Graphics Manager

Graphics Manager Location Chicago, IL (Heart of Chicago area) :

Position Overview

The Graphics Manager is responsible for managing the Graphics Department and ensuring the timely creation and production of customized, innovative graphics designs, site renderings and event décor. The Graphics Manager works in partner with the Graphics Production Supervisor to facilitate effective and efficient production. Will also work closely with the Sales Department, Creative Services, The Art Director and all internal departments to ensure designs fulfill a client's vision within budget. The Graphics Manager functions independently and relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assigned tasks and goals. The Graphics Manager reports to and receives direction from the Assistant Director of Production, Senior Leadership Team and President.

Mission Values Commitments

Each employee works together to strive to create the best event design and tradeshow company by:

• improving our communication,
• showing that we care about each other and the company,
• focusing on delivering quality , and
• Highlighting professionalism through personal excellence with shared passion, dedication, and commitment to client value .

Leadership Requirements

• Mentors direct reports and team to strengthen skills and effectiveness and build individual leadership.
• Manages performance; coaches and counsels team on an ongoing and timely basis.
• Builds consensus and commitment for achieving the organization's vision and goals.
• Uses effective work strategies to influence decision-making and create ownership.
• Listens to, thanks and effectively communicates with all contributors in the organization.
• Takes measurable steps to develop the mutual trust and respect necessary for a productive and positive work environment.
• Models personal integrity, sound business ethics, the company mission, values, policies and procedures; communicates to and expects the same of staff.

Essential Duties

• Manages graphic designers working in conjunction with the Graphics Production Supervisor. Responsible for delegating work, scheduling their daily workload and managing their hours according to project needs and budget requirements.
• Provides creative direction to team to elevate design work and achieve innovative designs that support the company's position in the industry.
• Recruits, interviews, hires and trains department staff.
• Collaborates with the Creative Team, design directors and other staff in a creative capacity to review client and creative services feedback in order to provide innovative design concepts and solutions for events which are fresh and can be produced within the specifications of the job awarded.
• Serves as Sales Liaison for sample and production needs working with department staff to translate the vision of the Sales team into reality.
• Manages the production of graphic concepts and coordinates production with other departments and within Graphics.
• Oversees the maintenance of graphics inventory, department databases and records, and electronic filing systems.
• Works in tandem with Senior Management to plan out the weekly staff and production schedules, and shape the work environment of the department.
• Manages department and project budgets and develops cost cutting strategies to achieve department and project productivity.
• Reviews pull-sheets and maintains the workflow calendar which tracks the jobs currently active within the department.
• Enforces all event processing procedures.
• Develops and maintains the production workbook to include production hours and pricing formulas.
• Introduces best practices and technologies to enhance department capabilities, quality and service.
• Maintains department equipment to ensure they are in good working condition and used properly.
• Tracks and enters time and assigns hours and tasks to appropriate events and jobs in time and attendance system.
• Completes all Human Resources and Payroll tasks and notifications through the Employee Self Service Online Portal on a weekly basis.
• Complies with all department and company safety guidelines, procedures, and rules.
• Completes all safety training as directed and within established timelines.
• Establishes safety guidelines and expectations, and ensures that staff follows all company and departmental safety guidelines, procedures and rules.
• May perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design or a related field.
• 3-5 years experience working in a graphics department. Production experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and supervise a team through past experience.
• Previous experience with multiple print formats including EcoSolvent and UV.
• Strong design portfolio and skills that would continue to elevate the team.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required, particularly in Excel. Knowledge of event planning software, including Ungerboeck preferred.
• Ability to develop, read, calculate, and interpret pull sheets, pricing information, formulas and financial reports.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Works well under pressure with a proven ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced setting, and meet deadlines and goals.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, share skills and knowledge with others.
• Ability to effectively use tools and equipment that includes: Mac & PC operating systems, a variety of artistic materials, graphic design CS software package including proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, In-Design and Adobe PDF acrobat.
• Familiarity with printing procedures and experience outsourcing jobs to vendors, and ability to use tools and equipment that may include: x-acto knives, various cutting instruments, glue guns, adhesives, spray equipment, power tools, removable vinyl, foam core, PETG, and printer equipment.
• Knowledge of event venues a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours including early, late and weekend hours.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to walk, kneel, crouch, bend and reach during entire work shift.
• Able to stand 80% of the work shift.
• Ability to work with hands and arms during entire shift.
• Must be able to move and climb ladders without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull 30-40 lbs. throughout the shift.
• Ability to handle fragile items safely.
• Required to move throughout and between two buildings over course of the work shift.
• Must have 20/20 vision with correction.
• Must be able to tolerate cold, heat and humid conditions.
• May be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals during the work shift.
• Ability to tolerate moderate noise.