Pre-Press Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Art/Pre-Press Supervisor serves as the department's daily workflow and quality control lead, acting as second-in-command to support operational excellence and team productivity. This role is responsible for managing day-to-day workflow, performing first-pass quality control, providing technical guidance to designers, and ensuring adherence to departmental standards and brand guidelines. The Supervisor maintains continuity during the Manager's absence and plays a critical role in supporting both the creative team and client management through effective communication and problem-solving.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Workflow Management & Operations

Lead daily workflow coordination and job prioritization for proofing and pre-press operations

Assign and escalate rush or high-priority jobs to ensure timely completion

Monitor department throughput and identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies

Remain fully cross-trained in proofing and pre-press to step in and assist with workload as needed

Maintain productivity standards and ensure consistent output quality

Quality Control & Approval Authority  

Perform first-pass and routine quality control checks on proofs and production files

Provide approval for routine proofs and production files within established guidelines

Enforce SOPs, brand standards, and department guidelines across all projects

Escalate unresolved or high-risk quality issues to the department manager

Collaborate with the department manager to address customer complaints and quality defects

Help identify corrective actions and implement quality improvements

Technical Leadership & Support 

Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to designers and production staff

Utilize software solutions that facilitate department development and related design and prepress production (Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace, ERP systems, etc.)

Assist with automation development and workflow improvement initiatives

Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies

Train team members on new tools, techniques, and processes

Communication & Coordination

Communicate proactively with designers and Client Management (CM) regarding missing assets, clarifications, or project requirements 

Serve as liaison between production team and other departments

Facilitate clear communication of priorities, deadlines, and expectations

Provide regular status updates to the department manager

Creative Support & Development 

Assist in the design and development of multi-channel marketing collateral including print materials, signage, and vehicle graphics

Support mock-up creation for branded portals and digital applications

Brainstorm and collaborate with the creative team and management on fresh design and advertising concepts

Contribute creative insights to enhance project outcomes

Leadership & Administrative Support 

Act as backup for the Manager when unavailable, maintaining operational continuity

Support the manager in administration of established policies and procedures

Provide feedback to the manager on employee performance and development needs

Participate in team development initiatives and foster a positive work environment

Assist with onboarding and training of new team members

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Associate's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Printing Technology, or related field; OR

High school diploma/GED with equivalent professional experience in graphic design and pre-press operations

Experience:

Minimum 4-6 years of progressive experience in graphic design, pre-press, or print production

Experience in a lead, senior designer, or supervisory capacity

Proven track record of quality control and workflow management

Experience working in a fast-paced production environment with tight deadlines

Technical Skills: 

Expert-level proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro)

Strong understanding of pre-press processes, file preparation, and print production workflows

Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.)

Experience with ERP systems or production management software

Knowledge of color management, file formats, and output specifications

Understanding of various printing processes and substrate applications

Core Competencies:

Strong attention to detail with exceptional quality control abilities 

Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

Effective communication skills, both verbal and written

Ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage competing deadlines

Leadership presence with ability to motivate and guide team members

Strong organizational and time management skills

Collaborative mindset with ability to work cross-functionally

Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment 

Benefits:

Generous PTO Policy!

Health, Dental, Vision and more!

401k!

Paid Holidays!