Production Manager jobs in Virginia

Production Solutions is an industry leader and expert in direct mail production management. We believe breakthrough results come from inspired people, ambitious thinking, impeccable service, and a spirit of working together. We listen, understand, strategize, create, and execute direct mail campaigns within annual fundraising programs. We are bold and resourceful; solving problems and hustling for our clients and each other is what we love to do. Conveniently located close to Tyson's Corner, you can work from our office or embrace our strong, collaborative, telecommuting culture. Either way, the result is the same – a challenging and rewarding career with an employer who genuinely cares and a leadership team that drives the company towards an even brighter and more exciting future.

Working on multiple projects from start to finish, you will expertly manage your clients' specific needs, averting preventable issues, problem-solving, and navigating potential minefields with efficiency and ease. Our environment is fast-paced, with frequently changing priorities and deadlines. Each new project will increase your familiarity with the client's business and enable you to address their needs fully. In return, your clients will rely on your depth of knowledge and look to you to manage the entire cycle of future engagements as they trust your expertise. Working independently and with a team of colleagues, you will be afforded the tools and resources necessary to succeed.

Essential Responsibilities

• Point of contact for clients; producing client satisfaction and retention using responsiveness and ease of the process.
• Manage production efforts and facilitate direct mail campaigns from inception to mailing and delivery in an organized and detail-oriented manner, producing the finished products to match the client's source documentation and information.
• Follow core compliance SOP's and QC (Quality Control) procedures; utilize checklists and other company service processes, activities, and operational systems.
• Ensure all client requirements are understood and translated into measurable and effective communication to all necessary end-users.
• Conduct competitive bidding, procurement, price negotiations, and budgeting.
• Interpret and review client's mailplan and source documents to write data processing specifications, personalization, and mailshop instructions.
• Manage project schedules and meet deadlines: set, synchronize and drive schedules in cooperation with the client, internal team, and external suppliers.
• Perform multistage QC procedures, including print proofs, press approvals, data processing, editing, and additional value-added checking (fact-checking).
• Manage artwork, work orders, proofs, change orders, and obtain approvals. Accurately and quickly update all documents, departments, vendors, suppliers, and clients throughout the project.
• Monitor mailing progress through proprietary metrics and USPS (United States Postal Service) contacts for applicable clients.
• Analyze print, data, and mailing for efficiency, reduce costs; negotiate lower prices through gang or program pricing, cost savings recommendations, and ongoing discussions with suppliers and internal departments.
• Liaison with management, internal departments, and vendors/suppliers to troubleshoot problems and provide innovative solutions.
• Conduct multiphase billing, coordinate cost documentation, invoicing, and postage reconciliation for accurate final billing.
• Cross-train on other client accounts for team members on leave of absence or vacation.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in the direct mail industry, including printing/mailing industry terminology.
• Proven record of working independently and efficiently on multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Strong customer service skills and proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal staff and outside partners/vendors.
• Available when necessary to work outside of regular business hours.
• Proficient use of a database system.
• Excellent proofing skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with pricing, proposals, billing, and postage reconciliations.
• Working knowledge of printing methods, data processing, personalization, and mail shop operations.

What's Attractive to the Right Candidate

• We invest time and effort in our staff and provide gold standard training and learning programs.
• You will have the option to work from our offices in the well-located Tyson's Corner area of Northern Virginia or telecommute from the comfort of your own home.
• You will own your accounts and projects from start to finish with the resources available to help you succeed.
• An Account Manager is a challenging, rewarding role with the potential for upward mobility and professional growth.
• We want you to succeed. You will have lots of support – we work in close-knit teams where everyone will pitch in and help each other.

Employee Benefits

We have a competitive benefits package: complete major medical/dental/vision plans (coverage starts the 1st day of the month following your start date) and life insurance, AD&D, and short-term disability coverage paid by the employer. We also offer additional voluntary life insurance and voluntary long-term disability. A Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy, five sick days allowance, and 11 paid holidays. Optional benefit flex-spending account (medical and dependent care), a 401(k) plan, and $150 monthly tax-free reimbursement for cell phone, internet, or health club membership or equipment.

Production Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. We are committed to diversity in the workplace and promote a drug-free environment.

Productions Solutions is a member of the Moore Enterprise.