Production Manager

WHO WE ARE

Continuum is not your typical marketing execution and creative services company. We work as an extension of our clients' teams, delivering custom, physical marketing solutions - from direct mail and print, to in-store and experiential - in ways that make budgets go further and drive better results. This is a place where you can do meaningful work, be part of the team, and help our clients grow.

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WHAT DOES THE PRODUCTION MANAGER DO?

As a Production Manager you will lead the end-to-end production of marketing and operational materials for a leading trade publisher. You will define and manage print production specifications, advise marketing teams on format, materials, and feasibility, and ensure outputs meet quality and cost objectives. You'll manage schedules, coordinate with vendors and deliver projects on time and on budget. You will also own job setup, purchase order management, freight reconciliation, and invoicing within the production management system. Working closely with both internal and client teams, you'll ensure campaigns run smoothly from concept to completion.

This role is remote, with occasional travel to New York City, supplier facilities, and Continuum headquarters in Chicago, IL.

A TYPICAL WEEK MAY LOOK LIKE THIS:

• Monday: Kick off the week by reviewing active production schedules, prioritizing projects, and aligning on key deadlines. Enter new jobs into the production management system and ensure all projects are properly set up for execution. Join a team status call to review open jobs, flag risks, and confirm next steps.
• Tuesday: Review supplier quotes, timelines, and specifications. Negotiate costs, confirm capacity, issue purchase orders, and validate alignment of delivery expectations for upcoming campaigns.
• Wednesday Partner with the client's marketing and creative teams in project kickoff meetings. Translate campaign objectives into clear production plans, identifying specifications, timelines, and potential risks early in the process.
• Thursday: Monitor production progress across multiple projects, conducting quality checks and troubleshooting any issues with vendors or logistics. Reconcile freight charges and coordinate with internal teams to resolve challenges and keep projects on track.
• Friday: Review project financials, including estimates vs. actuals. Finalize billing by validating costs and issuing customer invoices. Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and efficiencies to enhance future execution.

WHO ARE YOU?

• You are a print expert and a strategic thinker - ready to identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement in production and distribution.
• You have strong commercial acumen - able to manage budgets, evaluate trade-offs, and drive cost efficiencies without compromising quality.
• 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 a problem-solver and effective communicator - adept at identifying problems, analyzing root causes, making quick decisions, and implementing effective solutions.
• 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.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in production management, ideally in print production
• Experience with purchasing and negotiating in a manufacturing, client, or agency setting
• Strong understanding of print production processes (pre-press, printing, finishing)
• Experience managing print and logistics vendors, including RFQs, bid analysis, and performance management
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects while upholding quality standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with production management or ERP systems (e.g., print workflow or order management platforms)
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, cost analysis, and reporting (advanced Excel required)
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure and adapt to shifting priorities
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or related field preferred
• Willingness to travel as needed

ESG Statement: We strive to make our world better by utilizing ingenuity and technology to minimize our environmental impact, cultivating a business that recognizes the intrinsic value of diversity and inclusion, and requiring accountability, transparency, and integrity in everything we do.


CJK Group is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.