Specialist, Creative Operations

Why Oatey?

Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high‑quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network comprised of an industry‑leading family of companies : Oatey, Cherne, Keeney, Quick Drain, Hercules, Dearborn, Oatey Canada, William H. Harvey, Masters, Contact, Belanger, Lansas, and Durgo.

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; 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 escalate 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, 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

8.00%

Oatey Total Rewards

Generous paid time off programs and paid company holidays to support flexibility and work‑life balance.

Annual Discretionary Cash Profit Sharing.

Immediate eligibility and vesting in 401(k), including 100% company match, up to 5% of eligible compensation.

Market leading health insurance including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings for associates and qualified dependents.

Significant company contribution to Health Savings Account with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

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

Paid Maternity and Paid Parental Leave.

Tuition reimbursement.

A strong set of complementary resources to support associate well‑being, including resource groups, EAP, and dedicated mental health support.

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.

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

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