Prepress and Vendor Relationship Manager bei Region 4 Education Service Center

Classification: Administrative/Professional

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt

Job Grade: 3  

Department: Print Center

Reports To: Department Director

Job Goal:

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Prepress and Vendor Relationship Manager to oversee digital and offset textbook production workflows. This role is responsible for managing prepress operations using Kodak Insite and Prinergy systems, ensuring file accuracy, color integrity, and production efficiency. The ideal candidate will be highly proficient in PDF workflows, preflight tools, and file output systems, while also excelling in vendor communication and project coordination.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications, Print Technology, Business Administration, or a related field
• 4 years of hands-on experience and a high school diploma or GED may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree

Experience

1. 3 years of hands-on experience in prepress or digital print production
2. 2 years of experience managing vendor relationships, including contract negotiation, performance tracking, and issue resolution
3. Proven expertise with Kodak Prinergy and Kodak Insite systems
4. Experience managing both digital and offset print workflows

Special Knowledge and Skills

1. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Acrobat, Enfocus PitStop Pro, and PDF editing tools
2. Strong understanding of G7 color theory, resolution, trapping, imposition, and print production standards
3. Ability to calculate spine sizes, verify artwork accuracy, and make precise corrections to customer-supplied files
4. Familiarity with FTP protocols, digital proofing systems, and variable output paths.
5. Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
6. Strong organizational and time-management abilities
7. Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a production team
8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills for managing vendor relationships and resolving production issues
9. Ability to evaluate vendor performance, enforce service-level agreements (SLAs), and ensure timely delivery of materials

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with textbooks and educational material production
2. Familiarity with G7 or color management workflows
3. Working knowledge of the Pace MIS system and job ticketing

Responsibilities:

1. Operate and manage Kodak Insite web portals for customer file uploads, approvals, and job ticketing.
2. Prepare, review, and process files using Kodak Prinergy workflow software.
3. Preflight and correct PDF files using Enfocus PitStop, to meet production and press specifications.
4. Generate and manage digital and hardcopy proofs; conduct quality checks on all proofs and final files.
5. Send files to various output devices, including:
   1. Digital printers and proofers
   2. CTP platesetters
   3. Offset and digital presses
6. Develop, monitor and track print partner deliverables.
7. Coordinate with multiple print partners to manage deadlines and deliverables.
8. Troubleshoot file-related issues and communicate with internal teams and customers to resolve them.
9. Serve as a liaison between printing partners, internal teams, and customers.
10. Ensure file integrity, color accuracy, and correct imposition across multiple textbook formats.
11. Upload/download files using FTP and secure file-sharing platforms.
12. Maintain consistent file naming conventions, archiving practices, and documentation.
13. Support production scheduling and deadlines by prioritizing job queues effectively.
14. Communicate professionally with customers regarding the health of their supplied files and status of their pre-press projects.
15. Collaborate with vendors, press operators, and digital printing staff to ensure accurate file output.
16. Participate in system maintenance and assist in workflow upgrades or improvements.

Supervision/Personnel Management

Supervises personnel assigned

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.