Studio / Pre-Press Operative

About the job

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

As our dedicated Pre-Press Operative, you will be soley responsible for all plate & proofing requirements thoughout the company, utilising 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, ensuring accuracy and correctness before producing plates or sending artwork directly to our digital press.

Main responsibilities:

• Receive job bags and check the status of artwork, 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.

A highly competitive salary will be offered, as well as access to the company pension scheme.