Print Operations Manager

Position Overview

Sassydame Designs is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Print Operations Manager to lead and oversee the daily operations of our commercial printing department.

Our printing services include DTF printing, UV DTF printing, UV printing, custom apparel production, and large-format banner printing.

The ideal candidate must have a strong background in commercial printing, excellent leadership and organizational skills, and hands-on experience with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Canva.

This is a hands-on management position. The selected candidate will oversee production operations, supervise approximately five employees, manage customer printing orders, maintain quality standards, and actively work alongside the production team to meet daily deadlines.

While company-specific equipment and workflow training will be provided, applicants must already possess relevant professional printing experience and practical graphic design skills.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution, preferably in Graphic Design, Printing Technology, Business Management, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of two years of professional experience in commercial printing, print production, or a related industry.
• Adobe Photoshop: Strong knowledge of image editing, resizing, background removal, color adjustments, and print-ready artwork preparation.
• Adobe Illustrator: Proficiency in vector artwork creation, editing, tracing, and preparing scalable designs for printing.
• Canva: Experience creating, editing, resizing, and preparing professional designs and marketing materials.
• Previous hands-on experience operating professional printing equipment.
• Familiarity with DTF, UV DTF, UV printing, or large-format printing technology.
• Understanding of file formats, artwork dimensions, transparency, image resolution, and color management.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to supervise employees while actively assisting with production.
• Ability to manage multiple orders, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Job Responsibilities

1. Printing Operations & Production Management

• Oversee daily printing operations across all production departments.
• Coordinate DTF, UV DTF, UV, and large-format banner printing.
• Monitor incoming customer orders and organize production schedules.
• Assign production priorities based on deadlines and order volume.
• Ensure printing orders are completed accurately and on time.
• Manage same-day printing requests and high-volume production.
• Operate printing equipment alongside employees when necessary.
• Maintain organized and efficient production workflows.

2. Graphic Design & Artwork Preparation

• Use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Canva to prepare customer artwork for printing.
• Review, resize, edit, and optimize customer-submitted designs.
• Prepare DTF and UV DTF gang sheets according to customer specifications.
• Create or modify vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator.
• Remove backgrounds and prepare transparent PNG files.
• Ensure designs meet printing requirements, including 300 DPI resolution when applicable.
• Verify artwork dimensions, transparency, color settings, and file compatibility.
• Troubleshoot artwork issues before production.
• Ensure artwork is properly prepared for the appropriate printing technology.

3. Commercial Printing Services

• Manage DTF transfer printing and production.
• Oversee UV DTF printing, lamination, and finishing processes.
• Coordinate UV printing on compatible products and substrates.
• Manage large-format banner printing, including artwork preparation, printing, trimming, and finishing.
• Monitor print quality, color accuracy, and consistency.
• Ensure all printing jobs meet company quality standards.

4. Employee Supervision & Team Leadership

• Supervise a small printing department team.
• Assign daily work responsibilities and production tasks.
• Work directly alongside employees to complete customer orders.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production staff.
• Train employees on equipment operations, safety, and production procedures.
• Monitor employee attendance, productivity, and work performance.
• Address production challenges and assist with problem-solving.
• Maintain a positive, organized, and professional working environment.
• Provide regular production updates to company management.

5. Equipment Maintenance & Inventory Control

• Conduct routine printing equipment inspections.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Monitor DTF and UV DTF inks, films, powders, and other printing materials.
• Track production supplies and coordinate replenishment requests.
• Ensure printing equipment is properly maintained and operated.
• Minimize printing errors, material waste, and unnecessary production expenses.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized production workstations.

6. Quality Control & Operational Efficiency

• Inspect completed printing orders for quality and accuracy.
• Verify customer specifications before final production.
• Monitor daily production output and completed orders.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency.
• Resolve production issues and minimize downtime.
• Maintain production records and operational reports.
• Ensure employees consistently follow established company procedures.

Training & Professional Development

Sassydame Designs will provide training on our specific printing equipment, internal systems, software, and production processes.

However, this is a management-level position. Applicants are expected to bring prior professional printing experience, strong technical abilities, and practical knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Canva.

Work Schedule & Employment Details

• Position: Full-Time Print Operations Manager
• Work Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday
• Hours: Approximately 50 hours per week
• Work Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
• Work Environment: Hands-on commercial printing and production
• Training: Company-specific equipment and production training provided

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a dependable, proactive, and results-driven leader who takes pride in delivering quality work.

The successful candidate must be comfortable managing employees, working directly with commercial printing equipment, preparing customer artwork, and ensuring production deadlines are consistently met.

This position is ideal for an experienced printing professional who is ready to take on a leadership role while remaining actively involved in daily production.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit an updated resume highlighting their commercial printing experience, graphic design skills, equipment knowledge, and previous supervisory responsibilities.

Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Canva should be clearly identified.

Handy with Tools & Equipment

Must be comfortable using hand tools, performing basic equipment adjustments, assembling or replacing machine components, and troubleshooting minor mechanical issues.

Join Sassydame Designs and become part of a growing creative business specializing in professional printing, customization, and innovative production services.

Pay: From $4,100.00 per month

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person