Job Description

Description

Blue Buffalo (BLUE), is one of the strongest and most recognized pet food brands in America, and the undisputed leader in Wholesome Natural pet food, the fastest growing segment of the market. At over four times the size of the next largest brand in this segment, BLUE has become the new mainstream brand that's delivering products that pet parents are looking for, and connecting with them in a true, authentic way.

BLUE thinks of dogs and cats as family members, and believes their food should be natural and healthy. In fact, this was the motivation for the Bishop Family's decision to create the Blue Buffalo Company. When the beloved Bishop family dog, Blue, faced a variety of health issues, Bill and his two sons, Billy and Chris, set out to create a pet food that was made with only the highest quality natural ingredients--the kind of things a family member deserves. Fifteen years later BLUE has, in many ways, accomplished what the Bishops set out to do--help our dogs and cats live happy, healthy lives.

BLUE has a broad portfolio of natural pet foods, enabling pet parents to satisfy their pet's specific dietary, lifestyle and life-stage needs, offering them no-compromise product solutions.

OVERVIEW

The Sr. Packaging Producer is responsible for the coordination of approved packaging design into print ready mechanicals and through first print production. This role includes juggling multiple brands, meeting tight deadlines for new product launches, assisting the Graphics Packaging Manager in day-to-day operations. Responsible for procuring front end information for Production Artists for the preparation of printer-ready mechanicals. Tracking and managing the approval process for printer proofs including cylinder proofs, contract color proofs and draw downs. The Senior Packaging Producer works proactively to help solve challenges that can occur in projects while developing and maintaining strong cross-functional relationships. This role does not have direct staff reports.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

* Meet daily with Graphics Packaging Manager to communicate timelines, assets required, progress of production projects, call out projects at risk. Ensures that risk assessment and contingency planning is communicated clearly and is acted on to keep projects on track and/or escalates any unresolved issues.
* Works with internal teams and suppliers on the front-end planning of projects and aides in the development timelines to support the business needs
* Responsibility for juggling multiple projects on various timelines
* Ensures the integrity of the approved Design files are maintained through the Mechanical and print processes, including facilitating the resolution of art and/or print file issues.
* Pre-flights incoming files for completeness, consistency and useability including dielines, copy documents, design files.
* Manage and conduct effective Design Turnover Meetings, Production Turnover Meetings, Pre-pro meetings, attend press runs, and post-production reviews.
* Manage drawdowns, image retouching and proofing processes.
* Accountable for communicating and collaborating with cross functional teams clearly and effectively.
* Be key driver regarding the development and optimization of processes within the team.
* Assist/oversee with Creative Team estimate/invoice processing.
* Responsible for creative/special project work as requested including comp production coordination and reporting.
* Prepare printer ready mechanicals for production as needed.
* Mentor others on industry trends, best practices, press approvals etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

* 10+ years production packaging experience
* Must have exceptional organizational and analytical skills, critical attention to details and accuracy
* Able to manage multiple projects and timelines
* Comfortable working in a deadline driven, fast-moving, rapidly changing environment and with "casual intensity"
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), translating technical terms to non-technical audiences
* Ability to work with and influence peers and external teams
* Self-motivated and high energy
* Must be able to work in an environment with free-roaming companion pets
* Pet enthusiast preferred
* Must be able to travel 25-40% domestically and internationally for press runs, vendor visits, and intercompany collaborations based on project demand (post COVID restrictions)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Committing to and executing on important and tight production schedules
* Strong knowledge in packaging printing techniques/specifications
* Knowledge of packaging mechanical guidelines
* High degree of proficiency in Adobe Suite, Excel and the ability to adapt to new packaging software

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best -- bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one other and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.