What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prepress Operator position at Cleveland Menu Printing?
Cleveland Menu is a 3rd generation family-owned business that has been serving the hospitality industry since 1930 and specializes in the design and production of high-quality leather, metal, wood and printed menu covers. We are a fast paced, rapidly growing organization that is looking for candidates with a proven track record of reliability and desire to grow with the company.
As a Prepress Operator, you will play a vital role in keeping print jobs moving and on time through the production process. This position will work with multiple departments to ensure that the client’s expectations for the final product are met. Your ability to communicate with both clients and internal teams as well as a keen eye for attention to detail will contribute to the success of our organization.
Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, hours TBD
Reports to: Print Manager
Role & Responsibilities:
- File preparation: Receiving digital design files from on-site designers as well as client supplied, checking for accuracy in fonts, colors, image resolution, and file formats, and making necessary adjustments.
- Pre-flight checks: Performing thorough checks on files to identify any potential issues that could impact printing, like missing fonts or low-resolution images.
- Color management: Adjusting color profiles and artwork to ensure consistent color reproduction across different printing mediums.
- Proofing: Creating PDF proofs to verify the accuracy of the layout, text, colors and finishing before printing. Work closely with Sales, CSR’s and Clients for timely proof approval.
- Layout design: Creating layouts for press that are efficient, accurate for specialized finishing and maximize stock real estate.
- Platemaking: Operating laser plate-making equipment to create printing plates from digital files.
- Equipment maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining printing equipment and plate-making machines.
- Quality control: Inspecting plates for defects and ensuring consistent print quality.
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat); Heidelberg Prinect Front End (working knowledge of Cockpit, Signa Station & PDF Toolbox); and Pitstop Pro plug-in for Acrobat.
- Strong organizational ability with a focus on quality and attention to detail, and visual acuity.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks with minimal supervision, and work under tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of color theory and color management principles.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Understanding of printing processes (offset, digital).
- Basic technical skills to troubleshoot equipment issues.
Education/Experience:
- High school diploma or GED.
- 5 years of experience with printing processes.
- Previous pre-press experience is required.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance: medical, dental & vision
- Company paid life/AD&D
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Company paid holidays & PTO package
