Sr. Director of Prepress

Diversified Global Graphics Group DG 3; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Diversified Global Graphics Group DG3 is seeking a Sr. Director of Prepress in the United States to lead and optimize prepress operations, ensuring accurate, press-ready output for offset and digital presses. You will drive workflow automation and maintain tight color control across multiple systems.

The role requires deep expertise in web and sheet-fed templates, imposition, and CTP output, plus strong leadership to hire, mentor, and oversee prepress technicians and operators. Travel is minimal.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree/certification in Graphic Communications or Print Production preferred.
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in electronic prepress and printing.
• At least 5+ years in a supervisory/management role in high-volume graphics/print production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily flow of print jobs, including scheduling, preflighting, and platemaking to meet deadlines.
• Monitor DG3 FTP site, client portals, and email for incoming files; prioritize production queues for cost-efficiency and uptime.
• Apply advanced print theory to impose files for press formats, VDP, and bindery requirements; maintain templates.
• Maintain color standards, ICC profiles, and device calibration across digital and offset systems; perform preflight reviews.
• Generate, review, and approve high-fidelity proofs before production; hire, train, and supervise prepress staff.

Skills

Leadership & management

Cross-functional collaboration

Client focus

Problem solving under pressure

Education

High school diploma; graphic communications/print production cert preferred

Tools

Agfa Apogee

Preps

Enfocus PitStop

FlightCheck

Heidelberg Prinect

Esko

Kodak Prinergy

Quadient (variable data)

Job description

The Sr. Director of Prepress oversees the conversion of digital creative files into accurate, print-ready output. This role leads and oversees prepress staff, streamlines automated workflows, manages color standards, and prepares mechanicals for offset and digital presses. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in web and sheet-fed templates, imposition, and Computer-to-Plate (CTP) output, and ensures final output is checked and press issues are resolved quickly.

Accountabilities

Workflow & Production Management

• Lead the daily flow of print jobs, including scheduling, preflighting, and platemaking, to meet tight deadlines.
• Monitor internal email, the DG3 FTP site, and client portals for incoming job files.
• Prioritize production queues to maximize cost-efficiency and pressroom uptime.

Technical Oversight & Imposition

• Apply advanced print theory to impose files accurately for press formats, variable data printing (VDP), and bindery requirements.
• Maintain expert-level execution of web and sheet-fed templates.

Color Management & Quality Assurance

• Maintain color standards, ICC profiles, and device calibration across digital and offset systems.
• Conduct detailed preflight reviews to identify and correct issues with resolution, bleeds, trim, trapping, and fonts.
• Generate, review, and approve high-fidelity proof before large-scale production.
• Hire, train, mentor, and supervise prepress technicians and operators.
• Cultivate a culture of precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the department.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical Expertise & Software Proficiency

• Operating Systems: Fluent in both Mac and PC platforms.
• Prepress and preflight tools: Expert knowledge of Agfa Apogee, Preps, Enfocus PitStop, and FlightCheck.
• Design software: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Workflow automation and RIP software: Familiarity with high-end tools such as Heidelberg Prinect, Esko, or Kodak Prinergy.
• Production techniques: Strong understanding of offset (sheet-fed and web) and digital production, including HP Indigo.

Professional Skills

• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple departments, including Pressroom, Bindery, Account Management, and Sales.
• Client focus: Committed to internal and external customer satisfaction, with a solution-oriented approach under pressure.

Education and Experience

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; a technical degree or certification in Graphic Communications or Print Production is a plus.

Experience: 7 to 10+ years of progressive experience in the electronic prepress and printing industry.

• At least 5+ years in a supervisory or management role in a high-volume graphics or print production environment.

Preferred: Hands-on experience with Agfa Apogee Workflow systems and Quadient for variable data is strongly preferred.

This role is primarily based on an office setting, with some work in manufacturing or warehouse areas that may be noisy, hot, or humid. The pace can be demanding, with multiple priorities and tight deadlines. Travel is minimal, at less than 10%.

EEO Statement: DG3 is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.