Print Production Manager

LG&P Agency; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

LG&P Agency is seeking a Print Program Manager / Buyer to transform ideas into retail-ready solutions across multiple substrates. You’ll work with print vendors, designers, and project managers to ensure programs meet timelines and budgets while upholding quality standards.

The role requires deep production management expertise, strong vendor relations, and the ability to advise clients on materials, printing methods, and cost-saving strategies. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Proven production management experience with high-volume print projects.
• Excellent communication and consultative skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation abilities.
• Deep knowledge of print methods, materials, and finishing techniques.
• Ability to travel occasionally and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute all print programs from production to final delivery.
• Develop timelines, budgets, and quality control checkpoints for all projects.
• Identify and resolve production or technical issues to ensure flawless execution.
• Provide guidance on large-format graphics, SEG systems, fixtures, and displays.
• Create and document detailed Print Production Specifications (PPS).
• Source, vet, and onboard new vendors; negotiate SLAs and terms.
• Maintain color management workflow and QA standards across programs.

Skills

Production management

Vendor relationship management

Color management

Communication skills

Pre-press knowledge

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

PDF workflows

Spectrophotometry

Job description

At LG&P, we create engaging retail experiences for leading global brands. As a Print Program Manager, you’ll be part of a collaborative team where your work directly shapes the way shoppers interact with products in stores. Every project is different and serves as an opportunity to innovate, learn, and grow.

About the Role

LG&P is seeking a Print Program Manager / Buyer to help transform ideas into retail-ready solutions. This role is central to our project management team — working with existing print vendors [procuring new print vendors where needed] running full scale printing programs, providing expert recommendations to clients which suit the timeline and budget, while also drawing up brand colors across multiple substrates to use as golden samples. They will leverage their production management expertise to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, while acting as a trusted consultant to both internal teams and external clients. You’ll work closely with 2D designers and project managers to solve print related challenges, test blanks and printed graphics onto fixtures at retail, and bring creative ideas to life.

Key Responsibilities

Program Execution & Oversight:

• Manage and execute all print programs from production / prototype file release through final delivery.
• Utilize deep production management knowledge to develop detailed timelines, budgets, and quality control checkpoints for all projects.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential production or technical issues to ensure flawless execution.
• Provide expert guidance on complex retail applications, including large-format graphics, SEG systems (Silicone Edge Graphics), fixture fabrication prints, and temporary POS/POP displays.
• Develop and document detailed Print Production Specifications (PPS), including substrate compatibility, ink characteristics (e.g., UV, Latex, Aqueous), finishing methods, and installation considerations.
• Manage the full production lifecycle, ensuring optimal resource allocation, risk mitigation, and on-time delivery for seasonal retail rollouts and national campaigns.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with existing print vendors, focusing on long-term partnership and performance optimization.
• Strategically source, vet, and onboard new vendors and specialty partners to expand capabilities, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure best value and consistent quality.
• Conduct rigorous technical vetting and audits of print vendors, assessing their equipment calibration, process control stability, and ability to consistently meet required Delta E targets.

Repetitive Color Uniformity & Quality Control:

• Own the entire color management workflow for all retail print programs, establishing and enforcing strict quality standards (e.g., G7, ISO, and proprietary brand specifications).
• Perform and oversee onsite press checks and factory acceptance tests (FATs), leveraging spectrophotometry to scientifically measure and validate color reproduction.
• Rigorously qualify printed output against acceptable Delta E tolerances to ensure zero noticeable variation in critical brand colors across various materials like vinyl, fabric, cardboard, and acrylic.

Client & Internal Expert Consultation:

• Act as the definitive subject matter expert (SME) in all areas of print, materials, and finishing techniques for internal teams (e.g., Creative, Marketing) and external clients.
• Provide expert guidance on material selection, printing methods (e.g., offset, digital, large format, screen), cost-saving strategies, and sustainability options.
• Translate complex print specifications into clear, actionable briefs for vendors.

Quality & Process Improvement:

• Establish and enforce rigorous quality assurance (QA) standards for pre-press, on-press checks, and final product inspection.
• Stay abreast of the latest printing technologies, materials, and industry trends to ensure the company maintains a competitive and modern approach to print.
• Document processes and best practices to ensure consistency and facilitate knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Deep, comprehensive expertise in all aspects of commercial printing processes, finishing techniques, paper stocks, and substrates.
• Proven production management experience with a strong track record of successfully managing complex, high-volume print projects.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage vendor relationships and negotiate favorable terms.
• Excellent communication and consultative skills with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to a non-technical audience (both internally and externally).
• Strong proficiency with design software and pre-press requirements (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, PDF workflows).
• Ability to travel occasionally and work flexible hours as needed.