Job details

Manager Print and Sign Production

We are looking for a Print Manager to help us manage, organize and direct the activities of our print staff. This is an excellent position for a person who is detail-oriented, who can work collaboratively and enjoys multi-tasking. The ideal candidate has experience supervising a team and can prioritize urgent requests in an organized manner.

Responsibilities:

Manage and train staff about proper printing procedures and policies.
Maintain supplies of print cartridges and ink.
Manage inventory of print media.
Read and interpret reports.
Answer questions.

Manager of Print and Sign Production and Mail Services

The Manager of Print Production and Mail Services is responsible for managing the print, mail, and fulfillment operations for AlphaGraphics. This individual will ensure that all projects are completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards. The ideal candidate will have a proven history in print production management, as well as strong project management, organizational, and communication skills. He or she will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of print production from pre-press to delivery.

This individual will also ensure that systems and process are in place to manage the print and mail request life cycle from intake through production and warehousing to shipment and delivery. This individual is responsible for developing relationships and negotiating with service vendors to provide additional capabilities and bandwidth including the strategic decision of when to outsource projects.

Essential Functions

Strategy & Planning

Monitor industry trends, new technologies, new techniques, equipment advancements to drive print / mail innovation and quality.
Leverage enterprise services to promote and provide alternate, integrated access points to services offered.
Coordinate with Marketing to understand planned communications and promotional campaigns for resource planning annually.
Manage requirements of interfaces between systems for ordering, production, warehousing, fulfillment, and delivery.

Development & Deployment

Manage print team and mail team, providing guidance, support, and training as needed.
Select appropriate paper stocks, inks, and other materials to warehouse, considering budget, timeframe, and desired outcome.
Manage various graphic installations ensuring brand consistency and quality.
Prepare cost estimates for projects, considering a variety of factors such as quantity, turnaround time, and shipping costs.
Work with Creative to ensure that all print production specs on projects are correct to ensure materials are produced with accuracy.
Manage and approve timelines and production schedules/calendars, print specifications and budgetary costs per projects.
Direct overall workflow of the print shop, ensuring processes are in place to manage employees, establish production schedules, and oversee quality control.
Oversee print production, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
Establish methods of quality control including pre-press processes to identify and close gaps and post-press validations.
Conduct production checks as needed, ensuring print quality standards are met.
Liaise with requestors, designers, and printers to ensure smooth communication and efficient workflow.
Oversee multiple vendor relationships, use knowledge of print / mail solutions and vendor capabilities to strategically allocate projects.
Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing the best possible rates.
Manage bid project process for best outcome.
Establish standards and protocols for warehouse inventory management, including implementation of inventory management processes (valuation, cycle counts, audits) and methods (including software) to maintain accurate and auditable inventory.
Manage and approve excess inventory destruction initiatives.
Manage the mail operations (including folding, inserting, and metering) associated with invoice, statement, employee benefit, and marketing initiatives ensure accurate and timely delivery to the customer / employee.
Ensure that direct mail print jobs are quoted, produced, and delivered with a high degree of quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
Negotiate carrier relationships, ensuring the services are cost and time efficient.

Operational Management & Optimization

Own accountability of budget to actual spend.
Collaboration with accounting on management of store and group service and inventory chargebacks.
Implement systems and policies to maintain records, archives, cost, and time schedules for all projects.
Review current operational processes for efficiency and cost-effective methods. Make recommendations on improvement projects.
Implement systems and policies to maintain accurate catalog of currently available print assets for ordering, emailing, and other sourcing.
Implement systems and policies to maintain inventory of supplies and materials needed to complete projects.
Identify operational breakdowns and drive corrective actions.
Development of department / employee productivity measurement tools and reports detailing workflow rates and capacity.
Use of productivity metrics to drive production planning.
Negotiate formal contracts with preferred suppliers consulting with Legal to ensure favorable terms.
Partner with IT and vendors to build new capabilities while interacting with stakeholders to ensure processes are sustainable.
Collaborate with Procurement to negotiate the purchase / lease of equipment.

Support & Outreach

Evangelize services offered throughout the business- build awareness and cultivate desire.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to provide technical expertise and advice related to printing processes, technology, and equipment.
Provide guidance and suggestions on specifications and production methods to achieve schedule and / or budget needs of stakeholders.
Handle customer inquiries and complaints in a professional and timely manner.

Position Requirements

Knowledge & Experience

Required

9+ years Business experience.
Prior supervisory / managerial experience.
Prior print production experience.
Experience managing a team and / or prioritizing and directing work efforts.
Understanding of essential business functions of an organization.
Strong organization and prioritization skills.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of print machine and equipment operation and troubleshooting.
Understanding of common software and programs used in printing and production.
Familiarity with web-to-print solutions
Expertise in print production processes, including offset printing, digital printing, high-speed inkjet, and large format printing.
Working knowledge of pre-press file preparation, color management, and proofing.
Thorough understanding of paper stocks, substrates, coatings, and other materials.
Knowledge of mail operations including folding, inserting, and metering.
Keen understanding of the balance between business, marketing, and technical requirements.
Strong creative point of view and ability to express concepts and design choices.
M365 proficiency.
Fundamental understanding of web publishing and web servers.