In order for a Traffic Manager to be successful, he (or she) must be the focal point of all work flowing through the agency. There must also be strong support from upper management and other departments. Picture a stagecoach wagon wheel without spokes — sort of useless.
Following is a brief outline of typical departmental responsibilities, as related to traffic. I say, “typical” because every agency is different. More often than not, a single employee wears multiple hats. If you’re that person, you may have a couple of paragraphs to consider!
Accounting
To ensure the accurate billing of all job costs; accomplished through open communication with the Traffic Manager
Account Service
To establish project objectives and obtain background information through Client contact (e.g. budgetary limitations, special requirements, due dates, etc.); provided to the Traffic Manager via face-to-face communication, Client Contact Reports, Change Orders, etc.
Creative
To develop an idea, concept or solution in the most time-efficient manner; accomplished by working closely with the media and/or print buyer and Traffic Manager
Media
To provide accurate scheduling, spec, material, and delivery information in the timeliest manner possible; accomplished via the careful monitoring of scheduling changes due to Vendor timing, fielding of materials inquiries by outside vendors and contact with the Creative Director
New Media
To develop a web-specific idea, concept or solution in the most time-efficient manner; accomplished by working closely with the media buyer and Traffic Manager
Office Administrator
To aid in the maintenance of a job filing system and, in times of excess workload, to aid traffic in the creation of Job Numbers and routing of materials for internal sign-off
Print Buyer
To provide accurate scheduling, spec, material, and delivery information in the timeliest manner possible; accomplished via the careful monitoring of scheduling changes due to Vendor timing, fielding of materials inquiries by outside vendors and contact with the Creative Director