Graphics & Prepress Manager (Flexo & Digital)

Job Summary:

The Graphics & Prepress Manager is responsible for leading and supporting the prepress department, including flexo and digital workflows and flexo plate production, to ensure efficient operations and the timely, accurate creation of proofs and plates. This role works collaboratively with sales, production, and customers to develop effective graphics and plating solutions while continuously improving workflows, technology, and processes to support high-quality finished products and overall operational success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Direct the production of both flexo and HP digital prepress and flexo printing plates.

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

· Coordinate between all departments to ensure customer requirements are met in conjunction with art and production specifications.

· Assist with department scheduling, delegation, and follow-up of daily graphics projects.

· Assist with prepress quotes and monitoring of graphic billables.

· Research and develop new graphics systems and workflows using internet resources, vendors, and in-house resources.

· Work with prep, production, IT, quality, and vendors to test and verify new software, hardware, workflows, and/or plate materials and establish performance standards.

· 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 or graphics-related issues and implementing quality improvements.

· Assist in maintaining department SOPs, training, and staffing.

· Coordinate customer or in-house press approvals.

· Maintain communication of project details and client records.

· Maintain department statistics and metrics.

· Complete employee annual performance reviews.

· Ensure compliance with all regulatory, food safety, GMP, and quality 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 both 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 Teams.

· Minimum of seven (7) years of flexo job engineering experience.

· Five (5) to ten (10) years of supervisory or managerial experience.

· Experience leading new prepress and flexo plate software/hardware implementations.

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

· Six Sigma certification or continuous improvement experience preferred.

· Strong internal and external customer relations skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Ability to supervise and manage employees.

· Ability to work independently and make decisions.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

· Ability to communicate effectively across departments.

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

· Strong organizational and time management skills.

· Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

· Must be able to lift 25–60 lbs.

· 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, 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 able to work in a production environment