Pre-Press Specialist

This role is ideal for an individual interested in, passionate about and knowledgeable in printing - Pre Press (production art an asset), flexographic printing and/or related software and processes.

Job Summary:

Responsible for Colour Management system in Flexo and Digital Printing according to industry standards for the entire process from digital colour proofing to finished product.

The incumbent will be responsible for the efficient and effective operations of in-house Ink Plant and Plate Making. He will be responsible for performing technical, supervisory and administrative duties to ensure that inputs (inks/plates) are prepared and available to production in order to meet manufacturing KPI’s of yield speed and uptime.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

In-House Ink Plant

• Ensures that inks are mixed and issued for jobs scheduled on press on a daily basis.
• Monitors the work performed by the Ink Technicians to measure on-going performance.
• Develops, recommends and implements ink room procedures and improvements including setting up job standards for presses.
• Performs technical services and press-side trouble shooting.
• Trains staff as needed.
• Ensures proper documentation of colour standards and ink formulation for efficient functioning of the Ink Room.
• Assists the Label Manufacturing team in identifying trends in manufacturing performance.
• Ensures minimum stock levels of Press Returns are maintained.
• Ensures proper ink inventory management.
• Supports the Pressroom as needed.
• Aggressively peruses new product development and new suppliers for innovative solutions.
• Work closely with Ink Suppliers, sharing information from Ink Dispenser reports, to drive Purchasing and Inventory stock levels.

Plate Making

• Monitors the daily activities of the Plateroom Technicians
  Ensures the effective operation of the Plate Room to minimise plate cost and any related plate downtime.
  Ensures weekly maintenance of the plate making equipment is carried out and follows up on outstanding actions.
  Colour Management
• Leads, implements and monitors “printing by the numbers” systems and technology in the Flexo-Manufacturing division in order to ensure quality control within the printing process.
• Trains  relevant employees on Colour Management.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots Colour Management issues.
• Works with Pre Press to build Profiles and Workflows for the various printing process.
• Conducts Fingerprinting process as required for Colour Management purposes in conjunction with Production Supervisor in order to keep the printing presses at optimum printing quality.
• Provides technical advice to the Task Force Team as needed for Flexo & Digital to recommend improvements to ensure that customer specifications and expectations are met.

Staging

• Responsible for managing all activities associated with the Staging process (plate mounting, tooling, anilox management and wash-up)
• Supervise the Staging team to ensure efficiency and accuracy in the carrying out of their daily duties

General

• Provides support to the Business Development team as required.
• Prepares accurate and timely reports as required by management including Executive Reports.
• Liaises with relevant internal personnel including Quality for the timely resolution and action in their investigating, determining the root cause and recommending, implementing corrective and preventive action to close off non-conformances and customer complaints..
• Prepares annual departmental plans with clear SMART objectives, KPIs and actions that support the strategic objectives and monitor performance against objectives in line with the Performance Management System taking corrective action where necessary to improve performance.
• Ensures all human resource related activities are done in a timely and effective manner.  These activities include but are not limited to: 
• Ensuring all subordinates are adhering to the company’s rules, regulations, policies, work instructions and operating procedures
• Addressing any disciplinary matters that may arise
• Managing employees’ performance 
• Identifying training needs and training staff and
• Motivating employees.  
• Perform duties with adherence to the Company's Health and Quality procedures and practices.
• Perform duties with adherence to the Company’s Food Safety System.
• Ensure that good housekeeping practices are maintained at all times.
• Any other related duties as assigned by management.
   

Job Specification:

Qualifications:

·         BSc Degree in Chemistry or equivalent qualification /experience.

Experience:

·         Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar capacity with supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

·         Colour matching ability and knowledge of multiple ink systems and films

·         Knowledge of Lab equipment operations

·         Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and communications skills

·         Supervisory skills

·         Problem solving /troubleshooting skills

·         Analytical Skills

·         Knowledge of Flexo Presses, Pre-press and Quality issues would be an asset.

·         Basic understanding of Ink chemistry related to end-use and converting process.

·         Computer Literate with knowledge of MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook

·         Ability to work flexible hours