Pre-Press & Production Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Preflight, package, and create press-ready PDF files that meet printer specifications.
• Review and troubleshoot production issues in books, kits, and other products to ensure consistency and quality.
• Conduct thorough quality control reviews of proofs and production samples, identifying errors or inconsistencies.
• Verify product specifications, ensuring compliance with manufacturing standards and company expectations.
• Review quotations, templates, and production requirements to ensure they meet standards and expectations.
• Manage color correction, retouching, and clipping paths to maintain high-quality image standards.
• Ensure project schedules are up to date and proactively address issues to keep production on schedule.

Archival, Reprint Production, and File Management

• Access, update, and prepare archived files for reprints and new printings.
• Ensure quotations and specifications align and that all files are accurate for reproduction.
• Cook updates to files with corrections or modifications for reprints.
• Optimize production methods by selecting the best printer and process (short-run, offset, or print-on-demand) for each project, and oversee reprint schedules to ensure timely delivery and inventory support.
• Cook with the warehouse, customer service, back office, and production teams to address inventory management and reprint requirements.

Design and File Support

• Aid the design team by preparing files for marketing and sales needs, including extracting images, creating assets, and delivering files for both print and digital platforms.
• Create and manage digital assets for marketing purposes, including reader copies, 3-D covers, and inside images for sales catalogs, press, and online promotion.
• Prepare and package files for alternative formats such as eBooks and audiobooks, ensuring proper formatting and asset management.
• Perform quality assurance on publication materials to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Manage and organize files, templates, and resources in the company's network and digital asset management systems to ensure easy access and version control.
• Maintain an organized system for production files so they are properly archived and accessible for future use.

Special Projects and Process Improvement

• Assist with special projects as needed, including packaging, sourcing, material evaluation, Book Plus projects, special editions, and new product formats.
• Identify and recommend improvements to processes, partners, suppliers, tools, and systems to enhance production efficiency and maintain quality standards.

Skills and Qualifications

• Expert Proficiency: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) with a strong focus on layout, image processing, and prepress file preparation.
• Print Production: Strong understanding of offset, short-run, and print-on-demand processes, file preparation, proofing, and production workflows.
• Familiarity with platforms for digital proofing and collaboration with vendors.
• Previous experience in a book publishing environment or similar deadline-driven production setting is highly desirable.
• Expertise in color correction, retouching, and image preparation for both print and digital applications.
• Knowledge of preparing and converting files for eBook and audiobook production.
• Experience with Inventory and Reprint Planning: Understanding of inventory management and reprint production cycles.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality standards.
• Problem-Solving: Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve production and layout challenges.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Proactive and Assertive Approach: Be proactive in identifying potential issues and addressing them before they impact project timelines or quality.
• Advocate for quality standards and ensure that all details are considered in the production process.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors, ensuring accurate communication and project coordination.
• Serve as a reliable and supportive team member who helps maintain an organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven production environment.
• Develop a deep understanding of the markets Schiffer Publishing serves, including finishes, treatments, and design expectations that align with the target customer.
• Ensure that production decisions meet the expectations of the intended audience and reflect the quality standards associated with Schiffer's brand.