Freelance Print Production Lead – Press Pass Expert

Talent; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent is seeking a Freelance Print Production Specialist - Press Pass to oversee the print quality during production of a major UK retailer's 2026 Gift Guide. You will act as the retailer's on-site representative at the printer, reviewing live output and providing final approval before production runs proceed.

Ideal candidates will have 5–10+ years in commercial print production, extensive experience with press passes, and deep knowledge of colour management, CMYK reproduction, and high-volume

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years in commercial print production.
• Significant experience attending or leading press passes.
• Experience with high-volume retail publications (catalogues, magazines, brochures).
• Strong knowledge of colour management, CMYK reproduction, proofing and print tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Attend required press passes at print production facilities.
• Review live printed sheets against approved proofs and specifications.
• Assess colour accuracy, image reproduction, registration and consistency.
• Approve or reject print output before full production runs.
• Identify quality issues and work directly with press operators to resolve them.
• Monitor print consistency throughout production.
• Review finishing including folding, trimming, binding, varnishes and other premium finishes.
• Ensure the finished publication meets premium retail quality standards.
• Provide clear feedback and brief post-production reports where required.

Skills

Print production

Press passes

Color management

Quality sign-off

Attention to detail

Job description

Talent is seeking a Freelance Print Production Specialist - Press Pass to oversee the print quality during production of a major UK retailer's 2026 Gift Guide. You will act as the retailer's on-site representative at the printer, reviewing live output and providing final approval before production runs proceed.

Ideal candidates will have 5–10+ years in commercial print production, extensive experience with press passes, and deep knowledge of colour management, CMYK reproduction, and high-volume