Production Manager

Continuum is a marketing execution and creative production company that provides end-to-end marketing solutions for its clients. The Production Manager, Direct Mail oversees direct mail campaigns from planning through delivery, managing production schedules, suppliers, billing, reporting, quality, and client collaboration.

Responsibilities:

• Monday – Imagine the week begins with an internal planning meeting where the team shares project updates, addresses issues, and aligns priorities. You will ensure all necessary materials are in place for upcoming campaigns and adjust production schedules as needed. You will update and maintain the project management database will all necessary data points for programs throughout the week
• Tuesday – You may host customer meetings on this day. Meeting with stakeholders from each customer brand, you will define objectives for upcoming campaigns while validating production requirements and timelines. You will provide recommendations on production methods and distribution strategies to improve campaign performance and reduce costs. You will review proofs for the next weeks drops and ensure files and data are trafficking to the corresponding vendors for set up
• Wednesday – Picture yourself interfacing with external suppliers. You will review ongoing projects, addressing any concerns or challenges that may have arisen. You will also define production and distribution strategies for upcoming campaigns, gathering multiple supplier bids, negotiating pricing, and analyzing distribution methods. You will reconcile mail program postage statements and ensure the costs are reflected in the database
• Thursday – You might dedicate this day to financial management. Utilizing our print management software, you will input required data to generate customer reports and supplier purchase orders. As campaigns complete, you will use the same software to approve supplier invoices and issue customer invoices, ensuring all charges are accurate and authorized. In addition to the invoice, you will work within the project management tool to provide the client with the necessary reports for their accounting teams allocation of spend
• Friday – The week may wrap up with a sharp focus on performance analysis. Picture yourself reviewing campaign performance data and providing critical reporting to leadership and customer stakeholders. Preparing reminders and emails for next week’s file and mailing due dates

Requirements:

• The ideal candidate will have a strong background in print and direct mail production, excellent project management skills, a keen understanding of billing and reporting, advanced technological skillset, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, external suppliers, and customers
• You thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment – comfortable adapting quickly as priorities shift, managing pressure, and taking on new challenges while keeping projects moving forward. You understand how to balance the pace and urgency of a client with the realities of print production timelines
• You are technologically savvy – confident learning and navigating digital tools and comfortable working with highly technical clients who rely heavily on technology for communication, collaboration, and data management
• You are client-focused – skilled at building strong client relationships and possess a deep commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of clients in a way that fosters trust and long-term partnership
• You are a direct mail/print expert and a strategic thinker – ready to identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement in production and distribution
• You are highly organized and detail-oriented – able to develop and maintain production schedules, ensuring deadlines are met and projects stay on track
• You are comfortable with data analysis and billing processes – able to understand billing processes, pricing structures, reconcile complex billing data, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy
• You are a problem-solver and effective communicator – adept at identifying problems, analyzing root causes, making quick decisions, and implementing effective solutions
• 5+ years of experience in print production, specializing in the development, management, and optimization of direct mail programs
• Experience with high frequency low volume programs and co-mingle mail services
• Experience purchasing in a manufacturing, client, or agency setting, with expertise in negotiating job costs and schedules with external suppliers
• In-depth knowledge of print production processes, including pre-press, printing, and finishing
• Proficient in fundamental direct mail principles, such as list selection, data strategy, effective creative, and A/B testing
• Experience with postal optimization, with a solid understanding of USPS promotions, incentive programs, and payment processes
• Familiarity with postal regulations and data privacy laws
• Proven ability to quickly grasp and apply new technologies
• Ability to analyze data, interpret insights, and provide data-driven recommendations, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
• Strong Billing & Financial acumen with experience with summary billing mechanisms
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, external suppliers, and customers
• Bachelor's degree is preferred
• Proficiency with digital collaboration and productivity tools, particularly Google Workspace, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, is preferred
• Experience with commercial or publication printing is preferred