Prepress Manager
About The Position
Smartpress is a fast-growing online printing service seeking a strategic and solutions-focused leader to manage the daily operations and workflow of its 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. The company is 100% employee-owned and committed to eco-friendly practices.
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
- 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.
- Manage team capacity by assigning projects based on workload and departmental priorities.
- Evaluate and improve work processes, implement SOPs, and recommend 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 provide 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.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off benefit that increases with tenure
- Healthcare, dental, life insurance, disability
- Paid parental leave
- Retirement Savings programs: Employee Stock Ownership Plan-100% Employee-Owned, 401k with a company match
- Career Development Opportunities
- Flexible Work Hours
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Referral Program
- Safe & Clean Manufacturing Environment
- A culture of freedom, trust and a passion for excellence!
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Talented, empowered and engaged co-workers by your side
- We have fun!
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
Associate degree
