Print Production Manager

Live events are back, and we are busier than ever!! Fern is at the top of the trade show and expo service industry. Our operation spans more than 200 cities from coast to coast. In other words, wherever there’s a major convention center and event venue, we’re there with experienced local teams providing exceptional service and support, whenever you need it. We recognize that our team members are the core of our company. It is why they stay with us for so long, and it's also what attracts new clients to come aboard.

We are looking for a Print Production Manager that will be based out of our Seattle location. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing our print production team, as well as ensuring production of quality exhibit graphics. You will manage and balance staff workloads at a local level, prep files for printing, and attend print production meetings.

You will operate and manage all large format printing and finishing equipment, including maintenance, operation, preflight/prepress, quality control, packing and directing department graphics with local warehouse members.

You will report directly to the Director of Operations. Position does require being onsite full time.

Salary is $60,000-70,000k

What you’ll do: Manage and balance staff workloads at a local level, including job assignments, and report on resource needs to the Director of Creative Services.Operate and maintain our portfolio of local wide-format printers and industrial cutters. Well-versed in the printing of graphics, color matching, and running digital files through RIP software.Translate orders through our internal ticket system into job production, ensuring advance review of requests to voice any concerns to the design team or requester, and to ensure adequate time is scheduled and materials are acquired for production. Maintain a keen eye toward quality and detail, monitoring all jobs to ensure the highest level of quality and accuracy.Troubleshoot and manage routine maintenance on all equipment.Process and manage invoices from suppliers and other vendors.Work directly with local warehouse operations on truck schedules and timely graphic departures.Cross-train and supervise same-shift production assistants.Proactively investigate new potential materials and other printing options and integrate them into new strategies and workflows. Experiment with new materials and techniques.Ensure employee safety training and work environment are safe.

Who You Are: Experience in large-format digital printing and sign production.Proficient and experienced with wide-format digital printers, maintenance, and operation. Candidates should be comfortable operating commercial wide-format printers, including roll-to-roll and flatbed printers.Proficient in sign finishing and detailing, including lamination, routing, and cutting. Experience with a Kongsberg cutting table or CNC machine is a plus.Ability to stand for lengthy periods of time and lift and move paper and substrates.Ability to lift 40 lbs. fairly regularly.Must be comfortable working in a culture/environment that is high-pressure, fast-paced, and often offers short execution times.Excellent communication and proven leadership skills.Technical skills with work order processes and advanced planning for incoming projects.Labor management skills and ability to implement operation and performance efficiencies.Skilled in the Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office SuiteSkilled in modern RIP software; knowledge of Onyx is a plus.High School Diploma or equivalent.

What you’ll love about Fern Expo. We take Fern culture very seriously! As a company, we are constantly thinking of ways to give back to our valued employees through company engagement. We offer a competitive salary, amazing benefits, a great PTO package, a healthy work-life balance, and plenty of opportunities to grow your career from within!

Brilliant trade and exhibitor careers, powered by people. What makes Fern such a fantastic place to work? It’s the people. The quality and commitment of our team are unique in the tradeshow. It’s why our employees stay. At Fern, we welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, socioeconomic status, religion, age, marital or parental status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.