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About us

Ann Taylor embodies and celebrates the spirit, heritage, and confidence of American women leading the lives they love. Since its beginnings, Ann Taylor has been committed to providing women with everything they need to feel inspired and motivated as they navigate their multifaceted lives. Our effortlessly polished styles are thoughtfully designed to go anywhere—from the office to special occasions (and everywhere in between).

Discover a culture centered on empowering employees, with access to industry leaders and tools you need to expand your skills and stretch your abilities. We'll meet you at every milestone with opportunities and benefits to make life better in and outside of work (not to mention your closet). Ready to join us?

About the Role

The ideal Print & Color Production Manager is a self-motivated professional with deep experience in color and print production processes and a natural ability to build strong cross-functional relationships. They will lead communication with mills to ensure accurate execution of color standards and artwork according to the original design intent. They will be responsible for approving sample yardage, lab dips, strike offs and bulk production, collaborating with relevant cross-functional teams as needed.

This role manages one assistant-level associate and reports to the Sr. Manager of Print & Color. It owns the launch of files to mills and ensures key information and due dates are clearly communicated across Design, Sourcing and Merchandising teams. Additionally, the Manager will oversee color library organization, create both digital and physical seasonal palettes, and assist the Sr. Manager of Print & Color with seasonal color palette development. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills are essential.

The impact you can have

Print & Color Production

• Communicate daily with overseas suppliers, cross-functional teams and mills on execution of print/ color/ layout/ technique

• Receive, analyze and comment on physical print samples and lab dips

• Maintain print development archives (storing sample yardage, archiving binders of approvals)

• Attend weekly CFT meetings to align with cross-functional partners on print development needs and priorities

• Prepare and submit art and color packages via email, web upload and/or mail shipping

• Upload seasonal print & pattern jpgs into the corporate PLM system 

• Keep an up-to-date and well-organized print chart tracking development status and details

• Keep workload organized and moving forward as milestones for multiple seasons occur simultaneously

• Execute tasks in accordance with calendar milestones, offering timely solutions to urgent challenges

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to find creative solutions for bulk production issues

Color Development 

• Translate seasonal inspiration into Pantone and other color standard sources

• Match colors accurately for printer use

• Assign names and numbers to color standards as needed

• Upload seasonal color info into the corporate PLM system 

• Create and maintain physical and digital palettes for internal teams

• Update and maintain shared documents with current palette information

• Order ribbons for palettes and prepare color boards for seasonal presentations

• Maintain a clean, organized, and replenished color library

• Archive inspirational swatches at the end of each season

• Ensure all print colorways are color correct before going into production

You'll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Superior score on the Farnsworth-Munsell color test

• 4+ years of experience in print/color production, or related field

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect day-to-day tasks to big picture business goals

• Highly organized - with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite

• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and divisions

• Solid understanding of development calendars from concept through production

• Knowledge of print methods and process, repeat sizes and general fabric limitations

• Familiarity with fabric constructions, fibers, and how they affect print and color application

Benefits At KnitWell Group

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, Talbots and Haven Well Within (in store and online) 

• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands   

• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*  

• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement* 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Time off – paid time off & holidays*

• The target salary range for this role is: $80K - $85K.

• Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role. 

#LI-LL1

Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.