Variable Data Design Team Supervisor
The Variable Data Design Team Supervisor is responsible for managing a team that develops and executes personalized print and direct mail projects within an in-plant production environment. This role ensures high standards in data-driven design, oversees data coding and programming, and documents processes and procedures for the VDD team. The supervisor will also maintain operational efficiency, manage the daily performance of staff, and collaborate with Performance Management on various work-related continuous improvement projects for the VDD team, integrating with greater IDS projects. The ideal candidate brings a strong mix of technical expertise, team leadership, and hands-on experience in variable data production and USPS mail compliance.
A summary of the duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following :
Team Supervision and Leadership
- Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of variable data designers and programmers.
- Assign projects, balance workloads, and manage production priorities to meet critical deadlines.
- Provide ongoing coaching, conduct performance evaluations, and support employee development.
- Promote a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, accountability, and teamwork.
- Accountable and responsible for all human resources aspects related to assigned direct staff members
Variable Data Design and Programming
Oversee creation and maintenance of personalized print and mail templates using print data imposition and formatting software programs.Translates project specifications into automated, data-driven design templates for print and digital applications.Review and troubleshoot logic, rules, and content flows to ensure accurate personalization and compliance with mailing regulations.Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define variable data strategies for large-scale mail campaigns.Data Coding and Management
Manage and manipulate customer-supplied and internal data using tools like Excel VBA, Python, JavaScript, or similar software.Perform data validation, cleansing, deduplication, and transformation tasks to ensure print readiness.Build custom scripts or workflows for data formatting, rule-based content generation, and output automation.Ensure secure handling and confidentiality of all variable data.Facilitate project management initiatives with uptraining team members, enhancing automation, and identifying software application updates or changes.Operational Efficiency and Workflow Optimization
Create a plan for advancing overall performance of the Variable Data Team's performance and establish time bound goals for underpinning implementation of the plan.Analyze existing processes and recommend improvements for automation, throughput, and error reduction.Work closely with Production Leadership to align output specifications and production timelines.Create and maintain documentation for standard operating procedures and template development guidelines.Develop and monitor performance metrics, KPIs, and turnaround times to drive continuous improvement initiatives.Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure adherence to USPS regulations, data security policies, and print / mail quality standards.Perform quality checks of output files for proofs, layout accuracy, data logic, and integrity before handoff to print / mailing.