Graphics & Prepress Manager

Salary:

Day shift

Shift:

$70k-$85k

Equipment:

Esko

Job Description
Graphics & Prepress Manager – Flexo & Digital

We are seeking an experienced Graphics & Prepress Manager to lead and support the prepress department within a growing flexographic and digital printing operation. This role will oversee flexo and HP digital prepress workflows, flexo plate production, proofing, color standards, and department process improvements.

This position works closely with sales, customer service, production, quality, vendors, and customers to ensure accurate proofs, efficient plate production, strong communication, and high-quality finished products.

Job Summary

Lead the daily operations of the graphics and prepress department

Oversee flexo and HP digital prepress workflows

Manage flexo plate production and proofing processes

Support job engineering for new and existing customer projects

Work cross-functionally with sales, production, customer service, quality, IT, vendors, and customers

Improve department workflows, technology, processes, and overall efficiency

Ensure all artwork, proofs, plates, and production specifications meet customer and quality requirements

Support continuous improvement initiatives within the prepress and graphics department

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Direct the production of flexo prepress, HP digital prepress, proofs, and flexo printing plates

Work with clients, sales, customer service, product development, and production managers on new job engineering

Coordinate between departments to ensure customer requirements are met according to art and production specifications

Assist with scheduling, delegation, and follow-up of daily graphics and prepress projects

Assist with prepress quotes and monitor graphic billables

Research and develop new graphics systems, workflows, software, hardware, plate materials, and process improvements

Partner with prepress, production, IT, quality, and vendors to test and verify new software, hardware, workflows, and plate materials

Establish performance standards for new graphics and plate-making processes

Recommend, plan, and schedule implementation of new hardware, software, and flexo plating technology improvements

Stay current on industry color standards, proofing systems, and color verification options

Assist with resolving print, plate, color, or graphics-related issues

Support quality improvements related to artwork, proofing, plating, and print production

Maintain department SOPs, training materials, records, and process documentation

Assist with department staffing, training, coaching, and performance management

Coordinate customer and in-house press approvals

Maintain clear communication of project details, client records, and production requirements

Track and maintain department statistics, reporting, and performance metrics

Complete annual employee performance reviews

Ensure compliance with all regulatory, food safety, GMP, quality, and safety policies and procedures

Qualifications

Expert knowledge of flexo plate-making equipment and flexo plate material technologies

Working knowledge of ESKO flexo prepress workflows and software

Press-side experience with flexo printing processes for labels and flexible packaging

Intermediate experience with HP digital workflows and printing

Intermediate knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams

Minimum of seven years of flexo job engineering experience

Five to ten years of supervisory or managerial experience

Experience leading new prepress, flexo plate, software, and hardware implementations

Industry certifications or comparable training/experience with GRACoL, G7, and/or FIRST preferred

Six Sigma certification or continuous improvement experience preferred

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

Strong internal and external customer relations skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to lead, supervise, train, and manage employees

Ability to work independently and make sound decisions

Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines

Strong communication skills across departments, customers, and vendors

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines

Ability to identify process gaps and implement workflow improvements

Strong attention to detail, color accuracy, and quality standards

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Must be able to lift 25 to 60 pounds as needed

Must be able to stand for extended periods of time

Must be able to distinguish subtle shades of color accurately

Must have eyesight, corrected or uncorrected, sufficient to distinguish hairlines, registration, and color accuracy

Must be able to read orders, labels, reports, job tickets, and warning signs

Must be able to reach above 50 inches in height and 40 inches in depth

Must be able to work occasional long or irregular hours as needed

Must be comfortable working in a production and manufacturing environment

$70,000 - $85,000 a year

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