As our Freelance- Studio, Sr. Print and Event Production Manager, you will...

• A subject matter expert (SME) in print and immersive experience activation related development and production.

Be Accountable and Responsible

• Works Autonomously
• Manages workflow of daily deliverables and ensure deadlines are met
• Ensure communication flows through all departments (Project Management, Client Service, Creative, Media, and Studio) throughout the course of each campaign/project
• Develop campaign/project timelines (collaborate with all departments as needed)
• Facilitate team communication to ensure all project requirements, expectations, deliverables, etc. have been fully outlined and that any outstanding information or needs are addressed
• Ideate and explore options within budget with Creative and Design teams
• Estimate projects, including internal time and external resources, as applicable
• Obtain vendor costs (i.e. OOH/transit production) and submit to Project Manager for approval through project management tools
• Obtain and decipher specs, material deadlines, examples and any other pertinent/useful information from outside vendors, then share with internal team
• Communicate any Studio workload issues to Studio Leadership and Resourcing to determine project reassignment(s) and/or resource need(s)
• Issue purchase orders to outside vendors as required for a campaign/project (i.e. OOH/transit production)
• Submit final files to vendors for printing/production/install; Approve proofs when applicable
• Attend press checks and/or manage event installations, when applicable
• Manage immersive experience activation installations
• Route production layouts, vendor proofs, etc. through Project Manager via project management tools
• Request proof of posting, proof of delivery, samples, etc. from outside vendors and share with internal team
• Maintain/organize sample files during duration of our SOW with client
• Share observations and continuous progress toward key initiatives with Production Management Leadership

These are the qualifications we're looking for

• 8+ years of print and event production experience, preferably with varied experiences in the advertising agency environment. Breadth of print technologies experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, or Associate degree/trade school, and/or equivalent work experience
• Strong organizational, communication skills, and ability to manage deadlines across multiple assignments
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Can effectively communicate during video conference calls
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator applications, preferred
• Proficiency in Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides, and Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with Workfront, WebVantage or other project management platforms

Notification

• This role will require minimal internet upload speeds of 25mb/s, use of MERGE assigned laptop, software and proprietary management software.

Location

• Chicago or Kansas City

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At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices.

The salary range for this role is $75.00 - $90.00 hourly, based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.