Graphics Officer APAC

Job Description:

JOB PURPOSE/OVERVIEW

The Graphics Officer APAC plays a key role in achieving our brand-building and growth journey, with the aim to develop next-generation Royal Canin packaging and brand experiences. This furthers the distinctiveness, relevance and impact of the number one global pet nutrition brand worldwide, delivering our purpose to serve the health of millions of cats and dogs around the world.

Within the framework of ROYAL CANIN’s packaging roadmap, following premium brand values & sustainable development engagement, the APAC Graphics Officer will be responsible for the production of packaging with our suppliers while respecting internal deadlines, regulatory requirements and processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The role actively participates in the creation and execution of projects that involve packaging creation (Innovation / Renovation, Maintenance, Do it Best Initiatives), coordinating artwork and packaging pre-production and production tasks to bring packaging to life.

Key Responsibilities – Graphics Production Management:

• Actively support and coordinate packaging artwork production projects for different APAC markets, working in close partnership with the regional Graphics Officers.
• Assist the regional APAC Graphics Officers with various packaging artwork projects, working closely with the local Graphics Officers to accomplish “Right First Time” and “On time” for artwork/reprofile delivery, while escalating risks when needed.
• Be a local champion of and adhere to regional graphics processes, using the correct systems and tools while functioning as the operational key user of Easypack.
• Partner with and manage agencies to provide packaging suppliers with the elements required to manufacture the packaging.
• Individual responsibility for checking packages at the different stages in the graphic chain (formats/texts/images).
• Lead/participate in alignment meetings with key internal stakeholders (Activity Managers, Regulatory) and key suppliers (Artwork, Production, Repro and Translation Agencies, printers).
• Work collaboratively with the Design and Print Production teams to ensure print quality, timeline & regulatory compliance.
• Create and approve Purchase Orders in the system, register expenses, and support budget reporting to incumbent stakeholders.
• Record, map and report graphics production Key Performance Metrics (KPIs) to the Regional Head of Graphics.

Key Responsibilities – Continuous Improvement:

• Share and deploy good practices and support a learning culture.
• Support improvement workstreams and participate in the wider ESO Agenda & Team.

CONTEXT AND SCOPE

Context:

• The role will be part of ESO (Enterprise Strategy Operationalization), one new agnostic functional team which interconnects key execution resources, focussed on “Harmonizing enterprise resources with strategic objectives, fostering cross-functional collaboration, And prioritizing initiatives for optimal delivery and quality outcomes”.
• The role will interact with ~10 suppliers, including production agencies, translation agencies, photoengravers, and printers and will also include onboarding and training new suppliers.

Scope:

• APAC region
• All Mars Petcare brands managed by Royal Canin teams
• All packaging technologies

Interfaces:

• Worldwide Graphics partners: Design & Production Agencies, Printers, Repro & Tool Makers, Ink Suppliers, Translation Agencies, etc.

• Internally: Graphic Production Officers, Design Team, Project Management Team, Brand Portfolio Managers, Regulatory, Packaging Commercials, Packaging SQA, Packaging Technology Team, Finance, Factories

JOB SPECIFICATION/QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Professional Qualification:

• Higher Education Qualification or relevant Experience
• 2 to 4 years professional experience in packaging or artwork production, project management or any related field
• Fluent in English, and Japanese and/or Mandarin, other languages are a plus

Knowledge/Experience:

• Strong project management skills, including timeline and budget management, creative problem-solving, and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of, or a keen interest in, the technical aspects of the graphic chain, including artwork production, prepress, engraving, and printing.
• A natural affinity for working with systems and process tools, coupled with the ability to quickly learn and adopt new technologies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, escalate issues transparently and objectively, and navigate complex situations with agility.
• Highly customer-oriented, with the ability to focus on desired outcomes and remain committed to achieving objectives.
• Ability to adhere to defined processes and maintain accuracy under pressure while delivering results.
• Strong understanding of organisational dynamics, combined with excellent organisational skills, determination, and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Comfortable working in a changing environment, with the flexibility and agility to support new processes, technologies, and ways of working while maintaining focus on business objectives.
• Exceptional attention to detail. This role requires a high level of scrutiny when reviewing artwork data, marketing and legal copy, and technical packaging and printing information.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage workload effectively, meet deadlines, and align activities with available resources.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining close collaboration within a team environment.
• Knowledge of marketing and design principles, packaging materials, and printing technologies is an advantage.

Key Supporting Competencies:

• Functional/Technical Skills
• Conflict Management
• Plans & Aligns & Optimises Work Processes
• Customer Focus
• Drive for Results
• Peer Relationships

Key Functional Competencies & Technical Skills:

• Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers
• Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment
• Is seen as a team player and is cooperative
• Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects
• Can effectively cope with change and uncertainty
• Has the ability to decide and act without having the total picture
• Is open-minded, versatile and adoptable

WHY MARS?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.