What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Prepress Manager position at AlphaGraphics - US698?
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Bonus based on performance
- Company parties
- Competitive salary
- Free food & snacks
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Training & development
Overview
We’re looking for a Prepress Manager to lead our end-to-end file preparation and workflow automation efforts across multiple growing lines of business: commercial printing, election ballot print production/layout, and regulated, high-volume variable data print production. This position blends hands-on technical execution with process ownership, ideal for someone experienced in digital prepress, variable-data workflows, and automation systems.
This is a highly technical and strategic role focused on driving automation from customer file upload through to press-ready output with minimal manual touchpoints, while managing file integrity, compliance, and system optimization.
This is a highly technical and strategic role focused on driving automation from customer file upload through to press-ready output with minimal manual touchpoints, while managing file integrity, compliance, and system optimization.
Key Responsibilities
Workflow Automation & Prepress Management
- Own and evolve automated file preparation pipelines from customer upload through to press queues via prepress software, hot folders and RIPs.
- Utilize Enfocus PitStop Server and Enfocus Switch (or alternate) for automated preflighting, file corrections, and routing logic.
- Manage existing programming architecture and improve upon the structures in place.
- Build and manage digital press imposition workflows (no offset required), ensuring layout accuracy and press-readiness for cut-sheet and roll-fed equipment.
- Ensure all production files are standardized, version-controlled, and optimized for multiple production lines, locations, and technologies.
- Identify automation opportunities between job intake, imposition, and press submission.
Variable Data & Regulated Output
- Process data-driven jobs using incoming files (CSV, Excel, XML) to generate variable output.
- Manage templates, logic, and rules for variable-data jobs across both commercial and regulated print applications.
- Handle sensitive content and file security, including data QC, SFTP intake, and secure folder structures.
- Interface with customer service and data teams to ensure personalized output meets logic, naming, and layout requirements.
Required Experience
· 5 years in digital prepress or variable data print workflow management.
· Expert knowledge of PDF workflows, preflighting, and tools like PitStop Server.
· Experience with Enfocus Switch, or similar, to automate tasks, routing, hotfolders, or data merges.
· Familiarity with digital imposition (EFI, Ultimate Impostrip, or similar) for toner/inkjet workflows.
· Comfortable working with data files and logic-driven template systems for personalized output.
· Excellent organization and task management with a strong focus on file accuracy and repeatability.
Preferred (but not required)
· Experience using XMPie for variable template creation and data integration.
· Understanding of secure or regulated workflows, such as healthcare, elections, or financial print.
· Familiarity with PSL (Print Service Layout or similar markup for digital press workflows).
· Ability to troubleshoot automation scripts, XML structures, or rule-based logic (e.g., within Switch or XMPie).
· Exposure to digital press environments (Canon Prisma, Fiery, Onyx, etc.).
What We Offer
· A technically hands-on role in a fast-paced, multi-division print environment.
· Varied product lines to affect change efficiency.
· Key ownership over workflow decisions, software platforms, and production efficiency.
· Access to modern tools and production technology.
· Competitive pay, benefits, and growth opportunities within a family-owned company that values innovation.