With many print employers ramping up hiring this summer, we thought it would be a great idea to examine the different types of positions available in the print and packaging world. Take a moment to visit the areas of operations that a typical print facility houses and the variety of roles that fall within each group.
SALES AND MARKETING
Nearly all commercial print jobs must first start with a sale. Sales representatives and marketing specialists make sure a company is promoted to potential customers and help generate leads. The role of marketing is to manage the company’s social media, community outreach, email promotions, direct mail campaigns, website, and other promotional activities to attract customers. Sales representatives are tasked with closing sales, and working directly with the customers to consult on projects and successful outcomes. Both roles are goal-driven.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ESTIMATING
Customer Service Reps (CSRs) serve as the link between the client, the front office, and production. Their role is to connect and communicate expectations and meet the need of the customer.
An estimator works with customer service and sales to turn a customer’s order into an accurate estimate of the cost to produce the job. They find the best options for materials, equipment usage, outside services to complete the job according to the client’s budget and timeline.
PRE-PRESS
The pre-press technician performs an essential step in the print production cycle. They review the customer’s file for errors, make corrections, and confirm nothing will prevent it from printing correctly. Highly skilled technicians help a company avoid costly mistakes that could delay the project or result in a rerun.
PRINT PRODUCTION
Printing presses are highly sophisticated pieces of machinery that require someone with the mechanical aptitude to oversee their operations. There are different types of press operations within the industry, including offset, digital, and web presses, large format presses, and more. Each can efficiently create top-quality projects. Press operators must be able to stand for long periods of time and have the ability to think quickly to troubleshoot issues as they arise.
FINISHING/BINDERY
Once a job has come off the presses, it’s the responsibility of the finishing department to assemble and complete the work before it can be mailed or delivered. These processes can include die-cutting, embossing, debossing, folding, gluing, and binding. Finishers often gather bundles of pieces to shrink-wrap or band together as well.
MAILING/FULFILLMENT
In the mailing and shipping department, there are a variety of positions. Mailing specialists manage customer data to maintain accuracy and security. They work with specialized software to ensure that lists are kept clean and safe throughout the processing and mailing process. Reports are generated on mailing and address corrections to be sent back to clients as needed.
Additionally, within this department, there may be staff who work to create kits, fulfill customer inventory orders, or assemble boxes for shipment to different addresses. Delivery drivers also often work from this area of operations.
BECOME A PROFESSIONAL IN PRINT!
If you’re looking to apply for a job in print today, then visit Printworkers.com to check out our list of available jobs or upload your resume to Printworkers.com to be seen by the top employers in the print industry!