Prepress Manager

The Bernard Group•Chanhassen, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Smartpress is a fast-growing online printing service, disrupting the traditional printing industry one innovation at a time. Our customers love us (seriously, google Smartpress reviews) and we love them right back, providing an easy online experience, high-quality printed products and world-class customer service. Not to mention our commitment to eco-friendly practices and sustainable materials (“smart” is in our name, after all). We’re looking for a strategic and solutions-focused leader to manage the daily operations and workflow of our Prepress department. This role is responsible for overseeing a team of technicians, optimizing work processes, balancing project loads across teams, and ensuring high-quality output that meets client and company standards. The ideal candidate excels in cross-functional collaboration, process improvement, and team development, while also contributing to the department’s long-term innovation through research, training, and strategic planning. Shift available: Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Requirements

2 Year Technical or Trade school diploma or certification, or bachelor degree in commercial Art or related field (required)
8 years minimum related experience in Prepress or wide digital format printing industry (required)
Previous experience with print production software (required)
3 years minimum related experience in leadership of staff (required)
Proven experience leading and influencing within a matrix-managed environment and across diverse teams
Strong proficiency with project management tools and software, including Adobe Creative Suite, Excel, Outlook, and other Prepress applications
Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Flexibility to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and business needs
A collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment
Able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
Strong interpersonal skills including, demonstrated listening skills and the ability to present ideas and thoughts concisely and effectively both internally and outside the organization
Willing to admit when you make a mistake (it happens to the best of us)
Fiercely loyal to both our customers and team
Trustworthy, reliable, and easy to get along with
Enthusiastic and eager to take on new challenges
Adaptable and willing to wear whatever hat gets the job done

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations and workflow distribution across Prepress, Preflight, and Color teams to ensure efficiency and quality.
Manages team capacity by assigning projects based on workload and departmental priorities.
Evaluates and improves work processes, implements SOPs, and recommends operational enhancements.
Supervise, train, and evaluate staff performance while fostering a high-performing team environment.
Collaborate with internal departments to ensure alignment on project needs, color standards, and timelines.
Lead research and testing of new software, tools, and methods for print production innovation.
Monitor project progress and quality standards, troubleshooting issues and ensuring high service levels.
Develop documentation, training materials, and provides regular feedback and development opportunities for team members.
Communicate effectively with senior leadership, providing updates, presentations, and strategic input.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to align with company goals and continuously improve service delivery.
Perform miscellaneous projects and tasks as assigned by Management.