Lab Manager

Department: Art - 265050

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of general experience, preferably including supervision; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Familiarity with a variety of the field's concepts, practices and procedures. Demonstrated experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Essential Job Functions

Operations Management

• Oversee all daily operations of the print center and retail facility, ensuring efficiency, organization, and high service standards.
• Plan and coordinate facility maintenance to ensure a safe, functional, and productive work environment.

Print Production & Quality Control

• Manage print production workflows, ensuring all jobs meet established specifications, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with faculty and clients to develop production plans and provide accurate cost estimates.
• Monitor and maintain quality assurance processes throughout all stages of production.

Inventory & Procurement

• Track, manage, and maintain inventory for print materials, supplies, and retail merchandise.
• Procure materials and equipment using cost-effective and efficient purchasing practices.
• Anticipate supply needs and maintain appropriate stock levels.

Equipment Oversight

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of all print lab equipment.
• Ensure proper use and longevity of equipment through preventative maintenance and training.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Collaborate with the Art Department Chair and budget officer to monitor and track lab expenses.
• Support fiscal planning, budgeting, and administrative reporting for the print lab.

Customer Service & Coordination

• Provide high-level customer service, including job consultation, estimating, and order coordination.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external clients to ensure satisfaction.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Recruit, train, schedule, mentor and supervise student employees.
• Evaluate student performance and provide mentorship to enhance skills and productivity.
• Establish an ethic of "Continuous Improvement" in the quality and productivity of students' work.

Training & Instruction

• Train faculty and students in the safe and effective use of print lab equipment and processes.
• Provide guidance and technical support for print-related projects.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with Art Department faculty and leadership to ensure timely completion of high-quality projects.
• Collect and respond to feedback from faculty, staff and department chair to improve operations and services.
• Implement process improvements based on feedback and best practices.

Safety & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and enforce lab safety procedures.
• Ensure all users are informed of and adhere to safety guidelines.

Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

• Possesses knowledge of various printing skills; print production operations including digital and offset printing, bindery, and finishing;
• high ability to coordinate tasks and problem solve; excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail
• organizational and budgetary skills; thorough understanding of retail management principles including inventory control, merchandising, and point-of-sale systems; strong budgetary and financial management skills
• superior communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage and motivate staff;
• ability to work with and manage others;
• ability to carry out repair needs and delivery of materials for various print lab areas;

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of experience in print production, retail management, or related field, preferably including supervision; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Familiarity with printing operations, retail management concepts, practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Experience in Graphic Design pre-press and output, Graphic Communications, or related field

Work Schedule/Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each business day, excepting planned and approved vacation and university approved holidays. On occasion there may be the necessity to work past 5:00 PM in order to meet customer scheduled delivery requirements.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $56,169-$58,169