Production Designer
Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Atglen, PA, United States
The Production Designer supports the creation of new and reprint projects by managing production needs and ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency from initial design and development through the print production process.
This role plays a critical part in working across editorial, design, and production teams to confirm specifications, evaluate printer quotes, review design files, manage proofing and corrections, and ensure all production files meet manufacturing and quality standards.
In addition to overseeing the reprint production process, the Production Designer supports printer selection and production methods (short-run, offset, or print-on-demand), while coordinating with internal teams to ensure projects meet both quality and cost expectations. This role also supports the design and editorial teams with file preparation, quality assurance, and special projects as needed.
The Production Designer must be a proactive communicator with strong attention to detail, who is comfortable being both supportive and assertive to ensure quality standards are consistently met and projects move forward smoothly and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Print Production and Quality Assurance:
Preflight, package, and create press-ready PDF files that meet printer specifications. Review and troubleshoot production issues across books, kits, and other products to ensure consistency and quality. Conduct thorough quality control reviews of proofs and production samples, identifying errors or inconsistencies. Verify product specifications and ensure compliance with manufacturing standards and company expectations. Review quotations, templates, and production requirements to ensure alignment with standards and expectations. Manage color correction, retouching, and clipping paths to maintain high-quality image standards. Ensure project schedules are up to date and proactively address issues to keep production on track. Archival, Reprint Production, and File Management:
Access, update, and prepare archived files for reprints and new printings. Ensure quotations and specifications align, and all files are accurate for reproduction. Coordinate and implement file updates, corrections, and modifications for reprints. Support selection of appropriate production methods (short-run, offset, or print-on-demand) for each project. Oversee reprint schedules and ensure timely delivery to meet inventory needs. Coordinate with warehouse, customer service, back office, and production teams on inventory and reprint requirements. Design and File Support:
Assist the design team by preparing files for marketing and sales needs, including extracting images, creating assets, and delivering files for print and digital platforms. Create and manage digital assets for marketing purposes, including reader copies, 3D covers, and interior images for catalogs, press, and online promotion. Prepare and package files for alternative formats such as eBooks and audiobooks, ensuring proper formatting and asset management. Perform quality assurance on publication materials to ensure accuracy and consistency. Manage and organize files, templates, and resources within the company's network and digital asset management systems. Maintain an organized system for production files to ensure accessibility and version control. Special Projects and Process Improvement:
Assist with special projects as needed, including packaging, sourcing, material evaluation, Book Plus projects, special editions, and new product formats. Identify and recommend improvements to processes, tools, vendors, and systems to enhance production efficiency and maintain quality standards. Skills and Qualifications
Expert Proficiency:
Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat), with a strong focus on layout, image processing, and prepress file preparation. Print Production:
Strong understanding of offset, short-run, and print-on-demand processes, including file preparation, proofing, and production workflows. Experience with preflighting, packaging, and creating press-ready files that meet industry standards. Familiarity with digital proofing platforms and vendor collaboration. Previous experience in a book publishing or deadline-driven production environment is highly desirable. Expertise in color correction, retouching, and image preparation for both print and digital applications. Knowledge of preparing and converting files for eBook and audiobook production is a plus. Inventory and Reprint Planning:
Understanding of inventory management and reprint cycles. Project Management:
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality standards. Problem-Solving and Communication:
Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify and resolve production challenges. Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. Proactive and Detail-Oriented Approach
Proactively identify potential issues and address them before they impact timelines or quality. Advocate for quality standards and ensure details are carefully considered throughout the production process. Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors to ensure accurate communication and execution. Serve as a reliable, detail-oriented team member who supports a structured, deadline-driven production environment. Develop a strong understanding of the markets Schiffer Publishing serves, including finishes, treatments, and design expectations aligned with the target customer. Ensure production decisions reflect both audience expectations and Schiffer's quality standards.
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Print Production and Quality Assurance:
Preflight, package, and create press-ready PDF files that meet printer specifications. Review and troubleshoot production issues across books, kits, and other products to ensure consistency and quality. Conduct thorough quality control reviews of proofs and production samples, identifying errors or inconsistencies. Verify product specifications and ensure compliance with manufacturing standards and company expectations. Review quotations, templates, and production requirements to ensure alignment with standards and expectations. Manage color correction, retouching, and clipping paths to maintain high-quality image standards. Ensure project schedules are up to date and proactively address issues to keep production on track. Archival, Reprint Production, and File Management:
Access, update, and prepare archived files for reprints and new printings. Ensure quotations and specifications align, and all files are accurate for reproduction. Coordinate and implement file updates, corrections, and modifications for reprints. Support selection of appropriate production methods (short-run, offset, or print-on-demand) for each project. Oversee reprint schedules and ensure timely delivery to meet inventory needs. Coordinate with warehouse, customer service, back office, and production teams on inventory and reprint requirements. Design and File Support:
Assist the design team by preparing files for marketing and sales needs, including extracting images, creating assets, and delivering files for print and digital platforms. Create and manage digital assets for marketing purposes, including reader copies, 3D covers, and interior images for catalogs, press, and online promotion. Prepare and package files for alternative formats such as eBooks and audiobooks, ensuring proper formatting and asset management. Perform quality assurance on publication materials to ensure accuracy and consistency. Manage and organize files, templates, and resources within the company's network and digital asset management systems. Maintain an organized system for production files to ensure accessibility and version control. Special Projects and Process Improvement:
Assist with special projects as needed, including packaging, sourcing, material evaluation, Book Plus projects, special editions, and new product formats. Identify and recommend improvements to processes, tools, vendors, and systems to enhance production efficiency and maintain quality standards. Skills and Qualifications
Expert Proficiency:
Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat), with a strong focus on layout, image processing, and prepress file preparation. Print Production:
Strong understanding of offset, short-run, and print-on-demand processes, including file preparation, proofing, and production workflows. Experience with preflighting, packaging, and creating press-ready files that meet industry standards. Familiarity with digital proofing platforms and vendor collaboration. Previous experience in a book publishing or deadline-driven production environment is highly desirable. Expertise in color correction, retouching, and image preparation for both print and digital applications. Knowledge of preparing and converting files for eBook and audiobook production is a plus. Inventory and Reprint Planning:
Understanding of inventory management and reprint cycles. Project Management:
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality standards. Problem-Solving and Communication:
Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify and resolve production challenges. Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. Proactive and Detail-Oriented Approach
Proactively identify potential issues and address them before they impact timelines or quality. Advocate for quality standards and ensure details are carefully considered throughout the production process. Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors to ensure accurate communication and execution. Serve as a reliable, detail-oriented team member who supports a structured, deadline-driven production environment. Develop a strong understanding of the markets Schiffer Publishing serves, including finishes, treatments, and design expectations aligned with the target customer. Ensure production decisions reflect both audience expectations and Schiffer's quality standards.
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