Senior Creative Service Specialist

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

The Sr Creative Service Specialist provides comprehensive consultative services for the development and production of print and direct mail communication materials ensuring successful project outcomes. This role requires a high level of expertise, autonomy, and problem-solving skills within the Print Support function.

This is the career/senior level of the job classification. A Sr Creative Specialist is expected to:

• Manage multiple work projects in various specialized areas with minimal supervision

• Oversee procurement of products and services aligned with Business Unit needs

• Have proficient skills to work independently, seeking guidance only for complex projects or issues

• Demonstrate expertise in relevant concepts and procedures

• Identify problems, develop solutions, and take action to resolve issues

Provides Expert Advice and Print Production Consultation

• Educate clients and stakeholders about Print Support Services, products and tools.

• Collaborate with clients and account managers to assess communication needs and define project requirements.

• Provide strategic guidance and recommend cost-effective communication products

• Advise designers on print and USPS specifications for design feasibility and postal compliance

• Consult and recommend production schedules that meet project specifications, print requirements, and adhere to USPS delivery standards.

• Recommend optimal direct mail solutions and strategies based on USPS regulations and client objectives

• Manage multiple projects concurrently with accountability for outcomes

• Collaborate with creative teams during client reviews to align concepts with production schedules.

• Proactively resolve production issues and provide expert consultation to clients and Corporate Communications

Development and Execution of Production and Delivery Plans for Communication Material

• Conduct thorough project analysis for scope, budget, and resource planning in alignment with project milestones

• Determine cost-effective production methods and collaborate with external vendors to obtain accurate project estimates.

• Assign projects to external vendors based on their capabilities, resources, and scheduling to ensure optimal project execution.

• Develop and communicate comprehensive production schedules that meet project objectives.

• Coordinate project execution and drive collaboration among creative teams, clients, and print vendors

• Facilitate proof reviews for and provide final production approval to vendors

• Provides accurate tracking information for mailings and collateral from external vendors

• Communicate and manage purchase order instructions to vendors for direct mail and template production

• Manage print vendor relationships to ensure adherence to schedules and budgets

Print Support Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with external suppliers

• Address and resolve vendor issues related to service levels, quality, and costs, in compliance with established SLA's

• Conduct quarterly vendor performance reviews

• Evaluate and select appropriate vendors based on bids

• Ensure timely processing and approval of invoices and purchase orders

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and audit guidelines for all external purchases

• Ensure vendor compliance with accurate and timely data uploads for monthly reporting

• Perform annual audits of vendor contracts and spending

• Collaborate with Duke Energy Sourcing teams for RFIs and RFQs

Stays current on industry capabilities, processes, technology, and standards to deliver effective, competitive products and services

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of USPS regulations, rates, and promotional programs

• Provide expert guidance on paper, inks, varnishes, specialty cuts, and finishing options to achieve desired outcomes

• Offer informed production recommendations based on press specifications and project requirements

• Consults with external vendors to stay informed on current print industry trends and advancements

• Ensure all projects adhere to established graphic and corporate identity standards.

• Educates teammates and peers about corporate brand standards and brand compliance as outlined by Corporate Communications.

• Contribute to continuous improvement by suggesting and implementing new processes for Print Support.

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications

• Minimum 4 years related work experience

• In lieu of Bachelors degree(s) AND 4 year(s) related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 8 year(s) related work experience

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive process improvements

• Expertise in USPS regulations and print production requirements

• Mentoring and training abilities

• Strategic thinking skills

• In-depth knowledge of printing processes, direct mail strategies, and graphic design principles.

• Extensive experience in print production management

• Thorough knowledge of print industry standards and best practices

• Deep understanding of print support operations and their interdependencies

• Experience in delivering effective presentations to diverse audiences.

• Previous experience as a purchasing agent or procurement sourcing background

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, Power BI

• USPS Mail Design Professional (MDP) Certification

• Hybrid Mobility Classification - Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable daily commute to a Duke Energy facility.

• Charlotte-based Hybrid position

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Independent work management and decision-making abilities

• Project management and multi-tasking abilities

• Proven negotiation skills

• Experience in vendor management

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