Pre-Press Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Bourne; Remote; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety culture

Global packaging company

Discounts with Perks At Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Mortgage Advice Service

Free Therapy and Coaching Sessions

Discounts with Perks At Work

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Bourne is seeking a hands-on Pre-Press Operator to join our site-based team. You will handle artwork processing, file imposition for plate output, and ensure prints meet technical standards while supporting colleagues across the production chain.

The role requires experience in pre-press/artwork production, good colour vision, and a collaborative approach. You'll work to a shift pattern and contribute to a culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in pre-press/artwork studio production.
• Excellent colour vision.
• Experience in printing and packaging.
• Quality-conscious with attention to detail.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Able to work to high-quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Follow procedures and work to recognised standards.
• Understand pre-press production and press room requirements.
• Generate print-ready repro files from customer artwork following set procedures.
• Use imposition software to generate templates for plate production.
• Carry out plate inspection and approval tasks.
• Liaise with Customer Service and Production to resolve queries.
• Perform operator quality checks and log time entries accurately.
• Adhere to SHE regulations.
• Carry out daily/weekly housekeeping.
• Be flexible to take on new tasks as role evolves.

Skills

Pre-press experience

Colour vision

Printing & packaging

Quality focused

Teamwork & communication

High-quality standards

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Tools

Imposition software

Job description

L ocation:Fully site based in Bourne

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, a shift pattern alternating between 6.30am till 2pm and 11:30am till 7pm

General Pre-Press duties will include the processing of supplied artwork, the imposition of files for plate output, the inspection and approval of printing plates and general administration tasks. The team member will take direction on tasks from their line manager, attend and partake in meetings, complete their performance review and perform other typical admin tasks. The team member will carry out general duties as directed by their line manager and effectively work within the preproduction environment, assisting colleagues where needed.

Job Responsibilities / Key accountabilities

• Follow work procedures and work to recognised standards.
• To have an understanding of pre-press production methods and press room requirements.
• Generate print ready repro files from customer supplied and approved artwork (to a high standard following set procedures), using relevant software, ensuring all work conforms to customer and technical requirements.
• To use imposition software to generate stepped templates for plate production.
• To undertake plate inspection and approval tasks.
• Liaise with Customer Service and Production departments to resolve any queries.
• Utilise all equipment provided as quality aids and to perform operator quality checks to files in accordance with BSI and ISO procedures.
• Ensure that all time entries are accurate and up to date.
• Adhere to SHE regulations.
• Carry out daily/weekly housekeeping.
• Carry out any other reasonable task once adequately trained.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and Smurfit Westrock would expect you to carry out any other reasonable duty which you are capable of being trained in or performing.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience

• Experience of pre-press / artwork studio production methods preferable.
• Should have excellent colour vision.
• Experience of Printing and Packaging.
• Quality Conscious.
• Demonstrable experience in good team working and communication skills.
• Demonstrable experience working to high-quality standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of GCSE pass grades in English & Mathematics.

Behaviours

• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Adherence to Smurfit Westrock's code of conduct, Values and Behaviours.
• To maintain confidentiality and comply with the GDPR Data Protection.
• Commitment and dedication to the training program.
• Works well within a team.
• Flexible.
• Determination – Ability to overcome obstacles.
• Be self-motivated, standards-driven, with a keen eye for detail, organised and detail-oriented.
• Computer literate, Apple and Microsoft platforms.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to take on new additional tasks as the role evolves.
• Ability to work flexibly and varying shift patterns as and when required.
• Travel as necessary.

On offer:

• A culture based on safety, integrity, loyalty and respect
• A career with a global packaging company
• Digital GP
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mortgage Advice Service
• Free Therapy and Coaching Sessions
• Discounts with Perks At Work