Print Production Manager, Marketing Communications (Marcom), Japan

Apple•Apply•Published 4 months ago•First seen 1 months ago

Summary

Marketing Communications (Marcom) is the creatively-led global team that oversees Apple’s consumer facing marketing. We ensure the flawless development and execution of world-class communications across all medias and platforms. Every day, hundreds of millions of Apple customers around the world interact with our products. We drive the strategy and creative work that provide both new and existing customers with simple, engaging and inspiring marketing experiences.

The work of Marcom Japan includes Localization, Advertising, partner Retail Experience and Communications, Interactive/Digital, Video & Motion Graphics, and Direct. It is a creative-led organization that plans, localizes, conceptualizes and implements Apple’s product and services communications.

We are looking for a Print Production Manager to join the Japan team!

Description

The role of a Print Production Manager in Marcom is to bring creative concepts to life in multiple print mediums by providing print production expertise, strong purchasing and project management skills, and the ability to maintain schedules and budgets for all pre-press and printed materials on various substrates.

In this role, you will be instrumental in producing 2D elements on behalf of Apple with a goal of maintaining the highest visual standards of one of the most beloved and empowering brands through all vehicles by which marketing and advertising appears and is maintained globally.

The range of work includes, but is not limited to: pre-press, large format event graphics, specialty marketing collateral projects, window and in-store graphics, packaging and premiums.

Responsibilities

Determine specs, estimate and/or competitively bid all projects, maintain budgets; communicate any obstacles that would require additional funding; conduct negotiations with suppliers as necessary
Implement highly complex initiatives and to recommend the best course of action on all production-related considerations, within a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment
On-press experience and expertise in all aspects of production is expected. You will attend press checks, bindery/fit checks, and installations as required to set and maintain color standards, ensuring expected quality throughout the entire production process
Facilitation of Creative Team’s art direction, ensuring accurate interpretation and color match across substrates/print processes

Minimum Qualifications

10 years minimum of print production experience within a creative agency or print production environment equivalent, managing print projects of all types (litho, large format) from concept through execution
Strong color analysis skills, demonstrated experience working pre-press in RGB and CMYK, and managing press checks with an eye towards quality and detail
History of developing and managing supplier relationships (paper vendors, print partners, etc.)
Business level fluency in spoken and written English and Japanese
During peak periods, evening and weekend work may be required. The candidate must also be willing to travel both domestically and internationally, often at short notice. This is a hybrid position with requirement to work on-site for office days; may also be required to work on-site on WFH days if vital to fulfill project parameters

Preferred Qualifications

In-depth familiarity with large and small format litho and inkjet printing, dye-sublimation, large format finishing techniques (welding/sewing/mounting), and specialty finishing techniques (embossing/foil stamping/spot coatings)
Experience managing graphic installation for experiential marketing events or in-store displays is highly desirable
Solid working knowledge of image creation from CGI and photography through retouching approval
Comfortable with determining specs, estimating and/or competitively bidding all projects, maintaining budgets; communicating any obstacles that would require additional funding; Capability to conducting negotiations with suppliers when necessary
Functional ability to review files in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
Ability to work cross-functionally and facilitating effective routing and reviewing of projects

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity, and thus we treat all applicants fairly and equally. Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities.