Print Production Designer (Book Publishing / Prepress)

About the Role

An independent book publisher is hiring a Print Production Designer to support the creation of new and reprint projects by managing production needs and ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency from initial design through the print production process. The publisher's catalog spans lifestyle, arts, design, and specialty markets.

This is a technical design and production role that works across editorial, design, and production teams to confirm specifications, evaluate printer quotes, review design files, manage proofing and corrections, and ensure all production files meet manufacturing and quality standards. The role also optimizes printer selection and production methods (short-run, offset, or print-on-demand) and supports the design team with marketing materials, file preparation, and special projects. The position requires a minimum of three days per week in office at the company's Pennsylvania headquarters.

What the Role Covers

• Preflighting, packaging, and creating press-ready PDF files that meet printer specifications
• Reviewing and troubleshooting production issues in books, kits, and other products
• Conducting quality control reviews of proofs and production samples, identifying errors or inconsistencies
• Managing color correction, retouching, and clipping paths to maintain high-quality image standards
• Accessing, updating, and preparing archived files for reprints and new printings
• Optimizing production methods by selecting the best printer and process for each project
• Coordinating with warehouse, customer service, and production teams on inventory and reprint requirements
• Preparing files for marketing and sales needs, including extracting images, creating digital assets like 3-D covers, and delivering files for print and digital platforms
• Preparing and packaging files for alternative formats such as eBooks and audiobooks
• Managing and organizing files, templates, and resources in digital asset management systems
• Assisting with special projects including packaging, sourcing, material evaluation, and new product formats

Qualifications

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) with strong focus on layout, image processing, and prepress file preparation
• Strong understanding of offset, short-run, and print-on-demand processes, file preparation, proofing, and production workflows
• Experience with preflighting, packaging, and creating press-ready PDFs to industry standards
• Expertise in color correction, retouching, and image preparation for print and digital
• Knowledge of preparing and converting files for eBook and audiobook production
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills for production and layout challenges
• Previous experience in book publishing or a similar deadline-driven production setting is highly desirable
• Understanding of inventory management and reprint production cycles a plus