Position Summary: The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all production activities within the printing operations, ensuring alignment with budgetary goals and customer expectations. This role demands strong expertise in pressroom management, printing technologies, and the implementation of Lean & Continuous Improvement (LCI) practices. The Operations Manager will lead teams, drive operational efficiency, optimize quality, and manage cost controls in a fast-paced, commercial print manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities: Pressroom & Printing Operations Management:
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the pressroom, ensuring all printing processes meet productivity, quality, and safety standards.
- Supervise the setup, maintenance, and operation of printing equipment (both offset and digital) to ensure on-time delivery of customer orders with minimal downtime.
- Troubleshoot production issues, monitor job quality, and resolve operational bottlenecks to maintain smooth workflow and prevent delays.
Lean & Continuous Improvement (LCI):
- Drive Lean initiatives across the printing and manufacturing process to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and increase overall efficiency.
- Implement Continuous Improvement (CI) strategies, including Kaizen events, root cause analysis, 5S, and value stream mapping, to optimize workflows and drive cost-saving initiatives.
- Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) and other tools to monitor process variation, identify areas for improvement, and enhance product quality.
Team Leadership & Development:
- Provide leadership, coaching, and training to pressroom supervisors and operators to ensure adherence to operational standards, quality requirements, and safety procedures.
- Foster a culture of accountability and collaboration, mentoring employees and developing team members for future leadership roles.
- Manage performance reviews, offer constructive feedback, and ensure team development in line with company goals.
Production Planning & Scheduling:
- Oversee production schedules and job assignments to ensure that customer deadlines are met, with a focus on balancing capacity, quality, and cost control.
- Collaborate with the sales and planning teams to ensure effective communication of customer expectations and production requirements.
Quality Assurance & Customer Satisfaction:
- Ensure the highest level of product quality, meeting both internal specifications and customer expectations. Take responsibility for monitoring and improving print quality, color consistency, and finish quality.
- Act as the point of contact for customer complaints or concerns related to print quality or production delays and work proactively to resolve issues and maintain strong customer relationships.
Safety, Compliance, and Equipment Maintenance:
- Promote a safe working environment by ensuring adherence to safety protocols, conducting regular safety training, and maintaining safe pressroom operations.
- Oversee preventative maintenance schedules for printing equipment, ensuring that all machinery is well-maintained and functioning efficiently to avoid production disruptions.
Cost Control & Budget Management:
- Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring all production activities stay within budgetary constraints while optimizing resource usage and minimizing waste.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through process optimization, supplier negotiations, and resource management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, HR, and Supply Chain, to ensure seamless communication and alignment of production schedules, materials, and customer specifications.
- Promote collaboration across departments to drive continuous improvement and meet company-wide objectives.
Job Knowledge & Skills: Experience & Education:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role within the printing industry, with direct experience managing pressroom operations (offset, digital, or both).
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field (such as Printing Technology, Engineering, or Manufacturing) is preferred.
- Strong leadership abilities, with proven experience in team management, performance coaching, and creating a high-performance culture.
- In-depth knowledge of printing technologies and press operations, including both offset and digital printing processes.
- Expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies, with a track record of implementing process improvements.
- Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and using data analytics to make informed decisions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues quickly and develop efficient solutions under pressure.
- Experience in managing quality assurance processes to ensure high standards of print quality and consistency.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and industry best practices, with the ability to enforce compliance and maintain a safe working environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, control costs, and make strategic decisions that impact both operational efficiency and financial performance.
- A results-driven mindset, focused on continuous process improvement, cost control, and exceeding customer expectations.