Prepress Lead

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: On-site in Buena Park, CA

Overview

This role supports a fast-paced digital production environment with high daily file throughput and

multiple print workflows.

Success in this role

● Maintain high prepress accuracy with minimal production delays

● Improve workflow efficiency through automation and SOP development

● Support scalable production growth while maintaining print quality standards

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Workflow Oversight

● Lead day-to-day operations of the prepress department, including team mentorship,

workflow prioritization, training, and quality oversight.

● Collaborate closely with the operations and production teams to ensure seamless handoff

between file preparation and print execution.

● Establish and refine SOPs to improve workflow efficiency and consistency.

● Communicate with the Design Technology Manager to refine automation across the

prepress workflow.

Prepress Production & Quality Control

● Oversee all stages of production file preparation and print-ready output—ensuring files

meet all internal specifications and color standards.

● Manage artwork preparation, including ICC profiles, spot colors, vector cleanup, and

proportional sizing across various print formats and substrates.

● Conduct rigorous QC checks to maintain accuracy, color consistency, and customer

satisfaction.

● Develop templates and print areas for new products in collaboration with the production

team.

Technology, Software & Process Improvement

● Maintain and optimize prepress software systems, ensuring all tools are up to date and

efficient.

● Implement workflow automation and explore additional software solutions for scaling

production capabilities.

● Lead troubleshooting efforts for file issues, print anomalies, and system errors,

collaborating with technical teams as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Client Support

● Partner with internal design teams to ensure artwork aligns with specifications and print

capabilities.

● Provide technical guidance to customers regarding artwork revisions, approvals, and print

requirements.

● Act as a key liaison between design, production, and operations for all prepress-related

matters.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet

to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may

be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Please reach out to

HR with any questions.

● Ability to present ideas and content verbally and in writing to co-workers, customers, and

others, both individually and in groups.

● Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

● Ability to stand and walk for significant periods of time.

● Ability to bend, twist, and reach.

● Ability to perform detailed computer-based visual work for extended periods.

● Accuracy and attention to detail when typing and communicating with others.

● Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

● Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 10 pounds of material.

Qualifications

● Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) and RIP

software such as Onyx.

● 5 years of experience in prepress production, including direct-to-object or digital printing

environments.

● 3–5 years of experience in a supervisory or management role, preferably in a

manufacturing or fast-paced production setting.

● Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat); experience

with RIP software such as Onyx is essential.

● Deep understanding of color theory, CMYK printing processes, and color management

standards.

● Experience with workflow automation, RIPs, and prepress software; familiarity with tools

like Enfocus Switch is a plus.

● Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple

priorities under tight deadlines.

● Strong verbal and written communication skills with a collaborative, team-focused

mindset.

● High sense of organization, time management, and accountability in a production

environment.