Graphic Department Manager

The Graphics Department Manager is responsible for providing direction and the day-to-day operations and production of graphics and sign materials for distribution to our liquor and beer customers for Frank Beverage Group companies: Frank Beer Distributors, Frank Liquor Company, La Crosse Beverage Group, and Frank Liquors of La Crosse.

Responsibilities:

1. Directs the operations of the graphics department assuring a high level of quality and production are maintained to meet the needs and delivery schedules of the sales organization and customers.
2. Oversees the creation of designs, concepts and layouts of graphic materials and signage produced for customers.
3. Performs advanced graphics design work and finishing to produce promotional materials and signage for customers, suppliers and internal use.
4. Consults with customers on project requirements and design elements.
5. Manages team workload based on availability, utilization, team strengths and development areas.
6. Uses eoStar to track status of signage and requests.
7. Ensures that all materials are produced consistent with supplier branding requirements
8. Mentors team members in graphic design and finishing; reviews designs and provides feedback to ensure design standards are met. Prepares proofs for review with customers, sales people or supervisors and makes necessary changes.
9. Design and update team procedures to retrieve incoming signage requests, review and approve to insure they meet appropriate signage production guidelines depending on intended use
10. Oversee the creation of designs, concepts, and sample layouts based on supplier and customer requests using esthetic design concepts or from supplier provided templates
11. Recruit, hire, retain, coach, and develop graphics department team members establishing and maintaining a high level of team performance
12. Provide training on policies, procedures, techniques, equipment and safety rules
13. Manage and maintain staff schedule including vacations to insure adequate staffing levels
14. Act as a liaison with customers, salespeople and management
15. Order department supplies. Research and maintain vendor relationships. Insure that materials are coming from most cost effective vendors
16. Maintain department records (supply pricing, billback procedures and rates, equipment maintenance, registration and warranties, etc.)
17. Insure supplier and internal billbacks are done in an accurate and timely manner
18. Support the internal marketing needs of Frank Beverage Group by creating designs and ensuring standards for company materials including business cards, recruiting materials, company web site, company logos, internal programs.
19. Maintain archive of images, photos and previous work. Insure that archive system is efficient
20. Attend sales meetings to stay updated on current promotions
21. Prepare proofs discussing them with customers, salespeople or supervisors and making necessary changes
22. Print and finish signage
23. Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to build and lead highly effective teams
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently and as a part of a team
• Driven for results and able to handle complexity and change on the go
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment and work quickly
• Ability to handle adversity and pressure with ease
• Ability to coach, train, motivate, influence
• Attention to detail and well organized
• Effective oral and written communication skills including accuracy and spelling
• Proficiency with Graphics software (Corel and Adobe)
• Familiarity with large format printers, digital press, laminators
• Understanding of sign finishing and production basics

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) required; Associates or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field preferred
• 5 years of graphics design is required
• Management experience is required