Print Production Specialist

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

Freelance Print Production Specialist - Press Pass

Project: 2026 Gift Guide - Major UK Retailer

Contract: Freelance / Short-Term Assignment

Location: On-site at print production facilities in Roche, York and Leicester

Dates: September 2026 - selected press dates only; attendance requirements to be confirmed

Overview

A major UK retailer is looking for an experienced Freelance Print Production Specialist / Press Pass Representative to oversee print quality during production of its 2026 Gift Guide.

You'll act as the retailer's representative on-site at the printer, reviewing live print output, identifying quality issues and providing final approval before production runs proceed.

This is a specialist freelance assignment suited to someone with significant experience in commercial print production, press passing, colour management and high-volume catalogues or publications.

Key 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, foiling and other premium finishes.
• Ensure the finished publication meets premium retail quality standards.
• Provide clear feedback and brief post-production reports where required.

Essential Experience

• 5-10+ years' experience in commercial print production.
• Significant experience attending or leading press passes.
• Strong background in catalogues, magazines, brochures or retail publications.
• Experience with high-volume commercial print runs.
• Confident making final quality and sign-off decisions on press.
• Excellent understanding of colour management, CMYK reproduction, proofing and print tolerances.
• Strong knowledge of lithographic and digital print processes.\
• Experience assessing finishing and binding quality.
• Comfortable working directly with printers and production teams in a pressroom environment.

Ideal Background

Experience producing retail catalogues, seasonal gift guides or other premium publications for major brands or retailers would be particularly valuable. Previous experience working with large-scale commercial print suppliers is also desirable.

Indicative Production Dates

You will not be required for every date. Exact attendance will be confirmed as soon as possible.

• 9 September - Cover printing, Roche
• 13 September - Insert printing, Roche
• 16 September - 64pp text, York
• 21 September - 24pp text, York
• 21-22 September - 48pp text, York
• From 29 September - Binding, Leicester

About You

You'll be highly experienced in a pressroom environment, with an exceptional eye for colour, detail and print quality. You'll be calm and decisive under pressure, technically credible with print teams, and comfortable acting as the client's final quality representative during production.