Placon Corporation is hiring: West Springfield- Graphics & Print Production

The Graphics Coordinator manages the graphic design projects from concept to delivery. Creates an action plan that coordinates the goal of a project with the steps needed to complete it. Manages and coordinates multiple projects at the same time. Manage the branding programs, multimedia projects, and their ongoing need for marketing materials. Liaison to the customers, staff, and vendors involved in the production of a graphics design project. No relocation offered for this position.

Essential Accountabilities

Artwork Management

1. Manage all incoming artwork from first concept until production.
2. Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
3. Troubleshoot/review all design/artwork well before production.
4. Review final layouts and suggest improvements as needed.
5. Create physical files for each job recording the history, communication, etc. throughout the entire process.
6. Review all incoming jobs for print feasibility. I.e. correct format, missing fonts, whether it's too complicated to run efficiently.
7. Meet with Production Manager and Shift Leader to discuss complicated artwork that is submitted, to discuss potential concerns before going to production.
8. Review the artwork for potential print problems during production. I.e. the need to enlarge copy, split colors out due to halftones, etc.
9. Assist customers and give guidance with their artwork preparation (branding). I.e. give guidance with color choices, font recommendations and branding suggestions.

• Manage numerous accounts simultaneously while meeting all deadlines.
• Effectively implemented procedures to streamline workflow in the Graphics Dept.
• Interact daily with customers, sales and vendors to help streamline the job order process.
• Maintain a filing and archiving system (digital and physical) for the graphics department.
• Manage, maintain, and organize daily workflow of projects.
• Coordinate with outside vendors as needed.
• Place and track purchase orders from internal and MRP system generated requirements, arranging for the delivery of materials in the most effective manner to support production and inventory constraints.

Billing & Invoices

1. Provide art & plate charge information to the customer for all new art.
2. Request and in some cases track down the PO for all art & plate charges.
3. Enter all invoiced charges into the database.
4. Review all artwork related invoices for accuracy.
5. Responsible for writing requisitions to vendors, submitting and following up for all necessary parts/materials required for production.
6. Track all jobs through completion and request revised PO for art & plate charges if necessary.

Daily Office Requirements (Graphics Related)

1. Perform administrative functions involving order entry, telephone & email communication and project follow-up.
2. Respond to all emails in a timely manner.

Production Support

1. Responsible for reordering damaged plates.
2. Responsible for ordering all inks for production.
3. Responsible for creating new item numbers for new products, materials, substrate colors, etc.
4. Responsible for the final Q.C. approval of all new art.
5. Responsible for creating hew folders when new MRP numbers are created or updated.
6. Meet daily production schedules and customer requirements.
7. Ensure all projects are delivered on time and on budget.
8. Inspect all new artwork to ensure it's consistent with customer request; and note any improvements necessary.
9. Promote, audit and support quality systems.

• Maintain required Quality Standards documentation for the department and assure compliance.

Office Support

1. Responsible for inventory and ordering all office supplies as well as some production supplies.
2. Enter all invoiced charges into the database.
3. Monthly reconciliation of the company credit cards.
4. Create BOM for each new artwork (printed, non printed and labels) and inputting all alternate routes for production.
5. Revise BOM information for older jobs when necessary.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Web/Corporate Support

1. Available for reformatting photos in Photoshop.
2. Maintain archive of images, photos, or previous work products.
3. Perform other duties as assigned.
4. Respond to needs of regional offices.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma required. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite 6, & Microsoft Office 2011. Graphics background in printing. Dry offset & Silkscreen, as well as hot stamp and labeling applications preferred.

Desired Skills:

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, computer, and multitasking skills.
• Experience in a manufacturing/production environment
• Experience with printing (dry offset) requirements.
• Ability to work independently and in team environments
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of various computer graphic techniques.
• Strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Commitment to continuing education and personal improvement.
• In-depth working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite products.
• Self-managed professional with high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• Ability to quickly revise / adapt designs based on feedback.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and complete assigned projects on time.
• Creative ability in graphic design.
• Must be flexible, open-minded and patient with a high sense of urgency.

Position Requirements

Work Environment Conditions:

Inside: Office

Equipment/Tools Used:

Physical Requirements: Normal Office - light work (lift 15 lbs): office equipment, binders, etc. Mental Requirements Reading, Writing, Calculating

Interpersonal Skills

Reasoning/Analysis

Works with Minimal Supervision

Other Mental Requirements: Ability to handle multiple priorities

Travel Frequency (in addition to seminars or related training):

This job description reflects the current assignment of essential accountabilities and is not meant to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may be assigned or reassigned to this job at any time and may be modified to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability or for other reasons.