Production Manager In Printing Jobs in Chicago, IL

Company and Vision  

PlanetArt's vision is to be the leading seller of personalized and make-on-demand products worldwide. We provide consumers with unmatched tools and content and an unparalleled end-to-end customer experience that result in high-quality, meaningful finished products and memorable celebrations of live events.
The company's brands include the popular FreePrints and FreePrints Photobooks apps and the industry leading SimplytoImpress card and stationery site, as well as Personal Creations, CafePress and ISeeMe! Visit www.planetart.com to learn more about our brands.
We have more than 500 team members across multiple offices, primarily in Calabasas CA, San Diego CA, Woodridge IL, Minneapolis, MN and Pleasanton, CA. We also have team members in two company-owned offices in China, as well as in Europe.

Job Overview 
As a member of the PlanetArt team, reporting directly to the Director of Print Operations, you are responsible for running and maintaining the day-to-day operation of an HP Indigo 15k and post print production activities. This person will be vital to the print operations ensuring all jobs are in accordance with the printing specifications and customer requirements/expectations.  
Schedule:

Full-time, Monday through Friday 6:00 am - 2:30 pm. Mandatory 10- and 12-hour days, including weekend hours, during all peak periods. Transfer to 2nd shift may be required during peak periods.

What You'll Do
Key Responsibilities 

• Supervising the daily activities of a team of 12 or more employees
• Running and maintaining the day-to-day activities of an HP Indigo 15k
• Prepares, aligns, and configures machinery, ink, rollers, and paper.
• Monitor the press, checking color and registration to maintain consistency.
• Inspects proof sheets to evaluate the quality of printing.
• Adjusts press machinery to meet quality standards and specifications.
• Maintains sole responsibility for the upkeep, maintenance scheduling, and repair management of all production equipment in collaboration with third-party service providers.
• Maintains inventory of supplies needed to operate printing presses.
• Performs routine maintenance on presses.
• Responsible for assisting the Print Production Director with production, quality, personnel, and departmental issues.
• Work with manager to plan production capacity and staffing levels; help schedule personnel and other resources appropriately to efficiently execute the production plan.
• Develop functional cross trained team for your department.
• Analyze workflow and recommend improvements.
• You will be expected to monitor supply inventory and request replenishment when necessary and maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What You Should Have
Skills, Qualifications, and Requirements 

• High school or vocational/technical school diploma or certificate.
• 3-5 years of experience in a team lead or supervisor role.
• Additional courses in Print Production or Operations and other similar functional areas are beneficial but not required.
• Background and experience in a print operation, preferably digital press print operation.
• Experience with some or all of the following equipment is desired (but not required) - Kirk Rudy FireJet Printer, Moll Rotary Die Cutter, MCS Flowmaster or similar.
• Hands-on experience operating HP Indigo Presses is required, along with HP Indigo certification (or equivalent HP Indigo training/certification).
• Mechanical aptitude and skills to perform technical adjustment and maintenance of the digital press and other equipment.
• Serves as the sole point of accountability for all machine maintenance, repairs, and preventative upkeep, coordinating activities with external service vendors as required.
• Prior basic computer experience/aptitude with an understanding of the basic concept of prepress.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team environment.
• Manage relationships with internal customers.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 
• Excellent creative thinking/problem solving ability.
• Has pristine attention to detail for quality control purposes.

What You Can Expect
Working Conditions 

• Work is performed in a manufacturing / warehouse environment with exposure to the following: heavy machinery, dust, noise.
• Position requires frequent and sustained walking and/or standing for prolonged periods of time. 
• Position requires regular lifting up to 60 lbs. and repetitive activities, including but not limited to, pulling, pushing, grabbing and hand motions.

Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $26 - $31 hourly rate.

PlanetArt offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:  

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance 
• 401(k) with matching 
• Pet Insurance 
• Mental Health Benefits
• Comprehensive Time Off Program, including Vacation, Sick Days, Paid Holidays, and Floating Holidays 
• Employee Product Discounts