Production Designer-Print Production

Vanguard Packaging, LLC.; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard Packaging, LLC. in Kansas City, MO is seeking a Production Designer to prepare, review, and release accurate press-ready artwork for digital pre-press production.

You will operate pre-press equipment, run quality checks, and collaborate with internal teams to meet customer specs and deadlines. The role requires strong skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, plus experience with packaging design and print processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or college level design coursework.
• 3 years of packaging design experience.
• Strong skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign.
• Proficient in Apple and Microsoft environments.
• Ability to meet production deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and release accurate press-ready artwork.
• Operate pre-press digital equipment and perform quality checks.
• Create sell sheets, case studies, and packaging visuals for sales/marketing.
• Prepare art files matching customer specs and print requirements.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and Customer Service for documentation and processes.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Mac OS & Windows

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field

3 years packaging design experience

Tools

ArtiosCAD

Esko Automation Engine

Kodak Prinergy

Esko Color Pilot

GMG OpenColor

Esko Studio

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Professional Kansas City, MO, US

JOB SUMMARY

The Production Designer is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and releasing accurate, press-ready artwork for digital pre-press production. This role operates pre-press digital equipment, performs file and quality checks, and partners closely with internal teams to ensure customer specifications are met, production deadlines are achieved, and print quality standards are maintained.

OBJECTIVES

Ensure the accurate preparation and delivery of press-ready artwork by operating digital pre-press systems, maintaining quality standards, and supporting efficient, on-time production.

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conduct daily tactical tasks of downloading incoming art files, checking for accuracy and quality, and entering them correctly into our workflow.
• Assist in creating visually engaging sell sheets and case studies to support sales.
• Assist design team to create compelling representations of displays and packaging to be leveraged in sales presentations and marketing materials, Infographics, and social media posts.
• Manipulate files to match customer specs and our print requirements.
• Make an independent judgment in the graphic assembly of working art files; analyzing needs and product requirements to create a final press-ready file.
• Send art files to production as required.
• Work with Project Managers, Structural Designers, and Customer Service Specialists to create and assembling internal process books and detailed setup instructions of packaging and displays.
• Help maintain internal documentation and organizational standards.
• Understand printing processes and parameters.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety, attendance and maintain good
• Attendance is an essential duty of the job.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Experience to multi-task and manage timelines.

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBLITIES

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or college level computer design coursework and combined degree and 3 years
• Strong skills in current Adobe Creative software (Specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Strong computer skills with Apple and Microsoft.

Preferred

• Knowledge of consumer products packaging, displays, creative design, production artwork, and
• Conventional & Digital print process experience

Experience with the following:

• ArtiosCAD/Esko Automation Engine or Kodak Prinergy
• Color management software such as Esko Color Pilot or GMG OpenColor
• Experience in Esko Studio or similar 3D software