Senior Operations Manager, Printing Services

The Senior Operations Manager provides functional leadership for key business and production operations within Vanderbilt University Printing Services. The position is responsible for the department's management information system, web-to-print storefronts, inventory records, physical inventory processes, receiving, promotional product operations, outsourced production, and employee training. The position must also maintain full proficiency in all small-format production functions. It serves as the primary backup during staff absences and provides hands-on surge support during periods of elevated demand, staffing shortages, or urgent production needs.

Vanderbilt University Printing Services is the in-house print service provider for the university community. Since 1960, the department has delivered high-quality, sustainable print and graphic communication solutions. Services include high-volume digital printing, signage and wide-format printing, bindery and finishing, promotional products, outsourced production, and custom web-to-print solutions. Printing Services is FSC-certified and committed to environmentally responsible practices, operational excellence, quality, and exceptional customer service.

• Serve as the functional owner and primary subject-matter expert for PACE or any future print management information system.
• Maintain system workflows, operational records, pricing information, inventory data, and user access.
• Provide user support, troubleshoot routine system issues, and coordinate enhancements with vendors and university technology resources.
• Manage web-to-print storefronts, including products, templates, pricing, permissions, approvals, and ordering workflows.
• Develop procedures, job aids, and training materials for applicable systems and digital workflows.

• Maintain accurate inventory records for paper, substrates, supplies, promotional products, and other materials.
• Coordinate physical inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies between system records and actual quantities.
• Monitor inventory levels and usage to support timely purchasing and reduce shortages, excess inventory, and waste.
• Receive and inspect incoming supplies, promotional products, and outsourced orders.
• Verify quantities, condition, specifications, and documentation and resolve receiving or inventory discrepancies.

• Manage promotional product sales and fulfillment from initial customer consultation through delivery and billing.
• Research products and vendors, obtain estimates, prepare pricing, and coordinate artwork, proofs, approvals, ordering, tracking, receiving, and delivery.
• Coordinate print and production projects that are outsourced to external vendors.
• Monitor vendor performance and resolve product, quality, shipment, communication, or billing issues.
• Ensure promotional and outsourced products align with approved proofs, customer specifications, university requirements, and departmental quality standards.

• Maintain proficiency in all small-format production functions, including file preparation, digital press operation, finishing, packaging, and quality control.
• Serve as the primary backup for small-format production during employee absences and periods of high volume.
• Provide surge support for large-format and specialty production as needed, including apparel pressing, rotary engraving, finishing, packaging, and other production activities for which the employee has been trained.
• Perform routine equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting within assigned production areas.
• Ensure work is completed accurately,…