Preprint Technical Graphics Manager (Manufacturing)

Key Responsibilities:

Product Ownership & Strategy

• Define and manage the roadmap for color management systems, print file workflows, and ink operations.
• Translate customer and business needs into technical requirements and process improvements.
• Lead Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives to enhance print quality, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.

New Print File Leadership

• Lead the intake, technical review, and preparation of all new print files.
• Ensure files meet production specifications, color standards, and customer expectations.
• Collaborate with Prepress and Operations teams to optimize layouts and plate setups for wide-web flexographic printing.

Ink Room Management

• Oversee daily operations of the ink room, including ink formulation, mixing, inventory, and quality control.
• Establish specifications for inks and ensure inks are prepared to meet color targets, substrate requirements, and operational efficiency.
• Implement best practices for ink handling, storage, and waste reduction.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to evaluate and introduce new ink technologies.

Plate Room Management

• Oversee daily operations of the plate room, including plate manufacturing, inventory, and quality control.
• Establish specifications for inks and ensure inks are prepared to meet color targets, substrate requirements, and operational efficiency.
• Implement best practices for ink handling, storage, and waste reduction.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to evaluate and introduce new ink technologies.

Third-Party Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with third-party suppliers, including ink vendors, plate material/plate making partners and graphic technology providers.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, delivery, cost, and innovation.
• Establish robust specifications for graphic suppliers (prepress and plates) to maximize operational performance and quality.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve technical issues and implement new solutions.

Technical Sales Support

• Provide technical expertise to the Sales team during customer engagements, including proposals, demos, and troubleshooting.
• Assist in developing accurate quotes and specifications based on print and color requirements.
• Train sales staff in the technical aspects of print and color capabilities.

Color Management & Quality Assurance

• Lead the implementation and maintenance of color management systems (CMS).
• Ensure consistent color reproduction through calibration, profiling, and proofing.
• Approve color proofs and press samples to validate alignment with client expectations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between design, prepress, production, and sales to ensure seamless project execution.
• Partner with the Production and Operations Managers to align design intent with production capabilities.
• Collaborate with Continuous Improvement teams to evaluate new technologies and drive process enhancements.

Customer Experience & Issue Resolution

• Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to print quality or color issues.
• Implement corrective actions and communicate resolutions to internal teams and clients in conjunction with Quality Manager.
• Participate in customer press checks and quality approvals as needed.

Process Optimization & Innovation

• Develop and maintain SOPs for print file preparation, ink room operations, and color management.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in print, ink, and color management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Printing Technology, Graphic Arts, Engineering, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in flexographic printing, color management, or ink operations.
• Experience managing third-party suppliers and technical sales support.
• Strong knowledge of CMS tools, ink systems, proofing technologies, and color measurement.
• Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.

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