Pre-Press And Production Associate

Job Description

The Pre-Press & Production Associate takes customers jobs from incoming digital file to finished packed product: preparing files, running digital presses, and completing bindery and finishing work. This role sits at the center of the print shop. The associate reviews and corrects customer files in Adobe Creative Cloud, sets up and runs digital printing equipment, and operates bindery machines to finish each job to specification.

Because every job passes through this position, accuracy, ownership, and steady self
-direction are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-press and file preparation

* Receive, review, and preflight customer files for resolution, bleed, trim, fonts, color mode, and page count.

* Correct and prepare files in Adobe In Design, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro.

* Build imposition layouts, apply variable data where required, and generate print ready pdf's.

* Create and send digital proofs; track customer approvals, and revisions before release to production.

* Flag file problems early and communicate clearly with sales and customer service on what is needed.

* Keep file jobs organized, named consistently and archived for reprints.

Digital press Operation

* Set up and run digital color and black and white printers.

* Select and load the correct paper stock, weight, and size for job.

* Calibrate equipment and manage color consistency against approved proofs.

* Monitor runs for registration, color shift, banding and other defects; correct issues as they arise.

* Perform routine operator maintenance, replace consumables, and report service needs.

Binddery and finishing

* Set up and operate cutters, folders, booklet makers, laminators, drills, and coil comb or perfect binders.

* Perform hand finishing such as collating, padding, scoring, inserting and shrink-wrapping.

* Count, package, and label completed jobs for pick up, delivery, or shipping.

Quality control and workflow

* Check every job against the work orderand approved proof at each stage: file, press, and finish.

* Prioritize daily work to meet promised due dates, including rush jobs.

* Record job time, materials used and waste accuracy in the shop's job tracking system.

* Keep the work area, equipment and stock clean, organized and safe.

* Help track paper and supply inventory and alert the manager when reorders needed.

* Support Sales occassionally with estimates, samples, and file questions.

QUALIFICATIIONS

Required

* High school diploma or equivalent.

* Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud:
In Design, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro.

* Comfortability handling digital files of all kinds, including PDF, AI, PSD, INDD, EPSM TIFF and Office documents.

* Understanding of print fundamentals: bleed, trim, safe area, resplution, CMYK vs. RGB, spot colors and font handling.

* Proven accuracy in detail-oriented work and the ability to catch errors before they reach press.

* Comfortable on both MAC and windows computers.

Preferred

* Associate degree in Graphic Design or a related field (Print Media, Visual Communications).

* 1-2 years of experience in a commercial, in-plant or quick-print shop.

* Hands-on experience running digital production presses and bindery equipment.

* Familiarity with preflight, imposition and print workflow tools (e.g. Acrobat preflight, Fiery, or similar RIP software).

* Experience with variable data printing and basic color management.

CORE COMPETENCIES

* Exceptional Attention to detail. Check every file, proof, sheet and finished piece; small errors are caught here and nit by the customer.

* Self-Starter. Plans the day, moves to the next job without being told, and finds productive work during slow periods.

* Ownership and Accountability. Follows each job through to completion and takes responsibility for its quality.

* Problem Solving. Troubleshoots file issues and machine problems calmly and knows when to escalate.

* Time Management. Balances several jobs and shifts priorities while meeting deadlines.

* Mechanical Aptitude. Learns new equipment quickly and is comfortable making adjustments.

* Clear Communication. Explains file problems in plain terms to sales staff and customers.

* Teamwork. Works closely with sales, customer service, and other business lines ( furniture, office supplies, janitorial) when jobs or customers overlap.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS.

The work environment is split between a computer workstation and the production floor, in a fast-paced, deadline driven shop where precision…