Mgr - Packaging Project

**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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SGK Toronto is looking for a Packaging Project Manager to work with our onsite team with a large CPG client. The Packaging Project Manager role manages day-to-day responsibilities for client project management, including overseeing the overall process and timeline, working proactively to solve challenges that occur throughout the project and developing strong client relationships. This position uses client brand and strong technical knowledge to resolve complex problems throughout the project lifecycle. The Packaging Project Manager is client facing and collaborates across multiple stakeholders, both internally and externally within the client network, as well as with SGK colleagues, acting as the primary liaison in the packaging development process.

**JOB RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Works with cross-functional teams in the development of project scope and related timelines which meet the goals and priorities of the project.
- Facilitates inputs required for the creative development with brand design agencies for packaging design projects on time and within the brand’s budget from category audit through initial design concept to handoff to agency partners.
- Monitors production art development from agency handoff through & including final materials.
- Facilitates resolution of art file or printing issues with supplier/printer.
- Works as a main point of contact with the client, builds and sustains strong relationships with the client’s functional areas (marketing, design, quality & regulatory, pkg R&D, consumer insights, etc.) and the client’s vendors (SGK internal team members, design partners and printers).
- Communicates and manages print process with printer and design agencies.
- Leads all design extensions & adaptations across multiple structures and substrates for optimal design and print production results.
- Develops, communicates, and manages project priorities, timelines and status to internal and external partners.
- Resolves or assists in the resolution of issues within and between projects or team; develops methods to monitor artwork project progress and resolve issues as necessary.
- Follows up to ensure that deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
- Ensures that risk assessment and contingency planning (for relevant projects) takes place, is communicated and agreed upon by all core team members and is acted on if necessary to keep the project on track or to escalate any unresolved issues.
- Ensures compliance to processes and establishes discipline to standardized ways of working.
- Manages every portion of the approval process between internal and external partners, ensures alignment at every step of the design and activation process.
- Collects packaging project inputs; partners with stakeholders to secure and validate the necessary inputs to effectively execute the project.
- Provides technical consultation to the Product Teams to ensure efficient & effective packaging production.
- Demonstrate proficiency with SGK and Client on-line tools and other tools & technology as required by the business.
- Additional duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS**:

- Bachelor’s degree in business, Graphic Arts, Marketing, Advertising, or related field
- 6+ years previous project management experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Occasional travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be required.
- Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills
- 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 senior management
- Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting

**ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Experience Launching New Products, Redesigns, Line Extensions and Maintenance items in a CPG, Private Label or Food Company, Technology, Pharma industries, and Design Agencies.
- Experience in consumer or corporate creative/production design.
- Experience or an understanding of the packaging and pre-media prepress process.
- Time management skills, ability to assess and develop strategies proactively.

**PHYSICAL ASPECTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT**:

- Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk, hear and see.
- Occasionally lift and/or move up