Associate Project Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Project Manager position is an entry level Project Manager opportunity responsible for support in implementing projects in a Production environment. The responsibilities include partnering with internal departments and external parties to ensure adherence to project expectations. This position supports The Upper Deck Company’s business units by helping Project Managers on all levels of Trading Card projects. This person will complete small projects independently while learning to run more complex projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for assisting in communication with Print Manufacturer and Finishing partners to meet or exceed scheduled print production durations, Pack-out and Product Release dates.
• Creates and takes ownership of Form Costing accuracy, responsibly communicates and timely updates document as needed for assigned projects
• Posts PDD (Product Definition Document) and PPU (Planned Production Update) from Brand, after Project Manager reviewed for accuracy and then post.
• Masters all production-related processes to support the individual product, to include quality control of printed material, foil stamping and die cutting, Quality Assurance and Redemptions.
• Attend Product Pre-Launch, to insure expectation successfully achieved.
• Attend Case checks – focusing on loop and pack placement expectations
• Timely submitted RFQ (Request for Quote) for preliminary quotes for outside print vendors once post-engineering PDD (Product Definition Document) has posted.
• Keep an accurate list of EOJ cards for Marketing when needed
• Work with Brand, Packaging Engineer and Purchasing to ensure buyout items are on hand prior to pack out. Including auto labels, Security stickers, void stickers, and other buyout items
• Attend Minus 1, Engineering and Kickoff meetings for specific projects, as well as additional meetings that may be necessary in order to resolve challenges that arise during the production cycle.
• Strong organizational, editing and proofreading skills with the ability to handle multiple, high priority projects with a keen attention to detail. .
• Assist in the development and improvement of production processes and tools.

INTERACTION

This position will interact closely with the NC Project Manages, Product Development and Brand, Sports and/or Entertainment Coordinator, Purchasing, Packaging Engineer, Game Used Manager, Quality Assurance Manager and Project Manager in California.

EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE

• College Degree in Business preferred.

• 1+ years of experience in project coordination.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Accomplished written communication skills.
• Knowledge of trading card or trading card game industry is a plus.
• Working knowledge of basic budgeting.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills.

• Effective organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple, high priority projects with a dedicated attention to detail.
• Professional demeanor; team player orientation. Ability to interface with internal parties at all levels.
• Ability to perform duties under minimal supervision while exercising reasonable discretion and independent judgment.

• Hands on, energetic and motivated self-starter with the ability to work additional hours as required.
• Proficiency in the following software or systems beneficial: MS Office.