Job description
Join a premium printing and packaging partner delivering exceptional color and finish across commercial print, corrugated, and label projects. We are seeking a Senior Print Production Manager to lead prepress, pressroom, and bindery operations, ensuring quality, on-time delivery, and profitable outcomes.
You will collaborate with design teams, sales, and clients to translate specifications into production-ready work, optimize workflows, and mentor junior staff. This role is onsite in Chicago, IL with occasional off-site visits to clients or suppliers.
Responsibility
- Lead and optimize end-to-end production processes for offset and digital printing, including prepress, press, and finishing.
- Manage production schedules, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet tight deadlines.
- Ensure color accuracy and proofing standards across all jobs using color management systems (ICC, G7, ISO 12647).
- Collaborate with clients, designers, and sales to review specs, provide quotes, and set expectations.
- Maintain quality control, waste reduction, and adherence to safety and environmental standards.
- Mentor and develop a high-performing production team; recruit and train operators.
- Continuously improve workflows with standard operating procedures and metrics.
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in print media, graphic communications, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.
- 5+ years of experience in print production management, with expertise in offset and digital printing.
- Strong color management knowledge (ICC profiles, color spaces, G7).
- Experience with prepress workflows, RIP software, PDF/X, trapping, and proofreading.
- Knowledge of bindery finishing, packaging constraints, lamination, die-cutting, and compliance standards.
- Excellent vendor management, budgeting, and client communication skills.
- Proven leadership and ability to mentor a team across multiple projects.