Photo Operations Assistant

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Job description

Bluestem Brands is the parent company to five eCommerce retail brands. We have one mission: to build a dynamic retail enterprise that wins with direct-to-consumer excellence and entrepreneurial-minded employees focused on serving our customers' unique needs. Our leadership is responsive and supportive, empowering those smart and passionate employees who drive our success. We are continually innovating and improving: we take risks, learn from mistakes and celebrate success as a team.

You work hard, and you deserve more than just a paycheck. Bluestem works to do what's right for employees. From the big things (great benefits, employee discounts and incentive plans) to small touches (jeans-every-day dress code), this is the place you'll want to be. And we don't just talk about work-life balance, we try to live it. Join the Bluestem Brands team to make an impact, be inspired and be valued, every day.

We are looking for a Photo Ops Assistant reporting to the Photo Supervisor, a sense of fashion and a passion for detail and organization are key to your success. You play a key role in the production of company photo shoots and are responsible for tracking and expediting all samples in the photo studio for still photography and on location for photo shoots. You are tasked with assisting in tracking all shots to help ensure all photography is complete and correct. Responsible for the handling and tracking of all photography samples for all brands, in accordance with pre-media calendar requirements, communicates with merchants, and production artists to track individual photo samples on a daily basis. You assist in prepping samples, as well as styling apparel and accessories both for photography and for pre pro meetings. Create and maintain documents for each brand, each season containing all new photography needed. You will assist in organizing racks for photographer and stylist with a great amount of detail. Deals with a high-volume workload in a fast-paced environment, meets tight deadlines and manages multiple concurrent projects, all the while possessing grace under pressure. Display superior communication skills. Support the smooth operation of the Photo Studio and communication with and integration of its work with the rest of the creative team by performing the following duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Assists the Photo Production Supervisor in creating and maintaining a complete list of all catalog, media and web sample statuses and new photography throughout a catalog's production process.
* Participates in assigned production, turnover, and pre-pro meetings as well as image reviews to ensure flow of information to Photo Operations, Photo Producer and Art Director.
* Maintains a relationship with merchants to ensure samples arrive in time for photography. Tackles late arrival issues via communication with merchants and/or warehouse for CWDirect stock sample orders.
* Creates live documents, edits and is responsible for verifying accuracy of all sample statuses, needed photography and samples received via WebPDM. Detail is key as documents are used to complete photography
* Analyzes pre-media schedules, tracking and schedule information for all brands to ensure smooth flow of photography within other departments' schedules.
* Reviews sample submissions and distributes all arriving photo samples to necessary location for photography needs. Before distributing, must accurately input into tracking documents and tag for Photo Studio usage.
* Prepares shoot presentation sheets with detailed information for Art Director, Creative Director, stylists, and Producer on location.
* Accompany Photo Producer or Associate Producer on photo-shoots as assigned. When in attendance, assist in the day-to-day responsibilities of the photo-shoot as well as help trouble shoot any unforeseen problems. Travel to photo shoot locations may be required.
* Maintains Blair photo sample rooms by PCN. Locating samples is imperative to our responsibilities.
* Responsible for detail prepping of merchandise for photography according to the layouts and adhering to the studio schedule.
* Responsible for processing out all the merchandise that has been shot by photographer and makes sure each item is tagged correctly before filing
* Responsible for answering questions and continuing workflow of the studio when the Photo Production Supervisor is unavailable. Also, assist with freelance involving questions, concerns and help as needed
* Follow procedures and processes in place to ensure an efficient workflow of the studio.
* Assist with maintaining office supplies and or supplies needed for prepping and responsible for keeping the supplies/styling materials cleaned and organized. Also, for keeping the photo studio clean by sweeping, moping, dusting, etc.
* Responsible for styling of stacks, laydowns, color ways, wardrobe and pinups as requested.
* Partner with assigned photographer to ensure all photos requested are shot on timely manner at set quality standards

QUALIFICATIONS

* To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

* Associates Degree from college or technical school; or 1-2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

* Ability to communicate effectively with people from various departments and suppliers. Ability to read and interpret documents and to write routine reports and correspondence.

MATH SKILLS

* Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

COMPUTER SKILLS

* Proficient in Microsoft Office programs as well as familiarity with Google documents and past utilization of the Google Drive. Must have the ability and desire to learn new computer skills quickly. Experience in CWDirect and WebPDM a plus.

REASONING ABILITY

* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Must be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Must be able multitask and track several projects simultaneously. Able to set priorities and work independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

* The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually very quiet.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, and Depth perception.

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