Central Project Manager - 12 month FTC

The Central Project Manager will report to the Client success Manager and work closely with key partners to support the day-to-day activities of Post Commercial Service. Support the Europe OU Central Team when developing new packaging designs for existing or new brands or pack types.

This involves working directly with the Europe OU Central Team Project Leads at the design concept stage of a project right through to execution in all Europe OU markets.

Location: Remote – Home Office

Essential Responsibilities, Accountabilities & Results

During the Concept stage, SGS & CO to organize and attend pre-artwork meetings as required and is expected to provide a specialist level of design and technical expertise in order Coca-Cola and associated teams (Design agencies, Printers, Commercialisation) are able to finalise the development of the design, ensuring it will be suitable for production and in line with the relevant VIS or style guide. SGS & CO also to deliver templates (project Big Foot) to creative agencies. SGS & CO also to organize and coordinate Print Specification Harmonisation across printers (Project Compass)

SGS & CO is responsible for ensuring the smooth transition of projects from template handover to localization.

This involves:

Creating and maintaining an accurate critical path – to ensure that all key milestones are met, and the project launches on time

Work with central team and the design agencies to understand design intent and packaging design limitations up front and advise on what should be provided so that the VIS is fit for purpose, scheduled before production

Review creative work developed by the design agency and identify any potential layout and/or technical issues

Advising with regard to required print trials and engaging the SGS & CO technical team to manage print feasibility and communication with printers

Providing regular updates to key stakeholders and escalating any concerns and risk or support required to unblock at the weekly update meetings

Collaboration and facilitation of communication across company regions, Brand Champions, Artworkers and SGS & CO studios to ensure the correct understanding of market specific requirements and timelines, as well as issue resolution

Fully understands and appreciates the clients culture and reflects this in behaviour patterns and ways of working of self and team.

Perform Graphic Manager tasks as and when required.

Invites SGS & CO technical team to support projects as required. • Summaries of projects/kick off for all stakeholders and/or appropriate entries to KO Art

Provides project summaries as required.

Leads quality issues in market and drives CAR process internally.

Specification & Skills

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Proven experience as a Senior Graphic Manager in a design agency environment, or similar role on client side

• Experience within an Artwork, Pre-press and print environment • Experience managing a team • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead meetings

• Excellent organisational and planning skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience in various project management tools

• A collaborative and solutions focused-mindset

• Critical thinking skills

• Unparalleled attention-to-detail

• The desire to take the initiative on projects and have a passion to learn/grow

• Strong analytical skills, and be a proactive problem-solver

• Understanding of design terminology and creative process would be beneficial

• English Proficient

Internal & External Communications

Frequent interactions will include:

Clients, ensuring top-level service and identifying new business opportunities.

Commercial teams, providing insights into client interactions to foster service excellence and growth.

Operations, to maintain client satisfaction through continuous service improvement.

Finance, to adhere to financial processes and protocols.

HR, for effective management of the client success team.

Development Opportunities

The role offers growth within the client success domain and potentially across SGS & Co, subject to performance and skill development.

Educational & Experience Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.

5+ years of experience in client-facing roles, preferably in sales.

Industry experience in pre-press, packaging, or related fields is advantageous.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel may be required (mainly to London); specifics to be determined based on business needs.

Timeline & location

. Remote position

. Initial 1 year contract

. Starting : ASAP

Who we are ...

SGS & Co is a global brand impact group delivering speed and quality through innovation and insights to drive impact for our world-class clients. We combine deep expertise in design, graphic services, production, technology, and process optimization with unmatched marketplace understanding, dynamic ideas, and client-first customer service. We bring the world’s best brands to life and set them up for success in the modern world.

SGS & Co shifts brands to impact through the strength of our people. Our team of nearly 5,000 employees across 30+ countries work collaboratively to exceed client expectations today and anticipate how we’ll need to pivot together to win tomorrow. We take pride in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion along with our ambition to lead the industry to a more sustainable future to drive positive impact for our clients, our people, and our planet.