From concept to completion, a print production manager oversees and manages the production of printed or published materials. Depending on the type of print production facility, there are many different types of print production manager positions. Each of these types of printing facilities has different responsibilities. Some print production managers are familiar with printing presses and how they work. Others are familiar with desktop publishing, pre-press software, design principles, and working with off-site vendors.
Basic print shops, stand-alone full production facilities, and in-house corporate printing departments all employ print production managers. The print production manager is the person who receives individual printing jobs, estimates costs, and oversees the printing job from start to finish in a print shop. Depending on the specific services provided by the print shop, a working knowledge of various types of desktop publishing and pre-press software may be required. Some print shops have their own staff on hand to take care of these duties. For these services, other print shops use off-site vendors. In either case, a production manager is in charge of delivery quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
The print production manager in a stand-alone production facility or in-house printing department may have additional responsibilities, as these facilities typically provide all printing and production services. All aspects of the project are handled under one roof, including concept, writing, design, production layout, pre-press preparation, final printing, and even mail distribution. The production manager’s responsibilities in this type of print production facility necessitate a broad understanding of the many different processes required to take a project from conception to finished product and delivery. Staff photographers and illustrators may be consulted by the print production manager in some cases.
One of the main responsibilities of print production managers is to work with off-site vendors. The quality of work provided by these outside vendors must meet the high standards demanded by a print production facility. When working with off-site vendors such as designers, artists, and photographers, interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate accurate information are essential.
One of the most difficult aspects of a print production manager’s job is managing multiple projects at various stages of completion. Working with several different departments or sections and keeping them on their own schedules while maintaining a master production schedule that meets all deadlines is a requirement of this position. The print production manager is also in charge of quality control. Working under time constraints necessitates maintaining quality throughout the process. The production manager will most likely be in charge of hiring the best people for each task and firing those who are unable to deliver high-quality results.