Kara Lee

Experience

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  DGWB

  Jul 2000 - Apr 2008

  Senior Print Production Manager

  I successfully supervised production management staff and implemented efficient procedures and processes to optimize production operations.My responsibilities encompassed managing, estimating, scheduling, budgeting, purchasing, and coordinating the production of multi-color sheet-fed and web-fed printing, electronic pre-press, color critical retouching, finishing services, letter shop services, and final ad placement. I ensured seamless execution of projects and delivered high-quality results.A significant aspect of my role involved negotiating bids with various vendors, including printers, prepress shops, specialty item manufacturers, outdoor advertising, retail display, and letter shop houses. By securing outside services and products through strategic negotiations, I consistently met the needs of client accounts and exceeded their expectations.I provided exceptional service to a range of prestigious companies, including Toshiba Electronic Imaging Division, South Coast Plaza, Yamaha Electronics, Argent Mortgage, and Children's Hospital of Orange County. Through my dedication to quality and attention to detail, I built strong client relationships and delivered outstanding outcomes.I also played a pivotal role in improving the estimating, budget tracking, and purchasing processes for the print production department. As part of a team implementing a new project management and accounting software system, I contributed to streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.In recognition of my long hours of dedicated service and my ability to handle the workload of two production managers during a period of downsizing, I earned a well-deserved promotion and raise. This promotion was a testament to my commitment, resilience, and ability to consistently deliver results.I supervised staff, implemented effective procedures, managed the production of various print materials, negotiated, provided exceptional service to prestigious clients, and improved initiatives. Show less

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  Young & Rubicam Group

  Apr 2008 - Apr 2010

  Associate Production Director

  As the Associate Production Director at Young & Rubicam Brands, I provided strong oversight and management of multi-color sheetfed and web-fed printing, leading a team of 3 print production managers and traffic managers. Together, we ensured smooth operations and successful project execution.A key aspect of my role was negotiating vendor bids for various print-related services and products, including printers, prepress, specialty item manufacturers, outdoor advertising, retail display, and letter shop houses. By securing outside services and products through strategic vendor selection, I consistently delivered exceptional results for client accounts.I directed electronic pre-press, color critical retouching, finishing services, letter shop services, and final ad placement. This comprehensive management allowed for seamless coordination and efficient production processes, resulting in high-quality deliverables.Throughout my tenure, I consistently delivered exceptional service and products to prestigious clients, including Land Rover, Toshiba Laptops, and Southern California Edison. By prioritizing client satisfaction and maintaining meticulous attention to detail, I built strong client relationships and exceeded their expectations.In addition to client work, I played a pivotal role in generating new business by producing all collateral for pitches to prospective clients on tight deadlines. Through my negotiation skills, I successfully secured reduced fees for material production, optimizing operating costs and strengthening the company's competitive position.In summary, as the Associate Production Director at Young & Rubicam Brands, I successfully managed print production operations, negotiated vendor contracts, delivered exceptional service to prestigious clients, and played a key role in generating new business. My commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and strategic approach have consistently contributed to the success of the organization. Show less

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  Quiksilver

  Jul 2010 - Jul 2013

  Production Manager

  As a senior print management professional, I successfully managed a team of 6 production artists while collaborating with European and Asia Pacific liaisons for regional sales catalogs. This involved overseeing the team's performance and ensuring effective coordination with international partners.I directed the print process for sales catalogs, taking responsibility for tasks such as obtaining bids, reviewing proofs, and administering global distribution. This end-to-end management allowed for streamlined and efficient production workflows.To increase accuracy and efficiency, I implemented strategies to optimize the flow of information between departments. By establishing clear communication channels and standardized processes, I enhanced collaboration and minimized errors.A key focus of my role was to drive cost-effectiveness and maintain high-quality standards in print production. Through strategic decision-making and careful vendor selection, I achieved optimal balance between cost efficiency and delivering exceptional print materials.Maintaining strong vendor relationships was crucial to my role. I actively nurtured these partnerships, negotiated contracts, and ensured that all vendors complied with the required quality standards and contractual obligations.Keeping a close eye on project timelines, I diligently monitored progress and coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution. This involved setting realistic deadlines, fostering effective teamwork, and implementing quality control measures to guarantee the final deliverables met or exceeded expectations.Through my leadership and expertise in print management, I consistently delivered successful sales catalogs while maximizing efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and fostering strong collaborative relationships. Show less

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  David&Goliath

  Sept 2013 - Sept 2013

  Freelance Production Manager

  In my temporary role as a Freelance Print Production Manager, I effectively oversaw the proofing and review process for several car catalogs nearing the end of the design/client approval stage.I collaborated closely with the Account Management and Creative Department to ensure seamless workflow and adherence to timelines, while continuously liasing with the printer to accommodate final client edits, adjusting schedules as necessary while maintaining budget and completion dates.I demonstrated strong asset management skills by overseeing the completion and timely delivery of each catalog to the press and successfully managed the project within a 3-week freelance period, meeting all client specifications and delivering high-quality results Show less

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  Torrid

  Jan 2014 - Jun 2019

  Print Production Manager

  In my role as a senior print management professional, I successfully directed the print and production process for all direct mail catalogs and in-store retail signage. This encompassed various responsibilities, including internal reviews, file release to vendors, printer proof reviews, and distribution management.Collaborating closely with the Creative Director, Designers, Production Artist, and Merchandising team, I played a pivotal role in generating a yearly production schedule for direct mail catalogs and in-store retail signage. This involved meticulous planning to ensure completion within a tight every-3-week turnaround, maintaining efficiency without compromising quality.To ensure high-quality output, I traveled regularly to print and mail facilities to personally approve art on press. This hands-on approach allowed me to maintain strict quality control standards and achieve the desired results.Conducting thorough inspections of printed copies of direct mail and in-store signage was a crucial part of my role. I meticulously checked for correct ink density, position on paper, registration of inks, and accurate color matching to approved proofs. This attention to detail ensured flawless final print materials.To streamline operations, I established and maintained a retail signage inventory system. Collaborating closely with print partners, I ensured sufficient stock levels of evergreen signage, readily available for store replenishment. This proactive approach minimized delays and ensured smooth store operations.By effectively managing the print and production process, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and maintaining stringent quality control, I consistently delivered exceptional results in direct mail catalogs and in-store retail signage projects. Show less

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  Chrysalis Communications, Inc.

  Jun 2019 - Apr 2023

  Print Production Manager

  In my role as a senior print management professional, I successfully managed the production of diverse print-related projects, including direct mail, sales collateral, event signage, and tchotchkes. I excelled at negotiating bids with production partners to acquire outside services and products.Collaborating closely with Account Management, I played a key role in establishing the scope of work, budget, delivery timelines, and client expectations for print projects. This ensured seamless project execution and client satisfaction.Working in collaboration with the Creative Department, I contributed to defining print objectives, including selecting appropriate paper stock, inks, bindery options, and finishing techniques. This collaboration ensured that print materials aligned with brand standards and objectives.To maintain the highest quality standards, I attended press checks to meticulously ensure color accuracy for print projects with critical color requirements. This attention to detail guaranteed exceptional print outcomes.Managing the financial aspect of print production, I issued purchase orders for print jobs and diligently reconciled them with final invoices from print partners. This ensured accuracy and accountability in financial transactions.Additionally, I maintained a comprehensive sample library of print projects, serving as a valuable reference and source of inspiration for future projects. This collection allowed for easy retrieval and facilitated efficient project planning and execution. Show less

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  DraftKings Inc.

  Jan 2024 - now

  Print Producer