Position Overview
The Production Manager – Large Format is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Large Format team, production workflows, and production readiness within the large format environment. This role ensures that all files, materials, skilled operators, and printing equipment are properly prepared for production. The measure of success is high standards of print quality, production efficiency, and on-time delivery.
Working closely with sales, customer experience (project management), and the production team, the Production Manager ensures jobs move smoothly from file readiness through all stages of production. Their efforts will support a consistent workflow across printing, finishing and shipping operations.
This position plays a key role in maintaining operational discipline within the facility by enforcing production standards, mentoring team members, and documenting processes that support reliable and scalable production.
Key Responsibilities
Production Workflow Management
- Prioritize jobs based on production schedules, delivery deadlines, and customer service commitments.
- Ensure jobs are properly configured for large format printing and finishing specifications.
- Coordinate with print operators and finishing teams to maintain efficient production flow across printing, lamination, cutting, and fabrication processes.
- Monitor job status to ensure production timelines and service expectations are consistently met.
- Maintain working knowledge of large format printing and finishing equipment and step in to support production operations when required to resolve issues, maintain workflow continuity, or address peak workload demands.
Production Readiness
- Ensure jobs released to production are technically accurate and aligned with printer capabilities, substrates, and finishing requirements.
- Confirm correct materials, profiles, and production specifications are applied prior to print execution.
- Work closely with operators to ensure efficient use of roll-to-roll and flatbed printing equipment.
- Support production scheduling by ensuring files and specifications are prepared in advance of production runs and that adequate supplies and materials are available.
Quality Assurance
- Maintain consistency in color, layout accuracy, scaling, and brand standards across all printed materials.
- Ensure production output meets internal quality standards and customer expectations.
Team Mentorship & Support
- Foster a collaborative and accountable production environment focused on accuracy and efficiency.
- Assist with onboarding and development of new production staff.
Process Improvement & SOP Development
- Assist in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production preparation workflows.
- Document production processes to improve consistency, reduce errors, and support training initiatives.
- Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements to increase production efficiency and reduce rework.
Cross-Department Coordination
- Act as a key coordination point between sales, CX (project management), and production teams.
- Ensure file specifications, materials, and production requirements are clearly communicated prior to production.
- Escalate workflow challenges or potential delays that may impact production schedules or delivery commitments.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in large format printing including a leadership role, Digital print production is an asset.
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
- Experience working with RIP software, color management systems, and large format print workflows.
- Understanding of large format substrates, inks, finishing processes, and production equipment.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced production environment.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.
Key Skills
- Large format print production workflows
- Color management and proofing
- Production scheduling coordination
- Workflow optimization
- Team mentorship and support
- Quality assurance and error prevention
What Success Looks Like In This Role
Success in this position is measured by the ability to maintain reliable production workflow, reduce file and production errors, support consistent on-time delivery, and foster a well-organized production environment that meets customer expectations for quality and turnaround.
