Position: Print Production Manager
Location: East London
Salary: £30,000 - £45,000 (Negotiable depending on experience)
Company: Global technology and IT rental company supplying hardware and on-site solutions to events, exhibitions and corporate clients worldwide. They operate a dedicated in-house digital print and finishing division that produces consumables such as event badges, wristbands and branded collateral.
Now seeking an experienced Print Production Manager to lead the day-to-day running of their print operations. This role requires a technically skilled and highly organised leader who can ensure every order is received, processed, produced and delivered on time — maintaining exceptional quality standards and efficient workflows across all print and finishing equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily print operations including scheduling, production, finishing and dispatch of all printed consumables and badge products.
- Manage a small team of machine operators and technical staff, ensuring efficient task allocation, training and adherence to quality and safety standards.
- Operate and oversee digital printing and finishing machinery including:
- Epson SurePress digital printer
- Finishing machines (laminators, guillotines, cutters, slitters)
- Fan-folding and packing equipment
- Coordinate production schedules to ensure timely completion of all client orders, prioritising urgent and event‑critical deadlines.
- Monitor machine performance and maintenance, scheduling servicing and troubleshooting technical issues to minimise downtime.
- Implement quality‑control procedures throughout the production process, ensuring consistent colour, finish, and accuracy on all output.
- Liaise with internal departments (Sales, Operations, Logistics and Events) to confirm specifications, artwork, quantities, and delivery requirements.
- Maintain stock control of print media, inks, ribbons, and finishing materials; plan ahead for large event runs or seasonal spikes.
- Ensure health & safety compliance across all machinery and production areas.
- Drive process improvements, introducing automation, workflow optimisation and cost‑efficient production methods.
- Report production KPIs and ensure targets for output, waste reduction and delivery accuracy are consistently achieved.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience managing or supervising a digital print production environment (minimum 5 years preferred).
- Technical expertise in digital print and finishing processes - ideally with experience of Epson SurePress or equivalent digital press.
- Strong working knowledge of print file management, RIP software and colour calibration.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate operators and coordinate multiple production lines under tight deadlines.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, with an eye for detail and a strong commitment to quality.
- Practical understanding of maintenance schedules, consumable usage, and troubleshooting of print and finishing machinery.
- Knowledge of workflow optimisation, production scheduling and lean manufacturing principles.
- Effective communicator, able to collaborate with commercial, logistics and project teams.
- Flexible, hands‑on and proactive approach to problem‑solving.