Creative Production Manager

Accountabilities: Creative Production & Asset Management: Build and maintain a centralized Graphics Grid for each program, tracking asset status, specifications, files, proofs, and approvals. Develop and maintain client-specific visual identity libraries, and ensure shared drives and released files remain organized and accessible. Timeline & Approval Management: Establish creative deadlines and approval rounds in collaboration with executive producers and production teams. Maintain accurate schedules as project requirements evolve, document written approvals with dates and approver details, and co-lead weekly creative reviews with the Art Director. Production Specifications & Quality Control: Collect vendor templates, dielines, and technical specifications to guide the design process. Collaborate with creative and production teams to develop build kits and evaluate production options based on materials, dimensions, costs, and lead times. Verify that all files meet print-ready requirements, including CMYK color settings, outlined fonts, embedded images, bleed, trim marks, and dielines, before external distribution. Print, Fabrication & Merchandise Production: Manage vendor relationships and production workflows for print materials, event signage, large-format graphics, fabrication, and branded merchandise. Coordinate quotes, production schedules, revisions, and deliveries while partnering with internal gifting and merchandise teams on attendee gifts, executive kits, and event swag. Budget & Scope Management: Monitor creative production expenses against approved budgets, identify potential cost overruns, and communicate scope changes to the Account Manager before making financial commitments. Track revision rounds against production deadlines and coordinate final file releases with the appropriate Production lead. Freelance & Contractor Coordination: Source, evaluate, and schedule freelance creative professionals in partnership with creative leadership. Maintain a roster of qualified contractors, define project scope, deliverables, rates, hours, and deadlines, coordinate agreements and nondisclosure agreements, and ensure contractors understand established workflows. Track hours and expenses, address out-of-scope requests, and organize final project files. Client & Cross-Functional Communication: Serve as the first point of contact for operational creative questions from client design teams, resolving production-related issues and escalating creative decisions to the Art Director. Communicate risks, dependencies, and outstanding decisions proactively across Creative, Production, and Growth teams. Onsite Production Support: Provide onsite assistance when needed, including graphics and signage installation checks, production troubleshooting, and last-minute printing or merchandise requirements. Travel as required to support successful event execution. Process Improvement & Professional Development: Standardize and improve production grids, project workbacks, intake processes, and quality-control checklists to reduce revisions, prevent reprints, and increase efficiency. Stay current with developments in print production, signage, fabrication materials, and production technologies. Requirements Professional Experience: At least 4–7 years of experience in creative production, print production, or creative traffic management within an agency, experiential marketing, or brand environment. Experience supporting events and experiential campaigns is strongly preferred. Print Production Expertise: Strong working knowledge of print production and prepress processes, including CMYK color management, bleed, trim, dielines, outlined typography, proofing, and color accuracy. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Acrobat is essential for evaluating file readiness. Vendor & Production Management: Demonstrated experience managing print, signage, large-format graphics, fabrication, and merchandise vendors from initial quotations through final delivery. Ability to monitor costs, coordinate production schedules, and manage scope changes effectively. Project & Timeline Management: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent programs, establish realistic creative timelines, coordinate approval workflows, and maintain accurate documentation across project stages. Freelance Talent Management: Experience sourcing, evaluating, briefing, and managing freelance creative professionals, including defining deliverables, budgets, schedules, and project expectations. Technical & Productivity Tools: Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with collaboration and project management tools such as Slack and Productive is beneficial. Organization & Problem-Solving: Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a systems-oriented mindset. Ability to anticipate production risks, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement practical solutions before problems affect delivery. Communication & Collaboration: Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, designers, vendors, production teams, and leadership. A proactive, collaborative, service-oriented approach is essential. Adaptability & Accountability: Ability to manage competing priorities, maintain quality under tight deadlines, communicate risks early, and take ownership of outcomes in a dynamic environment. Industry Passion: Genuine enthusiasm for experiential marketing, live events, brand activations, and the practical craft of transforming creative concepts into tangible experiences. Values & Inclusion: Commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, respect for diverse perspectives, adaptability, and delivering exceptional value. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to inclusive teamwork and professional integrity. Work Schedule & Travel: Availability to work standard business hours with occasional flexibility for event-driven deadlines, including some evenings and weekends. Willingness to travel approximately 15% for onsite installation checks and event support. Physical Requirements: Ability to remain stationary for extended periods, lift or move boxes and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance, and bend, crouch, or position oneself under tables or stages when required. Additional Requirement: Successful completion of applicable background checks. Benefits Competitive Salary: Annual base salary ranging from $95,000 to $105,000 , depending on experience, qualifications, location, and internal compensation considerations. Fully Remote Work: Work from anywhere in the United States, with flexibility supported by a remote-first working environment. Full-Time Employment: A full-time opportunity with standard business hours and some flexibility to accommodate event schedules and production deadlines. Creative Ownership & Impact: Take ownership of creative production workflows across multiple programs and contribute directly to improving systems, quality, and delivery outcomes. Professional Development: Gain experience across creative strategy, print production, signage, fabrication, branded merchandise, and experiential event execution. Collaborative Team Environment: Work closely with creative and production professionals, with direct access to leadership and opportunities to contribute ideas and improve processes. Diverse Client Portfolio: Help bring creative concepts to life for brands, nonprofit organizations, and associations through meaningful events and brand experiences. Inclusive Workplace: Join a team that values diversity, equity, collaboration, and the unique perspectives each individual brings. Equal Opportunity & Accessibility: Equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and employment process. Compensation Transparency: An emphasis on equitable compensation, with opportunities to discuss salary expectations during the hiring process.