Print Production Group (PPG) Project Manager I

Make a Difference in YOUR Career! 

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table. 

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia.  Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks. 

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game.  We are solutions-based.  We are innovative.  We seek out new challenges and conquer them.  This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best. 

Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table? 

Summary Description:

• Print Production Group, (PPG), is the category expert for maintaining high quality, regulatory compliant, on time execution of all printed product packaging for Refresco North America. PPG is the conductor guiding each packaging component through the stages of print production within the commercialization process, providing technical expertise and project management services throughout, resulting in the highest quality packaging in the beverage industry. PPG embraces Refresco’s five core values: entrepreneurial, agile, passionate, responsible and excellence.
• Reporting to the Process Execution Manager, the PPG Project Manager 1 manages efficient print production workflows and developing timely, consistent communication with Design, Commercialization, Customers, Separation/Plate Making/Print vendors for all North American product launches or revisions of printed packaging components produced on Refresco manufacturing lines. This includes interaction with external customer packaging teams, external design firms, separation and print vendors, commercialization managers, account managers and design team members.

Essential Job Functions:

• Supports Commercialization and Procurement Teams so each project initiative is efficiently prioritized within the PPG workflow, based on Top Refresco Accounts and priority projects. Appropriately challenges new project assignments and works fairly independently without manager intervention for setting and maintaining priorities and meeting deadlines. Works with a sense of urgency and focus on the company’s top priorities and initiatives.
• Account Responsibilities for PM1: The PM1 is responsible for about 10 active accounts including primary ownership of their assigned Top Refresco Accounts (2 to 3 at the lower end of the tier) with a PM2 as the secondary on each account as needed. These top accounts will consume the most man hours, utmost financial responsibility and management expectations in order to satisfy our most important customers. The PM1 learns to manage their Top Refresco Accounts to understand the full PPG workflow process, learning the most efficient techniques to prioritize and to develop good vendor communication skills, relying on the PM2 for additional mentoring.
• Independently gather relevant preliminary information, review ACE project notes and input all initial project information into PPG Database.
• Initiates PPG Artwork setups from ACE assignments and creates new project tasks in PPG Database. Initiate work orders, audit artwork proofs, coordinate internal/external art reviews, coordinate execution of revisions, secure all required approvals, facilitate transfer of art files to vendors. Maintains project status and updates throughout the life of the project. With guidance from PM2, as needed, proactively seeks out information gaps with responsible stakeholders to maintain project momentum.
• Performs ACE tasks for PPG Reviews and adds Prepress Costs for their assigned accounts in a timely manner. Proficient with creating POs in SAP and with, guidance from PM2, secures additional vendor quotes for ACE prepress task.
• Develops and maintains strong vendor relations with all Refresco print vendors, separators, graphic suppliers, etc. Key participant in ongoing development of relationships with vendors and makes thoughtful contributions to the project discussions as knowledge of industry and vendor capabilities increase. Communicates project timing and deadline expectations with existing vendors for assigned accounts and ACE projects.
• Print Production Consultant for CoPack projects. With guidance and continued exposure to CoPack projects, communicates and advises best practices for artwork setup and printability issues whenever Commercialization Manager seeks additional guidance.
• Assists PM2 with monitoring ongoing, maximum print quality control for all Refresco print initiatives. For assigned accounts, coordinates receipt of print samples (Color Targets) with printers, review print samples for quality, present any concerns/issues for discussion with PM2 and send Color Targets to plants and maintain filing organization of Refresco control samples. Participate in quality review discussions with PM2.

Required Skills:

• Basic understanding of the packaging print production process and print types i.e. Flexography, Lithography, Dry Offset and Roto Gravure is preferred.
• Fundamental Project Management skills.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Basic working knowledge of both Macintosh and PC computers. Must be fluent in Microsoft Word and Excel.  Basic understanding of Photoshop and Illustrator an asset.

Competencies:

• Sound analytical skills matched with business acumen.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from senior management.
• Strong people and collaboration skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and manage a fast-paced schedule. Thrives in a high volume, face paced environment.

Education and Experience:

• An Associate’s degree is necessary, a Bachelor degree is favored, preferably in Business, marketing, design, graphic arts and/or Commercial studies with a sound understanding of business processes.
• 0-3 Years Print Production experience is preferred.
• Private Label/Consumer Package Goods Industry experience and/or knowledge is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing/procurement/supply chain environment is preferred.
• Experience with SAP is preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Physical: Regular requirements to sit and enter data in the computer. Standing, walking and inside office.  Minimal travel may be required. 
• Visual/Sensory- This position requires to be able to work long hours in front of the computer.
• Work environment- Work and environment fasted paced, requiring ability to remain focused under pressure.
• Mental Stress- There is pronounced pressure from meeting deadlines, schedules, and accurate work output.

Travel Requirements:

• Percentage of travel time expected for the position is 10-15% within the US and Canada for customer prepress reviews and/or team meetings and trainings.

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

A Career with Refresco 

Refresco is passionate about empowering leaders who reflect our core values and live by our leadership behaviors. These behaviors encourage effective leadership within the business, and focus on leading courageously, empowering individuals, and driving company growth as one team. Joining our team as a people manager means you’ll be encouraged to evolve as a leader who prioritizes the success of both you and your team, to deliver results, whilst bringing your authentic self to work.  

Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:    

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance    
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts  
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance 
• Short-term disability and long-term disability   
• Pet Insurance  
• Legal Benefits  
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match  
• 12 Paid Holidays  
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
• Well-being Benefit 
• Discount and Total Reward Programs   

Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!   

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Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. 

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