Specialist, Creative Operations

Who is Oatey?

Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries. Our purpose is to deliver quality, build trust and improve lives.

The Oatey family of companies are Oatey, Cherne, Keeney, Quick Drain, Hercules, Dearborn, GF Thompson, William H. Harvey, Masters, Contact, Belanger, Lansas, and Durgo.

Our brands are synonymous with quality, integrity, and trust in the plumbing industry.

Position Summary

The Creative Operations Specialist manages the production of product labels and creative artwork, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely updates. This role oversees label maintenance, artwork requests, and marketing communication projects while coordinating with internal teams and suppliers. The Specialist exercises independent judgment in assessing project requirements, establishing production sequencing, resolving cross‑functional issues, and making decisions that impact production timelines, regulatory accuracy, supplier performance, and downstream manufacturing operations. The position also supports process improvements, data accuracy, and cross‑department collaboration to keep Oatey’s creative and production workflows operating at a high standard.

Position Responsibilities

Label Production & Maintenance

Own the internal label production process from intake through final approval.

Create, maintain, and continuously update label templates and data in internal systems.

Evaluate and determine appropriate label structure, formatting, and data hierarchy based on product and regulatory requirements.

Make decisions on label template updates and system configurations to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Identify discrepancies in master data and determine corrective actions.

Own and administer the label technology platform, ensuring functionality, updates, and optimization meet business needs.

Provide training and ongoing support to associates across Oatey’s network to ensure full understanding and consistent execution in the use of label technology.

Project Management

Take ownership of the artwork creation and change process, ensuring projects move forward on schedule and all stakeholders complete their responsibilities.

Evaluate artwork and marketing project requests and independently determine scope, feasibility, required stakeholders and timeline; lead intake and kickoff meetings; and set clear expectations for deliverables.

Interpret brand standards, legal / compliance guidelines, and product requirements to ensure quality and regulatory alignment.

Resolve cross‑department conflicts, negotiate timelines, and make decisions to remove obstacles.

Actively manage timelines, track status in project management software, and elevate issues or delays to keep projects on track.

Prioritize competing artwork and marketing requests based on business impact, urgency, and resource availability.

Release approved artwork to suppliers, oversee proof submissions, and communicate approvals or rejections in a timely and accurate manner.

Maintain up‑to‑date artwork and supplier databases, ensuring accuracy and accessibility across teams.

Process Improvement & Training

Create, maintain and update processes to ensure efficiency and compliance, and communicate changes as needed.

Monitor process performance and lead continuous improvement activities.

Establish standards, documentation, and training based on best practices and business needs, and provide training to suppliers, internal stakeholders, and new hires on artwork and label processes.

Other Duties

Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support production and marketing operations.

Knowledge and Experience

3–5 years related experience in project management, creative production or compliance‑heavy coordination preferred.

Strong ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies, software, and systems.

Inquisitive nature with drive to understand how systems work.

Experience in project coordination, label / artwork production, and / or procurement / design strongly preferred.

Self‑motivated with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills with the ability to present to varied audiences.

Understanding of process improvement methodologies in a cross‑functional environment.

Familiarity with NiceLabel or Teklynx CodeSoft design software (or similar label software) and Wrike (or similar project management software) preferred.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.).

Education and Certification

High school diploma or GED required.

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in project management, business, marketing, or equivalent experience strongly preferred.

Compensation Range for the Position

53,628.00 - 68,376.00 - 83,124.00 USD

Target Cash Profit Sharing for the Position

At Oatey we are committed to help our Associates grow their career. Apply today and grow with Oatey!

Why Oatey?

At Oatey, our purpose has always been to deliver quality, build trust and improve lives.

We value Collaboration, Integrity, Respect, Courage, Leadership, and Excellence above all else.

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion - acknowledging, valuing, and leveraging the unique experiences and perspectives of our associates.

Our vision is to continue to grow as a market leader, to enrich the lives of our Associates, and to foster an inclusive environment in every regard.

Our purpose, mission, and vision are not possible without the right people, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, engaging, and rewarding environment for our Associates.

Oatey has a total rewards philosophy which encompasses compensation, benefits, work‑life effectiveness, recognition, performance management, tuition reimbursement, mental health wellness, and talent development.

Oatey Total Rewards

Unlimited time off for salaried Associates

Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability income protection coverage at no cost to associates

Paid Maternity and Paid Parental Leave

Annual Cash Profit Sharing (discretionary)

Health Insurance for our associates’ averages $100 or less a month (single coverage)

Generous benefits including up to $2,880 company contribution to Health Savings Account

401(k) with a 5% company match

Tuition reimbursement in an environment that encourages advancement

Associate well‑being benefits including CALM App and robust EAP offering

Recognized for our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Oatey family of companies are an equal opportunity employer committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We recruit, employ, promote, and offer competitive pay for all jobs without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

J-18808-Ljbffr