"Production Specialist"

The Production Specialist provides the operations department with essential support by performing a variety of production and finishing duties for simple to complex printing requirements. The duties of a Production Specialist includes, developing a variety of production methods to meet the customer’s request in both printed material and deadlines. They have a comprehensive knowledge in: printing papers, printing inks, varnishes, and other coatings and perform distinct quality inspections in order to accept the printed materials for finishing in order to prevent rework. Production Specialists typically performs one or more of the following functions through various Horizon machines, cutting, creasing, folding, die cutting, gathering, collating, trimming, drilling, and binding of the final printed piece. They must be able to operate various kinds of machinery making ground-level training on each piece of equipment. They identify malfunctions and deviations from accepted performance criteria and utilize strong time management skills to establish priorities and meet deadlines. They are able to communicate with others efficiently and tactfully, recommend alternatives for problem jobs with anticipated difficulty meeting cost, schedule or performance goals. They work independently by exercising good judgment and discretion, following instructions for each job submitted to them. They ensure that the department as a whole achieves or exceeds projected production goals and standards by completing each project in an efficient and timely manner while meeting quality standards and customer specifications.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Cutting: Select appropriate stock and cut to size per job specifications on physical or electronic job documentation.
2. Creasing: Crease materials, if required, at specified positions in preparation for folding, die cutting, stitching, or delivery.
3. Folding: Fold and trim to final size per job specifications to prepare for storage in warehouse or mailing.
4. Book Binding: Collate, saddle stitch or perfect bind and final trim per physical or electronic documentation, package finished product for storage or mailing per job requirements.
5. Die Cutting: Die cut the printed piece to appropriate job specifications.
6. Tabbing: Placing mail tabs or stamps on mail related pieces
7. Documentation: Package final product, document, and print required delivery information per job specifications
8. Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services and leading industry performance benchmarks.
9. Other responsibilities as required on an as needed basis.

Qualifications, Credentials, and Competencies

A high school diploma or equivalent and bindery experience is required. Three years' experience in commercial print bindery is preferred. Effective communication both verbally and in writing. Strong organizational and computer skills. Ability to intuitively reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Regularly required to lift 70 pounds or fewer and must have proof of a valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.