WHO WE ARE
Continuum is a marketing execution and creative production company that serves
as an extension of our client’s teams. We offer bespoke, end-to-end marketing
solutions that optimize marketing budgets to enable our clients to reach more
customers without increasing costs, providing expertise, scalability, and a
higher ROI.
Connect with us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/continuuminc/
[https://www.linkedin.com/company/continuuminc/]
Check out our website here: https://www.continuummarketing.com/
[https://www.continuummarketing.com/]
WHAT DOES THE PRODUCTION MANAGER, DIRECT MAIL DO?
The Production Manager, Direct Mail, plays a crucial role in overseeing the
end-to-end execution of direct mail campaigns, ensuring efficiency, quality, and
timely delivery. 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. This is a remote position with a 10% travel requirement.
A typical week may look like this:
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.
WHO ARE YOU?
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.
Experience/Qualifications:
5+ years of experience in print production, specializing in the development,
management, and optimization of direct mail programs.
Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Proficiency with digital collaboration and productivity tools, particularly
Google Workspace, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, is preferred.
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.
Experience with commercial or publication printing is preferred.
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.
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.
Continuum 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.