Senior Graphics Technologist

Job Location: Hershey, PA 

Role Summary: With minimal supervision from the Sr. Manager of Packaging Graphics, the Sr. Graphics Technologist  is responsible for initiating and executing graphics projects with significant complexity. This position is responsible for identifying and implementing efficient graphics processes, seamless integration of brand acquisitions and continuous improvement projects.  In addition, the PM is responsible for managing strategic initiatives, promoting and implementing the best use of technology, and developing solutions to complex graphics problems to meet the company's current and/or future business needs.  The successful candidate must be able to display sense of urgency while maintaining attention to detail. This position is responsible to model leadership and technical instruction to the graphics organization and cross functional teams. Responsible for all phases of large projects or programs, from project development through commercialization.  This includes communication of project timelines, project progression, and elevation of roadblocks and implementation of resolutions.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Manage strategic graphics projects while simultaneously supporting graphics resources on technical support for commercialization.
• Devise processes and procedures to ensure project commitments are delivered and communicate business critical project activities to all levels of management.
• Develop project timelines including key milestones.
• Engage graphics resources to assist in project progression and for tracking of completion of milestones and project progress.
• Develop presentations with updates for key stakeholders on project progress and propose recommendations for path forward as required.
• Collaborate with OBD, Marketing, Brand, and Customer teams, Finance, legal and regulatory and all functions within the process (procurement, manufacturing plants and printers) to deliver projects on time adhering to quality parameters.
• Develop a seamless and integrated relationship with design partners (global design, agencies and pre-press).
• Act as a lead on production related issues which includes identifying root cause and leading others to resolution.
• Interacts with Commercial stakeholders to ensure alignment of objectives and deliverables
• Identifies and evaluates risks and develops appropriate contingency plans

Technical Graphics Technology/Innovation

 

• Expert knowledge and demonstrated competency in graphics technology, packaging or printing trade disciplines. Leverage proficiency and knowledge of graphics industry to provide and guide graphics technologists on graphics solutions. 
• Serves as an organizational representative in external supplier negotiations.
• Provides graphic technical recommendations on strategy for implementation of projects

• Provides mentoring and coaching to graphics technologists, graphics contractors and project managers to provide opportunities for them to develop graphics technical skills.

• Advises technical direction on separations, mechanical development, color management, print run management and supplier print capabilities as it impacts the intended printing deliverables.
• Collaborates with global design and agency partners on the creative development of new and innovative graphics designs and guide the teams on how to attain quality printing that meets the design brief objectives.
• Partners with printers to authorize and support technical steps for contingency business moves.
• Develop design of experiment for new and emerging print technologies including timelines and contingencies
  

Budgeting/Continuous Improvement:

• Participate in Vendor business reviews and provide updates on status of vendor performance.
• Manage tracking and accuracy of vendor invoices for pre-press, printing plates and cutting dies when required.  This includes providing cost collectors as required. This includes on-time ZINV payments for pre-press services. Elevate service price concerns that are not in scope per vendor contracts pricing schedule.
• Approve SAP vendor invoices as required for print and trans