Prepress/Design Operator

Please send your CV to careers@aimprint.co.za and wait for further instructions.

Job Title: Prepress/Design Operator

Location: Springfield Park, Durban

This is NOT a Graphic Designer or general DTP position. Previous hands-on prepress experience within a commercial lithographic printing or folding-carton packaging environment is essential.

Job Summary

AIM Print is seeking an experienced Reproduction (Repro) Operator to join our Pre-Press Department.

This is not a graphic design position.

We are looking for someone with a strong commercial print and packaging background who understands how artwork moves from customer files through to lithographic printing.

The successful candidate will be responsible for checking, correcting and preparing customer artwork to ensure every file is technically accurate, production-ready and meets the highest quality standards before being released to print.

The ideal candidate has experience within a commercial printing or packaging environment and understands that accuracy is critical. Every millimetre, colour setting, die-line and overprint matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare customer supplied artwork for commercial print production
• Receive and assess customer supplied artwork.
• Perform detailed pre-flight checks on all incoming files.
• Identify and correct artwork issues before production.
• Ensure artwork complies with customer specifications and internal production requirements.
• Prepare artwork for commercial lithographic printing.
• Create accurate print-ready PDFs.
• Produce customer proofs, engage with the customers to have artwork signed off and approved.
• Prepare packaging artwork using supplied die-lines.
• Ensure artwork aligns correctly to cut guidelines and folding carton layouts.
• Liaise closely with Sales, Design, Production and Press Operators regarding artwork requirements.
• Maintain organised digital filing and version control.
• Follow all ISO 9001 quality procedures.
• Ensure no artwork is released into production unless it meets AIM Print's quality standards and is signed off.

Check and set up the artwork from the customer to production specifications:

• Bleed
• Trim
• Safe areas
• Resolution
• Fonts
• Linked images
• Overprints
• Trapping
• Spot colours
• CMYK colour conversion

Required Abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple jobs simultaneously
• Excellent time management skills
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Ability to prioritise urgent work without compromising quality
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

Required Skills & Experience

• Applicants must have experience in a commercial printing, packaging or pre-press environment.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in Reproduction (Repro) or Pre-Press.
• Strong understanding of commercial lithographic printing.
• Experience preparing artwork for print production.
• Packaging artwork experience.
• Experience working with die-lines.
• Experience checking artwork for production accuracy.
• Understanding of commercial print specifications.
• Excellent Adobe Illustrator.
• Adobe InDesign.
• Adobe Photoshop.
• Adobe Acrobat Professional.
• Experience with PDF pre-flight tools.
• Excellent file management skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency

Advantageous Experience

The following would be advantageous but are not essential:

• Heidelberg Prinect workflow.
• Imposition software.
• Digital print production.
• Colour management.
• Pantone colour matching.
• ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Commercial folding carton manufacturing.

This Role is NOT Suitable For

This position is NOT suitable for applicants whose experience is primarily:

• Social media design
• Website design
• Marketing artwork
• Branding
• Advertising agencies
• Digital marketing
• General graphic design without commercial print production experience

We require someone with genuine commercial print and packaging pre-press experience.

A "can do" attitude is key. A good team player, someone who can think on their feet. An all-rounder, multitasker who goes above & beyond the call of duty.

Please send your CV to careers@aimprint.co.za and wait for further instructions.

Should you not receive any correspondence within 30 days, please deem your application unsuccessful.

Pay: R10 000,00 - R20 000,00 per month

Experience:

• Prepress/Repro - Litho printing: 3 years (Required)
• Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and professional: 3 years (Required)
• PDF pre-flight tools: 3 years (Required)
• commercial lithographic printing : 3 years (Required)
• die-line: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person