Reprograhics Operative

SMP Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

SMP Group Plc in the United Kingdom is seeking a proactive prepress specialist to check, prepare and process customer-supplied print-ready PDF artwork for commercial production. The role involves imposition and layout using Agfa Apogee, Agfa Asanti and Caldera RIP systems, ensuring accuracy while preserving the original design.

Working in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, you will focus on technical reprographics rather than creative design, applying colour management and production

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial reprographics, prepress or print production studio.
• Strong knowledge of PDF preflight, file correction and print-ready artwork specs.
• Proficiency with Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect and process customer-supplied print-ready PDF artwork.
• Perform detailed technical preflight checks impacting print production.
• Check artwork for dimensions, resolution, bleed, colour spaces and overprint.
• Resize, scale and adapt PDFs to meet production requirements.
• Make technical corrections while preserving original design integrity.
• Identify non-compliant artwork and request clarifications or replacements.
• Ensure artwork meets the technical requirements of the print process.
• Apply colour management knowledge including ICC profiles and CMYK conversion.

Skills

Adobe Acrobat Pro

PDF preflight

Quality control

Deadline driven

Technical reprographics

Tools

Agfa Apogee

Agfa Asanti

Caldera RIP

Imposition

RIP systems

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

About SMP Group Plc

SMP Group is a leading, multi -award winning producer in POS (Point of Sale) and Out-of-Home Advertising. We are the trusted partner for some of the world’s most recognisable brands and retailers, delivering innovative, high-quality print and production solutions.

With a rich heritage of excellence and a forward-thinking approach, we pride ourselves on creativity, technology-driven manufacturing, and best-in-class client service. Sustainability, innovation, and people development are at the heart of our DNA. As a growing and acquisitive business, we have ambitious plans to further enhance our service and operational capabilities.

The Role:

The primary responsibility of this role is the checking, preparation, correction and processing of customer-supplied, print-ready PDF artwork for commercial print production.

The position also involves the imposition, layout and planning of artwork for press, using specialist prepress workflow and RIP systems including Agfa Apogee, Agfa Asanti and Caldera RIP.

Working within a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, the successful candidate will ensure that supplied artwork meets the required technical and production specifications while maintaining the integrity of the original customer-approved files.

This is primarily a technical repro and prepress position rather than a creative design or artwork origination role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive, inspect and process customer-supplied print-ready PDF artwork.
• Perform detailed technical preflight checks to identify potential issues affecting print production.
• Check artwork for correct dimensions, resolution, bleed, colour spaces, spot colours, overprint settings, transparency and other relevant technical specifications.
• Resize, scale and adapt supplied PDFs to meet specific production requirements.
• Make appropriate technical corrections while preserving the integrity of the original design.
• Identify non-compliant artwork and communicate issues requiring customer clarification or replacement files
• Ensure all artwork meets the technical requirements of the intended print process.
• Apply an understanding of colour management, ICC profiles, CMYK conversion and spot-colour handling.

About You: The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience within a commercial reprographics, prepress or print production studio.
• Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Pro and PDF-based production workflows.
• Strong knowledge of PDF preflight, file correction and print-ready artwork specifications.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
• Experience using professional prepress workflow or RIP systems, with a strong understanding of their role in print production.
• Practical experience of imposition, press layout and production planning.
• Thorough understanding of image resolution, colour spaces, spot colours, overprint, transparency and bleed.
• Experience preparing artwork for large-format digital or other commercial print processes.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot technical artwork and production problems.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to quality control.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A methodical, accurate and technically focused approach to work.
• A strong sense of responsibility for quality and consistency.
• Good problem-solving abilities and a practical, solutions-focused attitude.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• A role within a growing, forward-thinking business with strong investment in technology and people
• An opportunity to learn and develop new skills within the business
• A dynamic, fast-paced environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth

Join us to be part of a company that values Creativity, Excellence, and Continuous Improvement.