Role Overview

To act as a representative of the SGK business ensuring a first-class service is consistently provided to our key client with professionalism, and enthusiasm whilst in alignment with the client culture.

To act as a representative of the SGK with shared responsibility for delivering the highest quality product and ensuring the most efficient solutions are consistently supplied to the client.

To be the front-line enabler and facilitator for artwork management and process facilitation across the supply chain.

Job Responsibilities

Project Management

• Responsible for gathering, managing, and coordinating new and updated graphics & packaging projects for the client’s brand portfolio.
• Project lead for packaging changes throughout designated region including day-to-day contact with frontline, regulatory, bottler, printers, and supporting agencies.
• To co-ordinate the project management of all projects for the client, including packaging artwork, artwork amends, repro, proofs, and other related services provided by SGK e.g., creative / adaptive design, 3D renders, mock-ups, etc.
• Manage and maintain Project and Job Status Trackers (including audit of completed jobs).
• Initiate artwork volume forecasts with assigned market stakeholders and communicate with SGK Production Centre and Account leadership.
• Communicate key milestones and critical path timelines where applicable to all key stakeholders.
• Support other Project Managers / market specific projects where necessary.
• Escalate as appropriate any risks to critical path timelines.
• Initiate and contribute to any quality investigations.
• Review of artwork rejection reasons.
• Contribute to quarterly business reviews.

Briefing & Approval Process

• Co-ordinate and lead Pre-Artwork meetings with support of SGK Production Centre, including output of minutes and actions.
• Collate all necessary information and files at the onset of a project to effectively brief the SGK Production Centre.
• Collate amendments during artwork production cycle and brief SGK Production Centre.
• Manage the deployment and ongoing use of company project management system, through support of its implementation and maintenance of all master data.
• Validate and resolve any queries or discrepancies that arise from the briefing inputs.
• To co-ordinate advisory on print and technical feasibility on all assigned projects with the direct support of the Print Management Team and Operational Teams.
• Co-ordinates press attendance where applicable with the SGK Technical Print Support team.
• Support the control and development of brand consistency and print feasibility on behalf of the client along with the Print Management Team and Operational Teams (client Services and Production).
• To be responsible for getting approval of jobs from each relevant client department before release of fully approved files.

Relationship Management

• To build, maintain and develop effective & positive working relationships across the client, and wider supply chain becoming a trusted advisor and enabling first class service.
• To fully understand and appreciate the client’s culture and reflect this in behavior patterns and ways of working.
• To take full ownership of the daily on-site relationship with the relevant marketing team and supporting departments with support of designated Account Director.
• To always represent SGK professionally at all levels within the client as required
• To identify areas for continuous improvement within the client and company processes, recommend robust and appropriate actions, in close association with the Account Management and Operations Teams.

Special Features:

• Ability to review current working practice and recommend robust improvements.
• Confidence in dealing with clients at all levels of management and differing cultures.
• Be able to operate within the office space assigned, work independently without the daily oversight of a line manager.
• Due to the evolving nature of our relationship as a company with all key customers, the nature of this role will continue to develop. Hence there is a need for flexibility, the ability to grow with the job and the overall resilience to change.
• Building and keeping professional relationships with external parties related to the client (e.g., design and promotional agencies).
• Ability to travel as needed.

Key Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of project management / account management experience.
• Fluent in Arabic and English in both written and spoken
• Print management and packaging design experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience/Knowledge of Adobe products
• Experience/Knowledge of the client and or working with FMCG brands
• Excellent organisational skills and logical approach
• Demonstrate strong project management skills
• Remains calm under pressure
• Ability to negotiate
• Strong knowledge of print processes and packaging materials to better understand the limitations and/or restrictions faced by designers
• Strong creative eye – able to analyse design and provide constructive feedback and recommendations on aesthetics
• Attention to detail
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office for data reporting

Personality/Work Style:

• Proactive, high energy, “a driver & deliverer”.
• Appreciate cultural sensitivities.
• A good listener and able to demonstrate strong empathy skills.
• Strong process orientation.
• Capable and effective leader, who displays collaboration and teamwork.
• Self-starter; able to work independently/autonomously.
• Excellent communication skills to facilitate in driving results for client demands.
• Excellent project manager who is able to navigate relationships at all levels within the client environment.

Matthews International endeavors to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. In doing so, Matthews International provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resource Team.

At Matthews International, what makes us different is what makes us great. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.