Offset Pre-press Manager

Job Summary

The Pre-Press Manager is responsible for the overall supervision and workflow of the pre-press department, ensuring all digital files are accurately and efficiently prepared and plated for sheet-fed offset printing. The manager drives a culture of quality and productivity, overseeing the color management process, plate production, and department staff. A deep knowledge of printing theory and adherence to industry standards, including G7, GMI, GMP, SQF, and ISO, are essential to this role.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Departmental leadership and management:
• Supervise, train, and develop pre-press employees, performance reviews and delegating tasks.
• Coordinate with the production and scheduling departments to manage workflow and meet print deadlines.
• Lead department with culture building, supporting team work of subordinates and facilitate a productive team environment.
• Workflow and quality assurance:
• Oversee the entire pre-press workflow, from file submission to plate output, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Read and interpret job orders and specifications to process files correctly, ensuring layouts, impositions, and trapping, bleeds are precise.
• Execute color management, including conversion of spot colors to expanded gamut process, curve creation and manipulation, for all offset printing and proofing systems.
• Perform internal audits to verify conformance to ISO 9001, GMP policies and procedures, and take corrective action when necessary.
• Color management and standards compliance:
• Ensure all processes and output devices are calibrated and maintained to meet or exceed the G7 specification for gray balance.
• Establish and maintain high-quality standards for plate production for expanded gamut process and spot color printing.
• Verify and document compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for a controlled and consistent production environment.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to consistently produce high-quality products.
• Technical expertise and optimization:
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation to enhance pre-press productivity.
• Troubleshoot technical problems with files, equipment, and workflows.
• Use industry-specific software, such as Adobe Creative Suite and workflow systems to process files.
• Ensure proper maintenance of all pre-press equipment to guarantee quality, productivity, and safety.
• Communication and coordination:
• Serve as a technical liaison between the production team, sales, and clients regarding file preparation and specifications.
• Report department performance and unusual situations to upper management.
• Communicate with vendors and suppliers related to pre-press materials and equipment.
  
  

• Education and experience:
• A bachelor's degree in printing and graphic arts or relative work experience preferred.
• At least 5 years of hands-on pre-press experience, including familiarity with offset printing fundamentals.
• At least 2 years of managerial or supervisory experience is required.
• Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Expert knowledge of printing theory: Impositions, trapping, overprinting, resolution (DPI), dot gain, paper characteristics, and color theory.
• Proficiency with industry-standard software: Adobe Creative Suite, PDF workflow, and prepress automation software.
• Leadership skills: Proven track record of managing a team and achieving results.
• Problem-solving abilities: Strong troubleshooting skills to resolve operational errors.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Continuous improvement: Familiarity with principles like Kaizen or Total Quality Management (TQM).
  

G7, GMP, and ISO standards

• G7: This professional must ensure all pre-press and proofing systems are calibrated to meet the G7 methodology, which standardizes color appearance across different printing processes and substrates, resulting in a consistent visual match between proof and press sheet.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices): Adherence to GMPs is essential for ensuring a controlled and contamination-free pre-press environment, especially for industries like packaging. This includes following strict protocols for cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and quality control.
• ISO 9001 (Quality Management): The manager is responsible for conducting internal audits and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the pre-press department conforms to ISO 9001 mandates. This guarantees a systematic approach to maintaining and improving quality.