Digital Retouching Manager

About The Position:

The Digital Retouching Manager is responsible for supporting image retouching on the Post Production team for the product testing program at Dotdash Meredith Commerce group. The right candidate will have a strong understanding for retouching images and completing them in a fast paced environment with a passion for driving workflow efficiencies. This role works daily with retouchers to ensure projects meet quality expectations and are completed on time. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to problem solve, manage priorities and timelines while producing quality work. This position works with teams throughout the organization to ensure the images meet the expectations of the Brands and the changing needs of the business.

About The Team

The Post Production team is part of the Commerce group. The Post team is responsible for selecting and retouching images from at-home and lab tests for many Dotdash Meredith brands including, People, Better Homes & Gardens, Food + Wine, The Spruce. The post production team consists of Retouchers, Photo Editors and Image Coordinator

About The Positions Contributions:

Weight % Accountabilities, Actions and Expected Measurable Results

70% Manages daily retouching work by assigning jobs to retouchers and checking overall quality of completed images.

30% Works to develop and test out improvements in the retouching process to drive efficiency in workflows as needs of the business change.

The Role’s Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements

Education:

•   Bachelor’s degree in Photography or related field; or equivalent training and/or experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience as a retoucher, digital image specialist, or in a similar role, with extensive expertise in optimizing workflows for both retouching and project management.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Certifications and Abilities:

• Proficiency with Adobe Suite: Expert in Adobe Bridge, Photoshop, and Lightroom, with advanced skills in retouching techniques and color perception.
• Skilled in Retouching Techniques: Highly proficient in retouching, with a keen ability to perceive and discern colors accurately.
• Familiarity with Google Suite and Project Management Tools: Proficient in Google Suite and project management software such as Airtable for organizing and tracking project progress.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Demonstrates initiative in foreseeing and resolving issues related to post-production workflows to prevent delays and maintain efficiency.
• Independent and Collaborative Work: Capable of operating independently while establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with co-workers and cross-functional teams.
• Effective Communication: Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for clear and efficient interaction with team members and stakeholders.
• Self-Motivated and Detail-Oriented: Highly motivated with a critical attention to detail, deadlines, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all tasks.
• Adaptability and Prioritization: Ability to adapt to change and effectively prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Positive Attitude and Resourcefulness: Demonstrates a positive, can-do attitude with a resourceful approach to problem-solving and task completion.
• Develop and Implement Complex Retouching Workflows: Create and execute advanced retouching processes that enhance timeliness and efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Apply out-of-the-box thinking to develop and propose creative solutions for challenges, even those that seem impossible.
• Adapt to New Technologies: Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in retouching and related fields, continuously learning and adapting to new tools and methods.
• Quality and Efficiency Focus: Ensure that all retouching projects meet quality standards while optimizing workflow efficiency.
• Collaborative Mindset: Work closely with team members and stakeholders to refine and improve retouching processes, incorporating feedback and new ideas.
• Mentorship: Collaborate closely with retouchers to elevate their skills and foster professional growth.
• Impact Awareness: Evaluate and understand how your actions and decisions in retouching workflows affect other teams’ processes and deliverables. Make adjustments as needed to facilitate better collaboration and overall project success.

% Travel Required (Approximate): 0%

It is the policy of Dotdash Meredith to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Pay Range

Salary: Remote US: $65,000.00 – $80,000.00