Freelance- Studio, Sr. Print and Event Production Manager

Merge Storytelling and Technology

We bring together the minds and passions of creative pioneers, tech innovators, and data explorers to help ambitious clients solve business challenges and rise to the top. MERGE has enduring client partnerships with American Express, T-Mobile, LG, Subway, Kate Spade NY, Coach, The North Face, Meta, Adobe, BlueCross BlueShield, Abbott, Astellas, Supernus, CSL, GE Healthcare, Broward Health, Indiana University Health, Nationwide, and Morgan Stanley. With offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Montreal, New York City and Los Angeles. MERGE uses a talent-to-task process that enables clients to think higher and feel deeper about their customers. 

Promote Health, Wellness & Happiness

We are committed to promoting health, wellness and happiness in the world by partnering with purpose-driven clients in purpose-driven industries in healthcare, life science, and consumer products. Our deep vertical expertise and category insights stem from decade-long partnerships with our top clients.

Emerge to the Top of Your Career

At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers.

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

#LI-AP1
#LI-HYBRID

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