How do I become a production print manager?

If you want to become a print production manager, then you need to have a working knowledge of printing and production processes, acute attention to detail, leadership ability, ability to prepare detailed production schedules, and To work under stressful conditions. Exceptional interpersonal, active listening, and communication skills are also important functions for those who aspire to become a print production manager. Knowledge of print production and printing costs is also likely to be required. Some print production managers need at least a superficial knowledge of marketing and different types of planning software. The training requirements for this position are usually an associate's degree or bachelor's degree, although some managers have made their way through the ranks, learning the necessary skills along the way.

You will likely be responsible for the planning and implementation of a particular company's print production operations or, if you are working for a commercial print production facility, for a number of different customers and businesses . This type of work will likely require you to have a working knowledge of desktop publishing, pre-printing, and printing processes. If you work in a printing facility on site, you will probably work with the same printing and production staff at all times, making communication and interpersonal relationships a little easier. If the company for which you work does not have an internal print service, then the ability to work with offsite printing or production suppliers is necessary. Dealing with several off-site providers is where the outstanding communication and interpersonal skills will serve you better.

Marketing skills may be required. The specific functions, capabilities and responsibilities of printing production facilities vary considerably from one company to another. Sometimes the responsibilities of a production printing manager include the supervision of a staff of printers or technicians. In other circumstances, you could work on a project, from design to realization, while supervising writers, production artists, designers, photographers and illustrators. In both cases, the main function of the work is tracked a project and do what is necessary to deliver on time and in budget. This requires exceptional management, communication and organizational skills.

To become a print production manager, you will probably need well-developed communication skills. Active listening is going to be a big part of this work, as you will work closely with people at the executive level as well as entry-level assistants and all the others. Some people are not aware of how the print production process works, so the ability to articulate the concepts and directions of customers sometimes ambiguous in a clear and concise plan of action will serve you well In this position. The ability to communicate clearly in writing is also a necessary skill for this position.

Knowing how to plan several different projects and keeping all work flowing to meet different deadlines is another skill required. If you are going to work with off-site vendors, this position requires you to be aware of the costs of various services, such as desktop publishing services, prepress, and print service. Estimating the fees and charges of sometimes complex providers and services while keeping them working within budget constraints and meeting specified deadlines may also be part of this work.