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Prepress Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Prepress Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$31.9K

$59.5K

$80.8K

How much do prepress manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for prepress manager in Iowa is $59,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $71,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Prepress Manager, you need a strong background in graphic design, print production processes, color management, and prepress software, typically supported by a degree in graphic arts or a related field. Expertise with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, preflighting software, RIP systems, and workflow management platforms is essential. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead and communicate effectively with both creative and production teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure error-free, high-quality print outputs and efficient project delivery in the fast-paced print industry.

What are Prepress Managers?

Prepress Managers are professionals who oversee the prepress process in printing and publishing environments. They are responsible for managing the preparation of digital files, layouts, and proofs before actual printing begins. Their duties often include supervising prepress staff, ensuring quality control, coordinating with clients and designers, and troubleshooting technical issues. Prepress Managers play a critical role in ensuring printed materials meet quality standards and production deadlines.

What are some typical challenges a Prepress Manager might face in coordinating between design and production teams?

A Prepress Manager often navigates challenges such as ensuring files are print-ready, resolving discrepancies between designers' concepts and production capabilities, and maintaining tight deadlines. Effective communication is key, as the role requires translating creative ideas into technical instructions that the production team can execute. Additionally, staying updated with evolving software and printing technologies helps mitigate costly errors and ensures high-quality output.

What is the difference between Prepress Manager vs Prepress Technician?

AspectPrepress ManagerPrepress Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., Adobe Certified Expert), experience in print productionSimilar certifications, focus on technical skills and software proficiency
Work EnvironmentOversees prepress department, manages staff, coordinates workflowsPerforms technical tasks, prepares files, operates prepress equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in printing companies, publishing, advertising agenciesCommonly employed in similar settings, often reporting to Prepress Managers

The Prepress Manager oversees the entire prepress process, managing staff and workflows, while the Prepress Technician focuses on executing technical tasks like file preparation and equipment operation. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but differ in responsibility level and scope within the print production process.

What Is a Prepress Manager?

As a prepress manager, you work at a printing press where you oversee the development of a printing project before it enters large-scale printing. Your responsibilities are specifically to ensure that the graphics or other designs are properly prepared and that the technical specifications are clear to the press operator. You also proofread material and format the project according to the specifications provided to you by the clients. As a manager, you also hire and train new prepress technicians and teach them how to operate prepress equipment and perform other duties for the department.

More about Prepress Manager jobs
What are popular job titles related to Prepress Manager jobs in Iowa? For Prepress Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prepress Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Prepress Manager jobs in Iowa are:
Prepress Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prepress Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,460 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Specialist - Graphic Design

Specialist - Graphic Design

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Urbandale, IA • On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company:
Mercer
Description:
Job Description
We're looking for a creative, organized Graphic Designer with strong direct mail experience to support our Voluntary Benefits Communications Team. The ideal candidate produces high-quality, print and digital assets, specializes in direct mail design and production, and thrives managing multiple projects from several communications specialists at different stages of the project lifecycle.
What can you expect?
  • Design and produce compelling creative assets for direct mail (postcards, letter packages, self-mailers, dimensional mailers), plus supporting digital and print collateral (email banners, landing pages, brochures, ads).
  • Maintain templates for recurring direct mail programs and multi-channel campaigns.
  • Juggle multiple concurrent projects originating from multiple communications specialists - prioritize requests, track status, and deliver on time while maintaining quality.

We will count on you to:
  • Revise promotional materials at every stage of the approval and print cycle, ensuring accuracy, brand fidelity, and production-readiness.
  • Prioritize and manage multiple incoming requests from different stakeholders, staying highly organized and flexible so you can re-prioritize quickly as needs change.
  • Collaborate closely with copywriters, communications specialists, and print production vendors to align creative, messaging, and timelines.
  • Contribute constructively in creative reviews, incorporate stakeholder feedback, and iterate rapidly to meet project goals.
  • Anticipate and solve production challenges-identify potential print or delivery issues early and propose practical, cost- and time-sensitive solutions.
  • Maintain high creative and quality standards under tight deadlines while balancing speed and attention to detail.
  • Enforce and apply client and internal brand guidelines across all touchpoints; recommend and implement template or workflow improvements to boost consistency and efficiency.
  • Organize and maintain project assets, version history, proofs, and production specifications for easy retrieval and auditability.

What you need to have:
  • 5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with demonstrable direct mail work.
  • Expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); familiarity with Acrobat preflight and PDF/X standards.
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field - or equivalent professional experience
  • Strong understanding of prepress, print production, and direct-mail manufacturing (dielines, scoring, perforations, inks, CMYK vs. spot, trapping, color management), plus a working knowledge of mail regulations and USPS requirements (mail sortation, IMb/barcodes, indicia).
  • Proficient in digital production workflows, Microsoft PowerPoint, and basic HTML/CSS; able to create and edit presentation-ready slide decks, export assets for web and print, and support email/landing-page handoffs or simple front-end edits.Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering error-free, production-ready files.
  • Excellent communication skills; comfortable corresponding with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
  • Portfolio demonstrating direct mail projects, typography, layout, and problem-solving across print and digital.

Mercer is a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information about Mercer, visit mercer.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@marsh.com.
Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one "anchor day" per week on which their full team will be together in person.

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