📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Creative Service Specialist
🔹 Company: Duke Energy Corporation
🔹 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Utilities, Energy
🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing expert consultative services for print and direct mail communication materials
- Managing multiple projects and collaborating with clients and stakeholders
- Developing and executing production and delivery plans for communication materials
- Managing print vendor relationships and ensuring adherence to schedules and budgets
- Staying current on industry capabilities, processes, technology, and standards to deliver effective, competitive products and services
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise, autonomy, and problem-solving skills within the Print Support function. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in print production, project management, and vendor management.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provides expert advice and print production consultation to clients and stakeholders
✅ Develops and executes production and delivery plans for communication materials
✅ Manages print vendor relationships and ensures adherence to schedules and budgets
✅ Stays current on industry capabilities, processes, technology, and standards to deliver effective, competitive products and services
✅ Collaborates with creative teams, clients, and print vendors to ensure project success
✅ Conducts thorough project analysis for scope, budget, and resource planning
✅ Develops and maintains positive, professional relationships with external suppliers
✅ Addresses and resolves vendor issues related to service levels, quality, and costs, in compliance with established SLA’s
✅ Conducts quarterly vendor performance reviews and performs annual audits of vendor contracts and spending
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and provide expert guidance to clients and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications, or a related field
Experience: Minimum 4 years of related work experience, or a High School diploma with 8 years of experience
Required Skills:
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Independent work management and decision-making abilities
- Project management and multi-tasking abilities
- Proven negotiation skills
- Experience in vendor management
Preferred Skills:
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive process improvements
- Expertise in USPS regulations and print production requirements
- Mentoring and training abilities
- Strategic thinking skills
- In-depth knowledge of printing processes, direct mail strategies, and graphic design principles
- Extensive experience in print production management
- Thorough knowledge of print industry standards and best practices
- Deep understanding of print support operations and their interdependencies
- Experience in delivering effective presentations to diverse audiences
- Previous experience as a purchasing agent or procurement sourcing background
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, Power BI
- USPS Mail Design Professional (MDP) Certification
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, Duke Energy may consider candidates with a High School diploma and extensive relevant experience. Preferred qualifications are not required but would significantly strengthen a candidate's application.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for a Senior-level role in the Utilities sector in Charlotte, NC)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plans
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts and perks
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for hybrid employees
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior-level role in the Utilities sector in Charlotte, NC. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the company's internal salary structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., operating as one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Company Size: Duke Energy has 10,001+ employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and development.
Founded: Duke Energy was founded in 1904 and has since grown into a leading energy provider in the United States.
Company Description:
- Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability, and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.
- The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas, and nuclear.
- Duke Energy's team is available Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. If you suspect an emergency, please call 911.
Company Specialties:
- Power generation
- Natural gas distribution
- Power delivery
- Commercial power
- Energy
- Utility
- Smart grid
- Renewable energy
- Solar power
- Wind power
Company Website: Duke Energy Corporation
ASSUMPTION: Duke Energy's focus on sustainability and clean energy initiatives provides an exciting opportunity for candidates interested in driving change in the energy sector.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a career/senior-level position, requiring a high degree of expertise and autonomy.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Creative Service Specialist will report directly to the Manager of Print Support Services.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid position, requiring employees to work from both remote and on-site locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable daily commute to a Duke Energy facility.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a management or leadership role within the Print Support function or related departments
- Opportunities to expand expertise and take on additional responsibilities as the company grows and evolves
- Chance to contribute to Duke Energy's clean energy transition and make a positive impact on the environment
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the company and contribute to its clean energy initiatives.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Duke Energy's headquarters is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, with additional offices and facilities throughout the United States.
Office Location(s): 525 S Tryon St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, US
Geographic Context:
- Charlotte, North Carolina, is the largest city in the state and the 17th-most populous city in the United States
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, professional sports teams, and numerous parks and green spaces
- Charlotte has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for hybrid employees
ASSUMPTION: Charlotte, North Carolina, offers a dynamic and diverse work environment, with a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
- Final interview with the department head or senior leadership
- Background check and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Expertise in print production and USPS regulations
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Cultural fit and alignment with Duke Energy's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your expertise in print production and USPS regulations through specific examples and achievements
- Showcase your ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines through relevant projects or case studies
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company's clean energy initiatives
ATS Keywords: Print Production, Project Management, Vendor Management, USPS Regulations, Graphic Design, Communication, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Negotiation, Strategic Thinking, Process Improvement, Mentoring, Presentation Skills
ASSUMPTION: Duke Energy's application process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the company's values and mission.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Power BI
- Print production software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, QuarkXPress)
- USPS Mail Design Professional (MDP) Certification
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with relevant print production software and be willing to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Customer focus
- Inclusion
- Excellence
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Adaptable and willing to learn and grow
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Duke Energy's core values?
- Describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure successful outcomes?
- How do you approach learning and adapting to new tools and technologies in a fast-paced work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Duke Energy values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates who can demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style will be strong fits for this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously may be challenging for candidates who struggle with time management or prioritization
- Navigating the complexities of USPS regulations and print production requirements may present challenges for candidates without relevant experience
- Working in a hybrid environment may require additional flexibility and adaptability for some candidates
- Charlotte's humid subtropical climate may be uncomfortable for candidates who prefer cooler or drier weather
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers numerous opportunities for growth and development, candidates should be aware of the potential challenges and ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to succeed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to related roles in print production or project management, this role places a greater emphasis on vendor management and strategic consultation
- Duke Energy's focus on clean energy initiatives sets this role apart from similar positions in other industries, offering candidates the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to management or leadership positions within the Print Support function or related departments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for candidates interested in driving change in the energy sector and contributing to Duke Energy's clean energy initiatives.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the production and delivery of a large-scale direct mail campaign for a corporate client, ensuring adherence to USPS regulations and project milestones
- Collaborating with designers and print vendors to optimize the production process for a series of marketing materials, resulting in cost savings and improved turnaround times
- Conducting a comprehensive review of Duke Energy's print vendor contracts and negotiating more favorable terms and conditions, resulting in significant cost savings for the company
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges that the Senior Creative Service Specialist may face in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Print Support function?
- How does Duke Energy support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Print Support function in the next 1-3 years, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Duke Energy measure the success of its clean energy initiatives, and how can this role contribute to their continued progress?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days, and how can I best prepare to address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides an opportunity to assess the company's culture and fit for your career goals.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your expertise in print production, project management, and vendor management
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work, demonstrating your ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company's clean energy initiatives
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
