Production Prepress Manager

AlphaGraphics of Greenway Plaza; Garner (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Competitive salary

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

AlphaGraphics of Greenway Plaza seeks a Prepress Manager to lead end-to-end file preparation and workflow automation across commercial printing, election ballot production, and regulated high‑volume variable data print. The role blends hands-on technical work with process ownership, leveraging PitStop Server, Switch, and other automation tools.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in digital prepress or variable data workflows, with strong knowledge of PDF workflows, and experience in automated

Qualifications

• 5+ years in digital prepress or variable data workflow management.
• Expert knowledge of PDF workflows, preflighting, and PitStop Server.
• Experience with Enfocus Switch or similar automation tools.
• Familiarity with digital imposition for toner/inkjet workflows.
• Comfortable with data-driven template systems and logic.
• Strong organizational and repeatability focus.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve automated file preparation pipelines from customer upload to press queues.
• Utilize PitStop Server and Switch for automated preflight and routing.
• Manage programming architecture and improve existing structures.
• Build digital press imposition workflows for multiple equipment.
• Ensure production files are standardized and version-controlled.
• Identify automation opportunities across intake, imposition and submission.

Skills

Digital prepress

Data-driven workflows

Process ownership

Quality control

File management

Tools

Enfocus PitStop Server

Enfocus Switch

EFI Ultimate Impostrip

XMPie

PSL

Canon Prisma / Fiery / Onyx

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a Prepress Manager to lead our end-to-end file preparation and workflow automation efforts across multiple growing lines of business: commercial printing, election ballot print production/layout, and regulated, high-volume variable data print production. This position blends hands‑on technical execution with process ownership, ideal for someone experienced in digital prepress, variable‑data workflows, and automation systems.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Free food & snacks
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Key Responsibilities

Workflow Automation & Prepress Management

• Own and evolve automated file preparation pipelines from customer upload through to press queues via prepress software, hot folders and RIPs.
• Utilize Enfocus PitStop Server and Enfocus Switch (or alternate) for automated preflighting, file corrections, and routing logic.
• Manage existing programming architecture and improve upon the structures in place.
• Build and manage digital press imposition workflows (no offset required), ensuring layout accuracy and press-readiness for cut-sheet and roll‑fed equipment.
• Ensure all production files are standardized, version-controlled, and optimized for multiple production lines, locations, and technologies.
• Identify automation opportunities between job intake, imposition, and press submission.

Variable Data & Regulated Output

• Process data-driven jobs using incoming files (CSV, Excel, XML) to generate variable output.
• Manage templates, logic, and rules for variable-data jobs across both commercial and regulated print applications.
• Handle sensitive content and file security, including data QC, SFTP intake, and secure folder structures.
• Interface with customer service and data teams to ensure personalized output meets logic, naming, and layout requirements.

Required Experience

• 5+ years in digital prepress or variable data print workflow management.
• Expert knowledge of PDF workflows, preflighting, and tools like PitStop Server.
• Experience with Enfocus Switch, or similar, to automate tasks, routing, hotfolders, or data merges.
• Familiarity with digital imposition (EFI, Ultimate Impostrip, or similar) for toner/inkjet workflows.
• Comfortable working with data files and logic-driven template systems for personalized output.
• Excellent organization and task management with a strong focus on file accuracy and repeatability.

Preferred (but Not Required)

• Experience using XMPie for variable template creation and data integration.
• Understanding of secure or regulated workflows, such as healthcare, elections, or financial print.
• Familiarity with PSL (Print Service Layout or similar markup for digital press workflows).
• Ability to troubleshoot automation scripts, XML structures, or rule-based logic (e.g., within Switch or XMPie).
• Exposure to digital press environments (Canon Prisma, Fiery, Onyx, etc.).

What We Offer

• A technically hands‑on role in a fast‑paced, multi‑division print environment.
• Varied product lines to affect change efficiency.
• Key ownership over workflow decisions, software platforms, and production efficiency.
• Access to modern tools and production technology.
• Competitive pay, benefits, and growth opportunities within a family-owned company that values innovation.

At AlphaGraphics, we offer careers for everyone! Whether you are just starting out, looking for that next great growth opportunity, or seeking a change, we have exciting roles to suit you.

We pride ourselves on our training programs in management, sales, operations, print, signs, design, and marketing. Join us with or without experience, and we will succeed together as a team!