Print Shop Manager

The Print Shop Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operation of the print shop and graphic design department. This position oversees creative design services, print production, signage, customer service, budgeting, procurement, project management, and employee development. The manager ensures all projects are completed accurately, efficiently, on time, and in accordance with organizational quality standards while supporting company marketing and communication objectives.

The Print Shop Manager reports to senior leadership and works collaboratively with department managers to support organizational goals, branding initiatives, and customer needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Department Management

• Provide daily leadership and oversight of graphic design, print production, and sign-making operations.
• Schedule, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate graphic design and print production staff.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-oriented work environment.
• Establish departmental goals, objectives, and performance standards that align with company strategy.
• Direct formal and on-the-job training programs to ensure staff development and operational excellence.
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure proper operation and use of all equipment.

Graphic Design and Creative Services

• Manage the development of creative concepts, graphic designs, layouts, and visual communications across print and digital platforms.
• Oversee production of marketing materials, publications, brochures, signage, banners, apparel graphics, direct mail campaigns, and promotional products.
• Review and approve creative work to ensure brand consistency, visual quality, and production readiness.
• Provide creative consultation and solutions to internal and external customers.
• Stay current on design trends, software advancements, and industry best practices.

Print Production and Operational Management

• Oversee all print shop operations, including prepress, printing, finishing, bindery, cutting, and delivery processes.
• Plan, develop, and write specifications for a wide range of printing, binding, cutting, signage, and finishing projects.
• Manage production schedules and workflow to ensure deadlines and quality standards are consistently met.
• Monitor quality control procedures and inspect finished products for accuracy and excellence.
• Supervise the maintenance, cleaning, troubleshooting, and minor repair of print shop equipment.
• Operate and oversee the use of high-speed digital copiers, printers, finishing systems, and related production equipment.
• Evaluate and recommend equipment upgrades, technology improvements, and workflow enhancements.

Customer Service and Project Management

• Consult closely with customers to determine project goals, specifications, timelines, budgets, and expectations.
• Prepare project estimates, production schedules, and recommendations for the most cost-effective solutions.
• Monitor project progress and maintain communication with customers throughout the production process.
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Maintain a high level of concentration and analytical thinking while managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Procurement, and Financial Oversight

• Oversee procurement of paper, inks, substrates, equipment, and operational supplies.
• Analyze printing costs and implement cost-control measures to maximize department efficiency and profitability.
• Coordinate project billing and invoicing activities in conjunction with the accounting department.
• Track expenses, production metrics, and departmental performance indicators.

Cross Department Collaboration

• Partner with sales, operations, and other departments to support organizational initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with leadership and department managers to achieve company goals.
• Provide strategic input regarding branding, visual communications, print production, and customer engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Any combination of education and experience equivalent to involving the operation of high-speed digital copiers, printers, and peripheral and finishing equipment including one year in a lead or supervisory capacity and project scheduling and prioritizing.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat preferred.
• Strong knowledge of graphic design, prepress workflows, digital printing, signage production, and print finishing processes.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, invoicing, and customer relationships.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout office and production environments for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to inspect printed materials and production outputs for quality and accuracy.
• Frequent use of computers, production equipment, and design software.

Working Conditions

• Combination office, and print production environment.
• Regular interaction with customers, vendors, production staff, and leadership.
• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines and production demands.

Ideal Candidate Profile

A successful Print Shop Graphic Design Manager is a creative leader with extensive graphic design expertise, strong print production knowledge, exceptional customer service skills, and proven management experience. This individual effectively balances creative vision, operational efficiency, financial responsibility, and team leadership to deliver outstanding visual communications and print solutions.

 Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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