Project Manager

At The IMAGINE Group ( theimaginegroup.com ), one of the nation’s largest and best print-centric visual communications companies, it’s a new day. Furthermore, our commitment to our clients that a partnership with IMAGINE ensures “there’s a better way" has just become more exciting than ever. After recently being acquired by new financial partners, our company is in the financial position to invest in growth-centric capabilities and make The IMAGINE Group the most exciting and best national print-centric visual communications companies in North America. Given our client-focused commitment to excellence, it is truly the perfect time as we grow exponentially over the next several years. The IMAGINE Group has locations in Minneapolis, Chicago and Charlotte along with our Midnight Oil team in Los Angeles.

Midnight Oil (moagency.com), strategically located in "the heart of Hollywood" in Burbank, CA, is an extraordinary creative, and specialty print production partner to the majority of theatrical and streaming studios, with relationships often measured in terms of decades, not years. We uniquely and conveniently combine our Studio and Print Production capabilities all under one roof in our 120,000 square feet facility, with an Amtrak stop and the Burbank Airport directly across the street. However, our “secret sauce” is simply our people … we have the best, most passionate, most capable team of 125 motivated employees who always delivers exceptional solutions to our clients as we aren't satisfied being anything short of the best. Generally speaking, we shape creative ideas by making them better and bringing them to life in virtually any media format, on-time, and to the highest standards of quality. And, we do things the right way as our culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion makes MO a great place to work.

Objective: The Project Manager specializing in Retail Perm/Semi Perm Displays and Theatrical Displays is directly accountable for ensuring brand integrity, and effective and efficient execution of the final product.

The Project Manager is accountable to the specialized product line and will communicate with clients on a product and

technical level. This position is designed to have total ownership of the specific product line and work collaboratively,

both internally across the organization and externally with clients and partners to ensure high quality execution.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Manage all facets of Retail Display (Perm/Semi-Perm) and Theatrical Displays from start to finish and be accountable for client satisfaction of final product.
• Collaborate with Creative Director(s) and Account Director ensuring brand integrity and vision of final product is met.
• Align with the Account team to manage client expectations and project milestone approvals.
• Collaborate with service departments leads, (creative, engineering, product development, fabrication, color, pre-press, print production, logistics, estimating and purchasing), to ensure that all services performed meet the established objectives.
• Ensure all file prep work done by Color/Finishing department and Prepress departments are manufacturing ready and meets quality print standards and is delivered on time.
• Oversee that technical and client legal requirements are adhered to throughout the job.
• Set & Publish production work back schedules for all deliverables within internal service departments and vendor partners.
• Request project costing estimates - manage budgets and costs through the life cycle of project.
• Directly negotiate and coordinate buyouts with vendor partners and oversee the quality and timeliness of final product
• Dictate manufacturing specifications including material selection.
• Data entry into job tracking system, including creating job tickets, POs and shipping data.
• Initiate the billing process and coordinate with Accounting for progress billing and closing out of project.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with an ability to manage competing demands.
• Strong entrepreneurial & leadership qualities. Exceptional interpersonal skills including mentoring, coaching, collaborating, and team building. Ability to influence without authority.
• Technically savvy – Excellent verbal and written communication skills - able to interface with color, creative, engineering & product management and pull it all together into a final deliverable.
• Creative approach to problem-solving with the ability to focus on details while maintaining the “big picture” view. Able to calibrate to client brand/campaign nuances.
• Computer skills - job tracking systems, Monarch, Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to interpret - Creative Renders, CAD engineering design packets, SOW’s, PO’s, Pricing Grids, Compliance Documents
• Manufacturing experience - Large Format Printing (UV, Conventional, Digital), Mounting & Die Cutting, Kitting & Fulfillment.
• Knowledge of various raw materials and finishes – Corrugate, Metals, Plastics, Paper.
• Technology experience is desired.

Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Prior experience (4-6 years) as a Project Manager or directly related experience
• Management of large projects that were on tight deadlines and on budget