About the Role
Job Summary
The Prepress Manager leads all operations, personnel, and initiatives within the Prepress and Plating departments, ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency in pressure-sensitive label production. This role is responsible for driving workflow improvements, technical excellence, and customer satisfaction, with a strong focus on both flexographic and digital label printing processes.
Essential Job Functions
Train, coach, and review KPIs for Prepress and Plating staff to foster continuous improvement and technical growth.
Lead the development and implementation of workflow and automation initiatives, including rapid adoption and improvement of SOPs.
Troubleshoot software, hardware, and technologies related to prepress and plate making, including Esko Automation Engine and ArtPro+.
Ensure expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for customer file correction, preflighting, and basic color correction.
Oversee print-ready file setup, including bleeds, trim, marks, layers, resolution checks, and output readiness.
Manage color solutions to minimize setup time while meeting industry standards (characterization to approved press sheets).
Lead print quality initiatives related to color standards, screening, dot patterns, and plate technologies.
Prepare files for flexographic and digital label printing, including specialty applications (spot varnishes, cold foil, complex finishes).
Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, consistently catching errors and verifying accuracy prior to production.
Communicate technical capabilities, limitations, and options to customers regarding artwork and production feasibility.
Facilitate vendor communications to recommend, purchase, and implement new solutions.
Requirements
Abilities & Qualifications
Baseline Expectations (Non-Negotiable)
Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
Strong understanding of print file setup and prepress fundamentals.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to quickly learn, follow, and improve SOPs and workflows.
Advanced / Next-Level Expectations
Mastery of Esko Automation Engine and ArtPro+.
Advanced color management expertise (press fingerprinting, ICC profiles, curve generation, spot color matching).
In-depth knowledge of flexographic and digital label printing, including specialty finishes.
Strong client and internal communication skills.
Industry Knowledge
Expert knowledge of printing, trapping, overprinting, resolution DPI, dot/press gain, color management.
Knowledge of preflighting, calibration/curves, 4CP and spot printing, color theory, and matching.
Familiarity with digital and flexographic printing as well as emerging technologies.
About the client
Jump Start Consulting is working with a client who is a leading provider of flexible packaging solutions, delivering high-quality, innovative products that support consumer goods brands across food, beverage, and industrial markets.