Prepress Lead

TOSSWARE; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TOSSWARE in Los Angeles is seeking a skilled Prepress Manager to lead day-to-day operations and ensure high-quality production. You will oversee file preparation and print execution, collaborate with internal teams, and implement workflow automation.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in prepress production and experience in a supervisory role, with strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and color management standards. Join us to support scalable production growth!

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in prepress production, including direct‑to‑object or digital printing.
• 3–5 years of experience in a supervisory or management role in production.
• Deep understanding of color theory, CMYK printing processes, and color management standards.
• Experience with workflow automation and familiarity with tools like Enfocus Switch.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day operations of the prepress department.
• Collaborate with teams for seamless file preparation and print execution.
• Oversee all stages of production file preparation and output.
• Maintain and optimize prepress software systems.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

RIP software (Onyx)

Color theory knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Job description

Success in this role

• Maintain high prepress accuracy with minimal production delays
• Improve workflow efficiency through automation and SOP development
• Support scalable production growth while maintaining print quality standards

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Workflow Oversight

• Lead day‑to‑day operations of the prepress department, including team mentorship, workflow prioritization, training, and quality oversight
• Collaborate closely with the operations and production teams to ensure seamless handoff between file preparation and print execution
• Establish and refine SOPs to improve workflow efficiency and consistency
• Communicate with the Design Technology Manager to refine automation across the prepress workflow

Prepress Production & Quality Control

• Oversee all stages of production file preparation and print‑ready output—ensuring files meet all internal specifications and color standards
• Manage artwork preparation, including ICC profiles, spot colors, vector cleanup, and proportional sizing across various print formats and substrates
• Conduct rigorous QC checks to maintain accuracy, color consistency, and customer satisfaction
• Develop templates and print areas for new products in collaboration with the production team

Technology, Software & Process Improvement

• Maintain and optimize prepress software systems, ensuring all tools are up to date
• Implement workflow automation and explore additional software solutions for scaling
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for file issues, print anomalies, and system errors, collaborating with technical teams as needed

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Client Support

• Partner with internal design teams to ensure artwork aligns with specifications and print capabilities
• Provide technical guidance to customers regarding artwork revisions, approvals, and print requirements
• Act as a key liaison between design, production, and operations for all prepress‑related matters

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to present ideas and content verbally and in writing to co‑workers, customers, and others, both individually and in groups
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to stand and walk for significant periods of time
• Ability to bend, twist, and reach
• Ability to perform detailed computer‑based visual work for extended periods
• Accuracy and attention to detail when typing and communicating with others
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 10 pounds of material

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) and RIP software such as Onyx
• 5+ years of experience in prepress production, including direct‑to‑object or digital printing
• 3–5 years of experience in a supervisory or management role, preferably in a manufacturing or fast‑paced production setting
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat); experience with RIP software such as Onyx is essential
• Deep understanding of color theory, CMYK printing processes, and color management standards
• Experience with workflow automation, RIPs, and prepress software; familiarity with tools like Enfocus Switch is a plus
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a collaborative, team‑focused mindset
• High sense of organization, time management, and accountability in a production