Artwork Production Specialist in London

We are currently seeking 3 interim Artwork Production Specialists, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The positions are based at Blackfriars on London’s Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. One is a full-time temporary role to last until the end of December 2024, the second to last until the end of April 2025 and the third position is due to last for 10 months. All require 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for the roles are competitive, paying up to £46,500 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Job Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to manage the creation and approval of packaging artwork from design lock, through to commercially reproducible mechanical artwork and separations which are handed over to the printer in a timely manner. This person will be responsible for initiating and managing projects using the artwork management system, and also working within a multifunctional and sometimes multinational project team to deliver projects on time, in full.

The position must interface with internal teams (such as Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, e-Commerce) who provide master design files and pack content, and also external partners (print management agencies, design agencies, printers, etc) who deliver the work in the form of mechanical artwork, pack image albums and printed packaging.

As technical experts, they will provide expertise and input into the design, artwork and print phases of the project to ensure that the right levels of approval integrity, brand quality and consistency are maintained throughout the artwork process and supplier printing process. There is also a responsibility to manage the creation of digital pack images and hero images for various channels and touchpoints internally and externally in an ever more digital and connected world.

Main Responsibilities

• Be the owner of the artwork process, roles and responsibilities and being able to translate how to fit this into the innovation project management process to deliver projects on time and in full.
• Be the Artwork Business Partner for the Business, Brand DNA & guidelines and plans, priorities and volume per year.
• Managing stakeholders within the cross functional teams within the artwork projects the APS works on
• Collaborate with marketing and design agencies at the design phase, providing expert guidance and technical inputs to ensure that the design is technically printable before the artwork is routed for internal approval.
• Set-up and run pre-production meetings bringing together design agencies, print management agencies, printers and internal stakeholders to ensure that quality and consistency is maintained from artwork to print phase of the process
• Ensure that master design files are created according to prescribed toolbox specifications and handed over to the print management agencies correctly, and that the printed artwork matches the design requirements,
• Work with marketing to ensure visibility on artwork cost and spend, and that the printed packaging is optimized for cost e.g. print process, number of colours etc
• Take accountability for delivery of mechanical artwork and separation files to printers, proactively manage issues if/as they arise.
• Create and manage projects in the internal artwork management system BLUE adhering to UL’s defined artwork process. Manage the delivery of digital pack images following Artwork Excellence process, to the right quality and on time.
• Manage internal and external stakeholder expectations for your tasks relating to status, timings and technical expertise.
• Ensure that the print management agency follows the approved rate cards and service level agreements, and that responsible procurement and payment procedures are followed, in line with company policy.
• Approve colour reliable proofs on behalf of marketing to ensure that the proof meets marketing’s expectations.
• Sourcing of printer specifications and align them to the defined processes and ways of working.
• Approve colour standards (1st press pass) if not covered by the print management agency and distribute to the relevant parties if required.

Role Challenges

• Coordinating multiple projects simultaneously; working with various cross-functional team members as well as multiple external stakeholders at the same time
• Work through multi-cultural environment and people / partners in many different countries.
• Managing artwork in a continuously changing environment, where timelines are always tight and artwork is always on the critical path for delivery. Delivering this on time and efficiently.
• Working with a process and online system that requires discipline from others
• Managing the external vendor’s compliance within agreed lead time and quality of delivery, compliance to rate card and processes, particularly when they are not co-located in the same country
• Influencing the improvement to artwork management efficiency through project management, process compliance, visibility of artwork KPI’s and ways of working within the team.
• Functioning as a technical expert and business partner to Marketing and other functional teams from design to artwork to print phase of the process.
• Manage and report on print management agencies performance based on UL evaluation criteria.

Role Scope

• The scope of the role covers adaptive design, artwork, print management and digital image creation responsibilities.
• This position can be responsible for several brands and categories at the same time. This may be across market clusters or countries.
• There is no central time zone and therefore, in theory, flexible working may be required to accommodate meetings in different time zones.
• The individual must also coordinate multiple external vendors, also possibly within other time zones.
• This will require interaction with many departments to manage all projects as per the artwork process.

Key Skills Required

• Experience in artwork management or a similar role (print production, print management, graphic design, packaging development and or supply management, etc.)
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships
• Hold people accountable
• Good organizational awareness
• Strong at influencing
• Negotiating skills
• Business Partner mindset (not Customer Service)
• Strong Project Management
• Highly computer-literate
• Fluent in English
• Intercultural Awareness

Additional Information

Blackfriars working environment:

• Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment
• Short walk from Blackfriars station
• Staff shop discounted products
• Free tea & coffee facilities
• Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch
• Gym is available for use subscription required.

At ManpowerUK we are dedicated to fostering a highly diverse workforce and cultivating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. We are recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, affirming our commitment to helping individuals with disabilities secure and retain meaningful employment. To hear more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives - please visit our website.