Production Prepress Manager

Alphagraphicsfranchise; Garner (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; 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

A leading print service provider in North Carolina is seeking a Prepress Manager to lead file preparation and workflow automation. This role blends technical execution with process ownership, focusing on minimizing manual touchpoints while managing file integrity. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in digital prepress and is skilled in automation systems. You will significantly impact production efficiency and manage varied product lines within a family-owned company.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in digital prepress or variable data print workflow management.
• Expertise in PDF workflows, preflighting, and automation tools.
• Excellent task management with focus on file accuracy.
• Familiarity with digital imposition for toner/inkjet workflows.
• Comfortable with data-driven template systems and secure workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead automated file preparation pipelines from upload to press.
• Manage templates and logic for variable-data jobs.
• Interface with customer service to ensure personalized output meets requirements.
• Build and manage digital press imposition workflows for multiple lines and locations.
• Ensure production files are standardized, version-controlled, and optimized for multiple production lines.

Skills

Expert knowledge of PDF workflows

Experience with Enfocus Switch

Data-driven job processing

Excellent organization skills

Data security

Organization

Tools

Enfocus PitStop Server

Digital press imposition tools

Ultimate Impostrip

XMPie

Job description

Benefits:

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

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.

This is a highly technical and strategic role focused on driving automation from customer file upload through to press‑ready output with minimal manual touchpoints, while managing file integrity, compliance, and system optimization.

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.