Prepress Coordinator

Volm Companies • Antigo, WI

12h

About The Position

The Prepress Coordinator serves as the key link between graphic design, external prepress partners, and internal manufacturing and production teams. This role ensures that all artwork and design files for flexible packaging are technically accurate, meet flexographic printing specifications, and are prepared efficiently for plate making and production. The position plays a critical role in maintaining print quality, production efficiency, and cost control throughout the prepress workflow.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve technical file issues.
• Solid understanding of flexographic printing and prepress workflows.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills with a focus on quality, efficiency, and cost control.
• Ability to follow established procedures while identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Knowledge of prepress, flexographic printing processes, and print production principles normally acquired by the completion of an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design, Printing Technology, Packaging, or a related field and/or equivalent work experience.
• 2-3 years of experience in prepress or print production within a flexographic or packaging environment.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Strong knowledge of color management, file formats, and printing processes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with prepress software such as Esko or ArtPro preferred.
• Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) certification preferred or ability to obtain within six months, including FIRST Implementation Specialist Level III.
• Ongoing software and technical training as required for the role.

Responsibilities

• Receive and review internal design files and perform preflight checks to ensure files meet flexographic printing specifications, including trapping, color separations, resolution, and dieline accuracy.
• Prepare, adjust, and optimize electronic artwork files using industry-standard software to ensure print quality, production efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Serve as the primary liaison between graphic design, customer service, production, and external prepress and plate-making partners to communicate specifications, request quotes, and resolve technical issues.
• Coordinate the proofing and approval process, ensuring timely internal and customer approvals prior to production.
• Manage prepress workflows and timelines to support press schedules, delivery requirements, and production efficiency.
• Maintain a working knowledge of flexographic printing processes, plate requirements, color management, lamination, and converting standards to proactively identify and resolve potential production issues.
• Monitor and communicate press characterization updates to ensure external prepress partners have accurate and current printing capability information.
• Maintain accurate documentation, specifications, and approved artwork files in accordance with change management and quality control procedures.
• Coordinate with plate-making partners to communicate priorities, schedules, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide clear instructions to plate room personnel regarding artwork changes, plate usage, legacy jobs, and required documentation.

Benefits

• As a family-owned and operated company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family.
• We offer a strong foundation of benefits, including access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, an HSA employer contribution, and a 401k with profit sharing to secure your future.
• To support your overall well-being and family life, we offer additional benefits beyond the core package, such as paid vacation, wellness stipends, childcare reimbursement assistance, and much more.
• We are committed to continuously enhancing our benefits to meet the evolving needs of our team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree