Repro Esko Operator / Graphics Mac Operator

Kairos Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading label supplier in the United Kingdom is seeking a Graphics Mac Operator responsible for producing graphic files for printing. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years' experience in a fast-paced label printing environment and a strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop. This role involves maintaining project records, ordering tooling, and supporting various print workflows. The company offers a robust benefits package, and the position may be hybrid for the right candidate.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Service award every 5 years

Profit Share Scheme

Health care scheme

Salary sacrifice pension scheme

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in label printing or FMCG environment.
• Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Experience in a high-volume studio or pre-press environment.

Responsibilities

• Produce and process graphic files for output and print.
• Order external tooling and maintain job history records.
• Support digital/hybrid colour management processes.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Problem-solving

Communication

Organisation

Time management

Tools

Esko Automation Engine

Filemaker

Colour Pilot

Job description

Repro Esko Operator / Graphics Mac Operator

Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week - 8am to 4pm (potentially hybrid for the right candidate)

The benefits package we offer is:

• 28 days annual leave increasing with service to a maximum of 34 (Inclusive of bank holidays)
• Service award every 5 years
• Profit Share Scheme
• Health care scheme / income protection scheme
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme with matched contributions up to 9%
• Life Assurance 4 x salary
• Cycle to work scheme

Company:

A leading label supplier which employs approximately 19,000 people and operates 150 production facilities in 35 countries. Creating innovative label solutions for the world's largest corporations in the consumer packaging, consumer durable and healthcare markets.

Job Summary:

The Graphics Mac Operator is responsible for producing and processing graphic files in preparation for output and print, ensuring all project stages are accurately recorded. The role also includes ordering external tooling and providing support across all graphics functions, including conventional, digital, and hybrid print workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

Daily Tasks:

• Download artwork files from email or FTP
• Log and manage files using internal MIS/Filemaker systems
• Create and process artwork and reprographics files
• Generate and dispatch PDFs for client approval
• Populate Esko Automation Engine / Cloudflow folders and perform step-and-repeat tasks
• Order external tooling and release internal tooling
• Maintain complete records of job history and tooling for costing, invoicing, and audit purposes
• Manage production priorities and workflow within the studio
• Support digital/hybrid colour management processes
• Communicate effectively with production, technical teams, and other stakeholders

Weekly Tasks:

• Troubleshoot pre-press or press issues related to graphics
• Participate in pre-production meetings or conference calls as needed
• Assist in developing solutions for customer and supplier issues
• Transfer artwork/files between sites or external suppliers
• Engage in continuous improvement and development projects
• Attend team updates and meetings

Monthly Tasks:

• Contribute to ongoing R&D and graphics development projects
• Manage the obsolescence process (archiving files, removing obsolete tooling)

Skills & Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a fast-paced label printing or FMCG environment
• Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite - especially Illustrator and Photoshop
• Proficient in Esko Automation Engine, Esko DFE, Colour Pilot, and Filemaker
• Familiarity with ArtPro, Packz, and Cloudflow (Hybrid Solutions) is highly desirable
• Solid understanding of reprographics and multiple print processes: Gravure, Offset, Flexo, Screen, Foiling, Digital, and Hybrid
• Additional software development or integration experience (Hybrid, Esko AE, Filemaker) is a bonus
• Excellent problem-solving, organisation, and time management skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams and with clients/suppliers
• Experience working in a high-volume studio or pre-press environment
• Flexibility to support different graphics functions during peak times or team absence

General Expectations:

• Support and contribute to continuous improvement (CI) initiatives
• Identify and implement cost‑saving opportunities
• Promote and maintain health and safety standards in the workplace
• Actively engage with quality, hygiene, and environmental policies (e.g., ISO 9001 & 14001)
• Maintain 5S standards within the graphics department

If you are interested and have the relevant experience, please apply today! Or contact recruitment