts to the rapidly changing demands of its client base.
Have exceptional client relationship skills and act as an ambassador with the client at all levels
Ability to work independently with customer groups to identify design needs. Makes team assignments that take full advantage of the talent and developmental needs within the group. QC’s own and dept. work; identifies external approval requirements.
Technology
Develop and maintain best practices and Operations Manual online
Assist client as needed with Open Lab software, archiving, server support, job submitting software support, reporting
Data management for the department to include assessing server load, and trouble shooting
Web Design and multi-media work
Liaison with WL technology team for job tracking software maintenance and support
Research technology solutions for the team including budget proposals, testing, purchasing, deployment, and establishing a maintenance protocol for any new technology
Maintain a forward thinking approach to industry trends and anticipate shortfalls in technology which may impact client needs
Establish relationships and set pricing with external vendors as needed to support any technology needs for support, testing, and/ or maintenance
Establish and maintain best practices for permission based data sharing
Resolution of Help desk complaints and issues particularly as escalated for both WL and client
Project and Time Management
Will have good project and time management skills, as most projects will require multiple actions.
Must be able to manage and prioritize several projects on a daily basis.
Must be able to work within given timescales on projects.
Proactively managing own workflow to consistently meet or exceed target efficiency and chargeability figures
Provide estimate support for all projects as needed
Client Focus
To ensure that clients are managed in a proactive, professional manner and that their expectations are not only met but exceeded. Ensure that Williams Lea delivers service in-line with our client’s business objectives, creating advantage for our clients wherever possible. Must demonstrate a client focused approach to providing service through personal commitment to the client and their business. Should build effective client relationships based upon trust, flexibility and a professional approach and be able to deal confidently with any type of client inquiry. Must demonstrate solid ‘people skills’, be able to negotiate effectively and communicate at all levels.
Attends customer meetings as appropriate
Develops a solid understanding of the client’s business and industry sector
Builds relationships with clients and manages their perceptions and expectations
Leads implementation of new services
Resolution of client complaints and issues particularly as escalated
Supports NAM and AD as needed to produce high end client facing presentations and documents
Financial Management
Ensure the appropriate month-end reporting is carried out in a timely manner
Deliver financial performance against budget
Work to the WL operating budget, understanding of P&L and billing process, participate in budget process
Focus on profit enhancement and cost reduction
Track the effective usage of all online art resources and report against P&L as requested
People Management and Development
To attract, retain and develop great people, ensuring that strategic resourcing plans are in place within your area of responsibility.
Support the WL culture through leading by example and living the WL values. Develop and foster a strong customer service ethos within the team
Consistently coach and manage the performance of all direct reports. Mentors, inspires and motivates team. Responsible for the ongoing performance management and review of the team
Ensure effective two way communication between direct reports and the client
Be aware of the training needs for all members of the department ensuring that the skill levels within the team match the constantly evolving nature of the industry and that they are relevant to the client’s needs
Work closely with the GAD/NAM to ensure an appropriate succession plan for the team
Requirements
Job qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or equivalent is required. BA in Graphic Design, Advertising, Art, or Communication Design preferred. Graduate degree strongly preferred.
4+ years in a similar role
Demonstrated management of 5 or more direct reports
Demonstrated experience in Project Management
Demonstrated proficiency in achieving results leading to cost reduction and revenue enhancement
Must have formal production training and a general understanding in illustration, graphic design, typography, communications and graphic media.
Exceptional, confident communicator, written and oral. Must speak clearly and concisely ensuring all important information is communicated. Asks relevant questions to ensure understanding. Must be sensitive to the client’s needs, remaining calm and confident, even in stressful/difficult situations. When required, should produce clear and well structured written communication and be able to communicate with AM’s, AE’s, satellite and creative support supervisors, team members, client, vendors, and be willing to cascade down relevant/important information as appropriate.
Exceptional client service skills. Requires a robust approach and ability when appropriate to challenge the client’s way of thinking and rationale.
Excellent time management skills. Takes a logical and systematic approach to work, monitoring progress on tasks and reprioritizing in changing circumstances. Must maintain a constant overview of the volume of work to ensure the client’s deadlines and expectations are constantly achieved and exceeded.
Must positively embrace change, accept new approaches and maintains own effectiveness in situations of uncertainty. Must take a flexible approach to work and encourage others to also do so.
Excellent team building skills. Must work in partnership with colleagues to achieve common goals.
Excellent problem solving skills under stressful conditions. Proven ability of critical thinking as well as a “think on your feet” skill set. Must make logical decisions having considered all relevant information and alternative solutions. Considers the broader implications of proposed actions. Escalates to the next level within a timely manner as needed.
In-depth knowledge of production cycle and print technology. Fully conversant with print and imaging processes, with very good working knowledge of web, litho and digital printing and their limitations
Advanced knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat. Software focus may change depending on site/customer requirements.
Ability to work on multiple projects and organize workload to meet deadlines.
Knowledge of on-line and interactive design and hosting applications
Extensive experience of PDF creation and troubleshooting
Astute ability to identify and develop new business to include development of internal marketing plans.
Financially literate with a proven history of sound financial judgment.
Good knowledge of IT and server systems, email, printing and networking.
Experience with web based work flow tools, POD systems
Williams Lea offers an exciting and supportive business environment. We develop our people and reward their contribution. We work with openness and integrity. We are an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
Williams Lea - 11 months ago
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