Design Project Manager (Print Production Specialist)

Type: Full-time | On-site (Costa Mesa, CA)

Salary: $85,000–$95,000 DOE

We’re a design + experiential agency with a strong creative team supporting major brand work across live events, branding, and integrated campaigns. We are looking for a Design Project Manager who lives at the intersection of creative vision and technical execution. You aren't just a "task master"; you are a print production expert who understands how a pixel on a screen translates to ink on paper.

You will serve as the critical link between design and production, managing vendor relationships to ensure high-stakes print campaigns are executed with absolute technical accuracy, on schedule, and within budget.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of design projects, defining timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
• Assign tasks based on designer capacity and specialty
• Facilitate internal reviews and ensure all deliverables meet the brand standards and technical requirements before reaching the client.
• Review design files for technical accuracy (bleed, ink limits, die-lines, and color profiles like CMYK vs. Pantone) before they hit the press.
• Source and manage relationships with print vendors and external suppliers. Negotiate quotes, review proofs (soft and physical), and conduct press checks when necessary.
• Manage project budgets, providing accurate estimates and ensuring cost-effective production without sacrificing quality.
• Act as the primary point of contact between the creative team, account directors, and clients to manage expectations and provide status updates.
• Continuously improve internal "Design-to-Print" workflows to reduce errors and increase speed-to-market.

What We’re Looking For

• Confidence communicating with clients, vendors, and internal team
• A collaborative, high-ownership style
• Reliable under pressure, steady, and solutions-oriented
• High standards without ego: you raise the bar while making the team better

Required Skills

• BA in Visual Studies, Communication Design, or a related field of study emphasizing design theory and technical execution.
• 5–7 years of project management experience within a design agency or in-house creative department, with a heavy focus on print production.
• Deep knowledge of substrate varieties, specialty finishes (foil, spot UV, embossing), and large-format requirements.
• Expert-level understanding of Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically InDesign and Illustrator) and PM tools like Monday.com.
• An uncompromising eye for detail—you can spot a 3% shift in magenta from across the room.
• The ability to translate "printer-speak" into plain English for designers and the internal team.

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Graphic Design experience

Non-Negotiables (Read Before Applying)

This role is a strong fit for people who bring excellence to both the work and the team. Please do not apply if these aren’t true for you:

• Work ethic: You consistently put thought and effort into what you do. You take pride in craft, follow through, and you don’t need to be chased
• Intelligence + ownership: You approach problems with confidence. You’re proactive, you think ahead, you communicate early, and you bring solutions, not surprises
• Kindness: You assume positive intent, work well with others, and contribute to a healthy team. You help when needed, are open to feedback, share credit, and celebrate other people’s wins
• If you’re exceptionally talented but you’re not aligned with the above, this won’t be the right environment… and we won’t be the right team for you.

How to Apply

Please send:

• A brief note highlighting your role on 2–3 pieces
• A final note on your favorite hobby and why :)

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person