Pre-Press and Print Production Controller

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Pre-Press and Print Production Controller to join the team of a leading publisher of early years educational material; our client is an award-winning publisher producing engaging, fun and effective literacy programmes for children around the world. They have a beautiful, recently renovated office in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, where there is a requirement to attend at least two days per week, with the option to work the remaining three days remotely. The office is easily commutable from London or elsewhere.

As Pre-Press and Print Production Controller your main remit will be to manage the pre-press, doing file prep for full colour and mono titles with inventory and logistics of front and backlist titles. Responsibilities will include:

• Pre-press, file prep, flight check experience for full colour and mono titles
• Print purchasing / negotiation, working with a worldwide supplier base
• Schedule management from files to print to delivery
• Inventory control and forward planning
• Calculating order requirements
• Raising print purchase orders
• Invoice checking
• Occasional safety testing
• Data management
• Proof checking
• Maintenance and management of asset archive

The ideal Pre-Press and Print Production Controller will have excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with strong production experience and a solid understanding of 4 colour and mono print production processes from title concept to delivery. Experience with pre-press is very important for this role, and a working knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop would be highly desirable. Knowledge of safety testing and experience managing the manufacture of non-book products (e.g. soft toys, magnetic letters, e-reader pens, point of sale material) would be advantageous but not essential. You will be numerate, comfortable analysing figures and have experience of planning and managing shipping and logistics. As a collaborative and strong team player, you will also have the ability to work independently and on your own initiative, and be confident trouble-shooting. Experience of co-edition print management would also be helpful.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic print production professional looking for a busy and varied role in a small, friendly team. Pre-press / file prep skills are essential for this role, along with print buying and production management experience.

For a full description of the role, please send your CV with a brief paragraph outlining your relevant skills.

Closing Date: Early applications may be prioritised.

** Inspired Search & Selection are a publishing recruitment specialist who operate an Equal Opportunities policy. We treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability or union membership status.

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