Lead Associate

**SGK is a global packaging and brand experience company. From idea to implementation, we deliver packaging solutions and brand experiences that give brands the freedom to speak louder, scale faster and grow stronger. We simplify marketing and amplify brands to deliver value. SGK is a Matthews International company.**

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The Lead Associate - Print Services evaluates and provides on-site press approval for all levels of printed work. Provides color management processes and guidance as it relates to color targets, color measurement, and color reporting as per client’s/printer technical specifications. With limited direction from the client project team and/or Management, attends press runs for various client accounts and may train internal and external personnel on Print Services Technology as needed. May coordinate or prioritize the work of other employees performing similar duties.

**JOB RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Attends client meetings (press runs, pre-production) as needed to identify any potential production issues and make recommendations to resolve issues.
- Promotes client print quality program across vendor base.
- Ensures high quality standards in all Production client deliverables.
- Ensures accurate, consistent, and timely completion of high-quality Print work, working closely with Production teams, and effectively using industry standard software, tools, and Print techniques.
- Performs assigned tasks within the overall Production Print Services workflow and assigned budget, according to work order specifications, Industry and Company Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), the Company’s high-quality standards, and the client’s Brand guidelines and standards.
- Attends and manages Press Characterizations with printers and provides timely feedback and reports to printers and clients as required.
- Conducts print runs and print output audits as required following company-wide auditing criteria and policy.
- Works closely with Production/Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) to review, recommend, test, set up, implement, and maintain hardware and software for Print Services.
- Creates strong and effective internal partnerships and collaborates across the business; listens and values the opinions of others.
- Supports the team by pitching in at any level and effectively working across the organization to meet the needs of the business.
- May coordinate activities of lower level Print Services employee(s). Mentors and helps to train and develop team.
- Additional duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS**:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Arts, Interior Design or related field
- Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s) preferred
- 6+ years progressive experience in Pre-Press, Graphic Arts, or related print manufacturing field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Occasional travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be required.
- Very good understanding o f effective Print, Photo Studio, and/or Digital production processes, roles, tools (digital and conventional) and workflow practices and trends.
- Proficient to expert in Pre-press and Print techniques and process (e.g., Flexo, Litho, Gravure, Color separation, rotation, trapping, bleeding, stepping, file resolution, etc.)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning).
- Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as, internal and external clients.
- Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
- Ability to work with and influence peers and management.
- Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.

**PHYSICAL ASPECTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT**:

- Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk, hear and see.
- Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold & heat, risk of electrical shock, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
- The noise level in the work environment may be high.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

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.

Matthews International affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Equal Opportuni