Prepress/Design Operator

AIM Print; Durban; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

AIM Print in Springfield Park, Durban, is seeking an experienced Reproduction (Repro) Operator for its Pre-Press Department. This is not a graphic design role; hands-on prepress experience in commercial lithographic printing or packaging is essential to move artwork from customer files to print.

The successful candidate will check, correct and prepare artwork to ensure files are technically accurate, production-ready and meet the highest quality standards before printing.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in Reproduction (Repro) or Pre-Press.
• Experience in a commercial printing, packaging or pre-press environment.
• Strong understanding of commercial lithographic printing.
• Experience preparing artwork for print production.
• Experience working with die-lines.
• Excellent file management skills.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare customer supplied artwork for commercial print production.
• Receive and assess customer supplied artwork.
• Perform detailed pre-flight checks on all incoming files.
• Identify and correct artwork issues before production.
• Ensure artwork complies with customer specifications and internal production requirements.
• Prepare artwork for commercial lithographic printing.
• Create accurate print-ready PDFs.
• Produce customer proofs and obtain customer sign-off.
• Prepare packaging artwork using supplied die-lines.
• Ensure artwork aligns to cut guidelines and folding carton layouts.
• Liaise with Sales, Design, Production and Press Operators.
• Maintain organised digital filing and version control.
• Follow ISO 9001 quality procedures.
• Ensure no artwork is released into production unless it meets quality standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Under pressure

Time management

Problem solving

Communication

Team work

Independence

Willingness to learn

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Acrobat Pro

PDF preflight tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Prepress/Design Operator

Location: Springfield Park, Durban

This is NOT a Graphic Designer or general DTP position. Previous hands-on prepress experience within a commercial lithographic printing or folding-carton packaging environment is essential.

Job Summary

AIM Print is seeking an experienced Reproduction (Repro) Operator to join our Pre-Press Department.

This is not a graphic design position.

We are looking for someone with a strong commercial print and packaging background who understands how artwork moves from customer files through to lithographic printing.

The successful candidate will be responsible for checking, correcting and preparing customer artwork to ensure every file is technically accurate, production-ready and meets the highest quality standards before being released to print.

The ideal candidate has experience within a commercial printing or packaging environment and understands that accuracy is critical. Every millimetre, colour setting, die-line and overprint matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare customer supplied artwork for commercial print production
• Receive and assess customer supplied artwork.
• Perform detailed pre-flight checks on all incoming files.
• Identify and correct artwork issues before production.
• Ensure artwork complies with customer specifications and internal production requirements.
• Prepare artwork for commercial lithographic printing.
• Create accurate print-ready PDFs.
• Produce customer proofs, engage with the customers to have artwork signed off and approved.
• Prepare packaging artwork using supplied die-lines.
• Ensure artwork aligns correctly to cut guidelines and folding carton layouts.
• Liaise closely with Sales, Design, Production and Press Operators regarding artwork requirements.
• Maintain organised digital filing and version control.
• Follow all ISO 9001 quality procedures.
• Ensure no artwork is released into production unless it meets AIM Print's quality standards and is signed off.

Check and set up the artwork from the customer to production specifications:

• Bleed
• Trim
• Safe areas
• Resolution
• Fonts
• Linked images
• Overprints
• Trapping
• Spot colours
• CMYK colour conversion

Required Abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple jobs simultaneously
• Excellent time management skills
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Ability to prioritise urgent work without compromising quality
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

Required Skills & Experience

• Applicants must have experience in a commercial printing, packaging or pre-press environment.
• Minimum requirements include:
• Minimum 3 years' experience in Reproduction (Repro) or Pre-Press.
• Strong understanding of commercial lithographic printing.
• Experience preparing artwork for print production.
• Packaging artwork experience.
• Experience working with die-lines.
• Experience checking artwork for production accuracy.
• Understanding of commercial print specifications.
• Excellent Adobe Illustrator.
• Adobe InDesign.
• Adobe Photoshop.
• Adobe Acrobat Professional.
• Experience with PDF pre-flight tools.
• Excellent file management skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency

Advantageous Experience

• The following would be advantageous but are not essential:
• Heidelberg Prinect workflow.
• Imposition software.
• Digital print production.
• Colour management.
• Pantone colour matching.
• ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Commercial folding carton manufacturing.

This Role is NOT Suitable For

This position is not suitable for applicants whose experience is primarily:

• Social media design
• Website design
• Marketing artwork
• Branding
• Advertising agencies
• Digital marketing
• General graphic design without commercial print production experience

We require someone with genuine commercial print and packaging pre-press experience.