Print Manager/Graphic Designer

The Print Manager/Graphic Designer delivers world-class customer service to commercial and retail customers by managing in-store print sales, training, and production.  In addition, he or she creates lasting relationships by networking within the community. This individual will be responsible for print production operations as well as training in-store staff. The Graphic Designer role is responsible for following through on all customer graphics orders. In addition to effective conceptualization abilities, strong design skills, and technical expertise, the Graphic Designer must be highly collaborative by nature and must have demonstrated strengths in graphics design, project management, and communication.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in visual communication, graphic design, or a related field; at least two years of experience in graphic design or in the print industry, and is skilled in copy-editing/proofreading and desktop publishing. He or she must have full mastery of various software design programs including Adobe-based platforms (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) for both Mac and PC. Candidate has at least two years of customer service experience, two or more years of experience in print production/graphic design role or a two-year degree in graphic design.  In addition, he or she is driven to succeed and is an energetic self-starter and trustworthy team player.  He or she is a quick learner, driven to do more with fewer resources and never sacrifices quality over service.

RESPONSIBILITIES          

• Identifies current and future customer requirements by establishing rapport with current and potential customers. Seeks to understand what print jobs we are not doing for each customer to expand our existing capabilities.
• Monitors all jobs from taking orders, pricing and quoting, design, production, finishing and communicates with customer and staff regarding all jobs.
• Maintains detailed costs, actual production times, and pricing on each product to maintain and improve gross margins.
• Develops strategies and tactics to improve print volume, quality and profitability.
• Develops and implements training programs for all team members to improve print operations and the customer experience.
• Ensures that all shop production equipment is being properly maintained and upgraded.  Recommends new acquisitions that will increases productivity.
• Prepares and assembles images and illustrative material and copy and manages layout for publication
• Develops creative concepts and builds graphic solutions for customers
• Prepares/completes the creative concepts, graphic design, pre-press work, and technical specifications necessary to complete projects
• Completes pre-press set up in Adobe based platforms (Acrobat InDesign, Pagemaker, Illustrator, Photoshop) for both Mac and PC
• Communicates effectively with customers
• Develops and maintains accurate customer files based on production work flow
• Produces/designs, proofs, and updates materials for customer projects
• Develops as a team player and is critical to the production process
• Consistently follows up on production activity using various communication methods (telephone, email, etc.)
• Community networking
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS            

• Bachelor’s degree in visual communication, graphic design, or a related field preferred
• Two years of experience in graphic design or the print industry
• Superior customer service skills and experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment without losing focus.
• Strong computer and internet skills (multiple platforms)
• Expertise with Adobe based platforms (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop)
• Able to manage and optimize workload, prioritize multiple projects, and streamline the production flow
• Must demonstrate extreme attention to detail in design work
• Skilled in copy-editing/proofreading and desktop publishing
• Must be an energetic self-starter who is driven to succeed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Neat, clean, and professional appearance