Pre-Press & Production Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Pre-Press & Production Specialist

Schiffer Publishing · Atglen, PA

Position Type: Full-time

Department: Production

Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt

Direct Report: Managing Editor

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of three days per week in office at our Atglen, PA headquarters

Job Description

The Pre-Press & Production Specialist is a technical design and production role that supports the creation of new and reprint projects by managing production needs and ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency from initial design and development through the print production process.

This role plays a critical part in working with the editorial, design, and production teams to confirm specifications, evaluate quotes for printer selection, review design files, manage proofing and corrections, communicate with internal teams and printers, and ensure all production files meet manufacturing and quality standards.

In addition to overseeing the reprint production process, the Pre-Press & Production Specialist will optimize printer selection and production methods (short-run, offset, or print-on-demand) while coordinating with internal teams to ensure production meets both quality and pricing standards. This role also supports the design and editorial teams with publication materials, file preparation, and special projects as needed.

The Pre-Press & Production Specialist must be a proactive communicator with strong attention to detail, who is both supportive and assertive in ensuring quality standards are met, details are carefully considered, and internal and external interactions are handled smoothly and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Print Production and Quality Assurance

• 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.
• Coordinate 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.
• Coordinate with the warehouse, customer service, back office, and production teams to address inventory management and reprint requirements.

Design and File Support

• Assist 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. Experience with preflighting, packaging, and creating press-ready PDF files that meet industry standards. 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.