Studio/Pre-Press Operator

About the job

We are a well-established commercial lithographic and digital printer based in Worcestershire. We are looking for a hard-working, diligent, and driven candidate to manage our pre-press and studio processes.

As our dedicated Pre-Press Operator, you will be solely responsible for all plate and proofing requirements throughout the company. You will utilise various software packages, including Kodak Prinergy, Tharsterns MIS, Heidelberg Pressroom Manager, and the full suite of Abode Creative Cloud products, to pre-flight check, impose, and colour manage client artwork ready for plate-making or to be sent direct to press.

You will produce hard-copy, digital, and finishing mock-up proofs as per client requests and manage the approval process for all jobs. You will ensure accuracy and correctness before producing plates or sending artwork directly to our digital press.

Main responsibilities:

• Receive job bags and check artwork status, liaising with clients and account managers.
• Pre-flight customer-submitted files before importing them into the workflow.
• Troubleshoot any issues and, where necessary, correct files using Adobe Creative Cloud software products.
• Utilise JDF’s from Tharstern and Prinergy software to create impositions ready for CTP or proofing (hardcopy or digital).
• Liaise with clients and account managers to obtain approval for submitted proofs.
• Communicate any queries with production team members and account managers and ensure all client requirements are documented on job bags and followed.
• Produce CTP plates.
• General maintenance of CTP machine and out studio equipment.
• Prioritise and manage workload, ensuring all jobs are completed on time and within schedule.
• Following all relevant health & safety, environmental and quality requirements when completing work.

Key requirements:

• Proficient with MacOS and Windows systems
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud products, namely Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro and Photoshop.
• Previous experience with Kodak Prinergy (or similar software), Tharstern MIS and Heidelberg software products.
• A high level of attention to detail and understanding of colour.
• An excellent understanding of impositions and print production processes and practices.
• Minimum of 5 years pre-press experience carrying out similar functions.
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and function as part of a larger team.
• Willingness to train and learn new skills as needed.