The Manager is accountable for technical oversight, staff development, vendor coordination, production scheduling alignment, and continuous process improvement within a high-volume, rapid-pace, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Workflow Leadership

• Oversee the preparation and validation of complex, variable data, and print-ready files.
• Manage imposition, preflighting, color management, and output optimization processes.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated prepress workflows to increase efficiency and reduce error rates.
• Ensure proper layout structure, formatting, version control, and production accuracy.
• Supervise the use and optimization of layout and workflow tools, including:
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Quadient Inspire Designer & Scaler
• Canon Prisma
• Screen Equios

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead, supervise, and mentor layout programmers and prepress technicians.
• Conduct performance management, coaching, and skill development planning.
• Identify training needs and implement cross-training to reduce single points of failure.
• Foster a culture of accountability, documentation discipline, and quality control.
• Support career pathing and succession planning within the department.

Production & Project Management

• Collaborate with client services, data processing, and production teams to ensure schedule adherence.
• Manage workload prioritization and resource allocation.
• Monitor KPIs including throughput, error rates, rework, and SLA performance.
• Ensure production schedules and budgets are supported through workflow efficiencies.
• Participate in client-facing technical discussions when needed.

Process Improvement & Documentation

• Define, maintain, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct workflow audits to identify inefficiencies or risk exposure.
• Lead design and file review protocols to prevent production errors.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in automation and file handling.

Troubleshooting & Risk Management

• Resolve complex technical issues including:
• Font errors
• Data merge inconsistencies
• Image alignment and resolution issues
• RIP or output device malfunctions
• Escalate systemic risks and propose corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance with data security and client-specific handling requirements.

Vendor & Technology Management

• Manage relationships with external software vendors, print technology providers, and workflow partners.
• Evaluate vendor performance and service levels.
• Oversee software licensing, subscription renewals, and upgrade planning.
• Participate in technology evaluations and capital investment recommendations.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in print production, prepress, layout programming, or print workflow management.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-volume, rapid-pace print environments.

Technical Proficiency

• Advanced knowledge of:
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Customer Communication Management tools like Quadient Inspire, XMPie, or similar
• Print servers like Fiery, Prisma, or Equios
• Strong understanding of:
• Digital print technologies
• Variable data printing concepts
• Color management workflows
• File preflight and imposition standards

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts, Printing Technology, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent professional experience).

Salary $90k–$100k “Competitive salary commensurate with experience reflecting both leadership, business acumen, and technical expertise required.”