1

Prepress Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Operations

Louisville, KY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Production Operations Leadership (40%) Lead daily operations across PrePress, Printing, and Finishing. Ensure teams meet schedules, priorities, and quality standards while monitoring workflow ...

Apply Early

Production Operations Leadership (40%) Lead daily operations across PrePress, Printing, and Finishing. Ensure teams meet schedules, priorities, and quality standards while monitoring workflow ...

Develop and maintain project timelines, track milestones, and follow work from design lead handoff ... Manage communication and relationships with prepress vendors and support process management ...

#2 Operator in Prepress - 3rd Shift

Eagan, MN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

Our Grow My Way programming and skills-first approach ensures you have the tools and knowledge to grow, lead, and thrive in an AI-enabled future. We provide on-the-job coaching &and learning ...

Provide clear, actionable feedback to retouchers and prepress teams to improve image quality and consistency * Lead quality control efforts throughout the project lifecycle, serving as the final set ...

Provide clear, actionable feedback to retouchers and prepress teams to improve image quality and consistency * Lead quality control efforts throughout the project lifecycle, serving as the final set ...

Apply Early

Provide clear, actionable feedback to retouchers and prepress teams to improve image quality and consistency * Lead quality control efforts throughout the project lifecycle, serving as the final set ...

#2 Operator in Prepress - 3rd Shift

Eagan, MN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

Our Grow My Way programming and skills-first approach ensures you have the tools and knowledge to grow, lead, and thrive in an AI-enabled future. We provide on-the-job coaching &and learning ...

This role oversees pressroom personnel, printing equipment, and prepress systems to ensure high ... Lead daily flexographic printing operations for multiwall bag production • Ensure printed ...

Analyze production requirements across prepress, printing, die-cutting, gluing, and specialty ... lead-time advantages * Incorporate value-added finishing features such as embossing, braille ...

Lead daily flexographic printing operations for multiwall bag production Ensure printed materials ... Oversee plate imaging and prepress workflows to ensure accurate graphic reproduction Manage ...

Analyze production requirements across prepress, printing, die-cutting, gluing, and specialty ... lead-time advantages * Incorporate value-added finishing features such as embossing, braille ...

Apply Early

Analyze production requirements across prepress, printing, die-cutting, gluing, and specialty ... lead-time advantages * Incorporate value-added finishing features such as embossing, braille ...

Analyze production requirements across prepress, printing, die-cutting, gluing, and specialty ... lead-time advantages * Incorporate value-added finishing features such as embossing, braille ...

Apply Early

next page

Showing results 1-20

Prepress Lead information

See salary details

$34K

$63.3K

$86K

How much do prepress lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for prepress lead in the United States is $63,305.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $76,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Prepress Lead vs Prepress Technician?

AspectPrepress LeadPrepress Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., Adobe Certified Expert), experience in prepress processesSimilar certifications, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing prepress team, collaborative environmentHands-on technical work, operating prepress equipment and software
Industry UsageUsed in printing, publishing, and packaging industriesCommonly found in printing companies and graphic design firms
Search & ComparisonOften searched by those looking for leadership roles in prepressCompared for technical skills and entry-level opportunities

The Prepress Lead typically oversees the prepress team, managing workflows and ensuring quality, while the Prepress Technician focuses on executing prepress tasks and preparing files for printing. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the Lead has additional responsibilities in supervision and project management.

What are some common challenges faced by a Prepress Lead when managing multiple print projects simultaneously?

As a Prepress Lead, one of the main challenges is balancing tight deadlines while ensuring high-quality output across several projects. This often involves coordinating with designers, press operators, and clients to clarify specifications and quickly resolve any file or color issues. Effective project management skills and meticulous attention to detail are crucial, as is the ability to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities within the team. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication helps prevent errors and keeps production running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prepress Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prepress Lead, you need expertise in graphic design, color management, print production processes, and often a degree in graphic arts or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, prepress workflow systems, and knowledge of PDF editing and imposition tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help coordinate teams and ensure quality. These skills are vital for producing accurate print-ready files, meeting deadlines, and maintaining high standards in the print production workflow.

What are Prepress Leads?

Prepress Leads are professionals who oversee the prepress process in printing, which involves preparing digital files and materials before they go to print. They manage a team of prepress technicians and coordinate tasks like file formatting, proofing, color correction, and ensuring print readiness. Their role is critical for ensuring that the final printed product meets quality and client specifications. Prepress Leads also liaise between designers, clients, and production teams to resolve any issues and streamline the workflow. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and leadership abilities are essential for this job.
More about Prepress Lead jobs
Infographic showing various Prepress Lead job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,305 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Vivid Impact

Louisville, KY • On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 hours ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

About Vivid Impact:

Vivid Impact has been a pioneer in the graphic communications industry for over 50 years, growing from a small commercial printing service into a recognized leader in print and marketing solutions. Since our founding in 1974, we have combined creativity with precision to deliver innovative print and digital solutions that drive success. With a team of over 300 dedicated professionals, we are committed to making a positive, lasting, impact on our team, partners, and the communities we serve. Guided by our mission, we strive to be the trusted partner for organizations looking to achieve better results, providing solutions that enhance brand engagement and performance.


Job Overview:

The Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, coordination, and performance of core production departments, including Prepress, Planning, Scheduling, Wide Format, On-Demand Print, and Litho/Bindery operations. This role ensures efficient workflow, schedule adherence, quality execution, and on-time delivery while driving continuous improvement, operational discipline, and team performance across the production floor.

Schedule Details:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Compensation Details & Benefits:

$125,000-$150,000 annual salary.

Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability coverage

401(k) plan with company match

And more!


What You'll Do:

  • Production Operations Leadership (40%)
    Lead daily operations across PrePress, Printing, and Finishing. Ensure teams meet schedules, priorities, and quality standards while monitoring workflow, capacity, and bottlenecks. Drive accountability for performance metrics and partner with department leads to resolve production issues.

  • Planning & Scheduling Alignment (20%)
    Collaborate with Planning to align production plans with capacity and demand. Lead daily production meetings, ensure schedule adherence, and proactively address risks or disruptions while improving scheduling accuracy.

  • PrePress & Workflow Management (15%)
    Oversee PrePress to ensure files are accurate and production-ready. Improve job setup, proofing, and handoffs while reducing upstream errors and enhancing job intake quality with Sales and Client Experience.

  • Leadership & Team Development (15%)
    Coach and develop supervisors and team members. Reinforce accountability and operational discipline while fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

  • Continuous Improvement (10%)
    Drive process improvements using data and KPIs. Standardize workflows and partner cross-functionally to improve overall operational efficiency.


What We're Looking For:

  • Bachelor's degree in Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related field preferred.
  • 5–10 years of experience in print production operations.
  • 3–5+ years in a leadership role managing production teams.
  • Experience overseeing multiple departments and complex workflows.
  • Strong background in production planning, scheduling, and coordination.
  • Proven ability to improve efficiency, quality, and operational performance.
  • Knowledge of print production processes (PrePress, Digital, Wide Format, Litho, Bindery).
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Data-driven with experience using performance metrics.
  • Effective communicator with strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Highly organized with strong accountability and follow-through.


Vivid Impact provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro