Senior Graphics Technologist

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Manage strategic graphics projects while supporting graphics resources on technical support for commercialization.
• Devise processes and procedures to ensure project commitments are delivered and communicate business critical project activities to all levels of management.
• Develop project timelines including key milestones and engage graphics resources to assist in project progression and tracking.
• Develop presentations with updates for key stakeholders on project progress and propose recommendations for path forward.
• Collaborate with OBD, Marketing, Brand, Customer teams, Finance, legal, regulatory, procurement, manufacturing, and printers to deliver projects on time adhering to quality parameters.
• Develop a seamless and integrated relationship with design partners (global design, agencies, pre-press).
• Act as a lead on production-related issues, identifying root causes and leading resolution efforts.
• Interact with commercial stakeholders to ensure alignment of objectives and deliverables.
• Identify and evaluate risks and develop appropriate contingency plans.
• Provide technical graphics recommendations and guidance on strategy for project implementation.
• Mentor and coach graphics technologists, contractors, and project managers to develop technical skills.
• Advise on separations, mechanical development, color management, print run management, and supplier print capabilities.
• Partner with printers to support technical steps for contingency business moves.
• Develop design of experiments for new and emerging print technologies, including timelines and contingencies.
• Participate in vendor reviews, manage vendor invoice tracking, and approve SAP vendor invoices.
• Provide graphics budgeting impact for RFPs and continuous improvement projects.
• Advise stakeholders on additional cost drivers such as press checks, testing materials, file transfer costs, and technical graphics costs.
• Provide technical oversight and training for Esko Webcenter and SAP PLM systems.
• Create and maintain Hershey standard operating procedures for pre-press personnel and ensure quality documentation is accurate and maintained.
• Partner with regulatory and legal teams on documentation approval and maintain RACI documentation as needed.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of printing methods (flexography, rotogravure, offset) and variables impacting graphics delivery.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with Microsoft Project or Timeline tools preferred.
• Ability to multi-task on multiple projects, make decisions independently, and drive project progress.
• Demonstrated ability to coach team members on graphics technical requirements and project management.
• Experience with Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), X-Rite spectrophotometry, and densitometry.
• SAP knowledge and familiarity with Mac preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated presentation skills (written and verbal).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and attention to detail skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and autonomous decision-making ability.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions to achieve objectives.
• Self-motivation and initiative.
• Educational background: Bachelor's or Associate's in Graphics with 5-8 years of experience in graphics commercialization, global design, pre-press, or printing; or 10 years of technical printing, graphics commercialization, and design experience without a graphics degree.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Microsoft Project or Timeline tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Graphics with 5-8 years of relevant experience, or 10 years of technical printing and graphics experience without a Graphics degree.