Prepress Production Manager

Anagram International; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Anagram International in Minnesota seeks a Prepress Production Manager to lead the prepress department, ensuring artwork is prepared, preflighted, and released as print-ready per specifications and schedules.

You will supervise a team, manage the Esko Automation Engine-driven workflow, and coordinate with design, production, quality, and suppliers to ensure on-time, accurate output.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in prepress, print production, or a packaging/printing manufacturing environment.
• 3–5 years with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro and Esko Automation Engine in a prepress workflow.
• 3–5 years supervising or leading a team.
• 3–5 years with ColorCert or similar color management/proofing system.
• Working knowledge of printing processes (flexographic and/or offset).
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with Oracle Agile PLM or similar PLM system.

Responsibilities

• Supervises day-to-day prepress team activities, balancing workload and meeting production schedules.
• Manages end-to-end prepress workflow—file intake, preflight, trapping, imposition, proofing, and release to print-ready status.
• Reviews artwork for print readiness, verifying color separations, bleeds, resolution, die lines, and specifications.
• Oversees color management and proofing; resolves color discrepancies before print release.
• Coordinates with internal teams and suppliers to resolve file issues and confirm production readiness.
• Tracks workload, turnaround, errors, and rework to identify bottlenecks and drive improvements.
• Trains and develops prepress staff on software, workflows, and quality expectations.
• Maintains and troubleshoots prepress hardware/software; escalates issues to IT/vendor as needed.

Skills

Prepress leadership

Team supervision

Color management

Esko Automation Engine

ColorCert

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Acrobat Pro

Imposition

Trapping

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in graphic arts or related field

Tools

Esko Automation Engine

ColorCert

Oracle Agile PLM

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Prepress Production Manager leads the day-to-day operations of Anagram's prepress department, ensuring artwork files are accurately prepared, preflighted, and released as print-ready in accordance with print specifications, brand standards, and production schedules. This role supervises a team of prepress technicians and manages workflow through Esko Automation Engine and related prepress systems, and partners closely with Artwork Design, Print Production, Quality, and suppliers to ensure on-time, accurate, print-ready output. The Prepress Production Manager reports to the Sr Production Manager.

Essential Functions

• Supervises the day-to-day activities of the prepress team, assigning work, balancing workload, and ensuring production schedules and customer deadlines are met.
• Manages the end-to-end prepress workflow — file intake, preflight, trapping, imposition, proofing, and release to print-ready status — using Esko Automation Engine and related prepress systems.
• Reviews and approves incoming artwork files for print readiness, verifying color separations, bleeds, resolution, die lines, and mechanical specifications against printer and brand requirements.
• Oversees color management and proofing, including ColorCert verification and press-match proofing, and resolves color discrepancies prior to print release.
• Coordinates with Artwork Design, Print Production, Quality, and external suppliers to resolve file issues, clarify specifications, and confirm production readiness.
• Tracks and reports on prepress workload, turnaround time, error rates, and rework to identify bottlenecks and drive process improvement.
• Trains, coaches, and develops prepress team members on software, workflow standards, and quality expectations; conducts performance reviews and supports skill development.
• Maintains and troubleshoots prepress hardware and software, including Esko Automation Engine, RIPs, and proofing devices; escalates technical issues to IT or vendor support as needed.
• Establishes and maintains prepress standard operating procedures, checklists, and preflight criteria to ensure consistency and reduce errors.
• Manages prepress equipment maintenance schedules, supply inventory, and vendor service relationships to minimize downtime.
• Leads root-cause resolution and corrective action for file errors, missed deadlines, or print quality escalations.
• Supports special projects, marketing requests, mockups, and trials as prioritized by leadership.
• Ensures compliance with safety, quality, and company policies within the prepress department.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without prior notice.

Qualifications

• 3-5 Years – Experience in prepress, print production, or a packaging/printing manufacturing environment
• 3-5 Years – Experience with prepress file preparation software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro, and a prepress workflow system such as Esko Automation Engine
• 3-5 Years – Experience supervising or leading a team
• 3-5 Years – Experience with ColorCert or a similar color management/proofing system
• Working knowledge of printing processes (flexographic and/or offset), imposition, trapping, and color theory
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Oracle Agile PLM or a similar product lifecycle management system
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in graphic arts, printing technology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience may include a combination of work experience and education.