Job Description

Pre-Press Incharge Graphic Designer

Department: Pre-Press / Graphic Design

Location: Sharjah, UAE

Industry: Printing & Packaging (Rigid Boxes, Carton Packaging)

Job Summary:

The Pre-Press Incharge Graphic Designer will be responsible for overseeing and managing the pre-press design process for rigid boxes in a printing environment. This includes preparing and optimizing digital files for high-quality printing, ensuring the final design is aligned with client specifications, and overseeing the workflow from design to the final print stage. The role combines strong graphic design skills with technical pre-press expertise to deliver premium packaging products.

Key Responsibilities:

Graphic Design and File Preparation:

Create and prepare artwork for rigid boxes, ensuring that the design is print-ready and meets industry standards.

Use design software (Adobe Creative Suite - Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) to produce high-quality artwork and templates for packaging.

Ensure that designs are accurately translated into production files (including artwork, color, and size specifications).

Pre-Press File Optimization:

Review and prepare design files for the printing process, ensuring they meet all specifications including bleed, crop marks, and color profiles.

Prepare and adjust designs for multiple types of printing, ensuring they are optimized for rigid box production (e.g., offset, digital printing).

Make necessary adjustments to artwork such as resizing, image corrections, and alignment for print accuracy.

Color Management and Proofing:

Ensure color consistency and proper color management for high-quality output. Adjust files for color accuracy according to the printing process (CMYK, Pantone, etc.).

Generate proofs and mock-ups of the rigid box designs for client approval before production begins.

Conduct soft-proofing and physical proofing to guarantee that designs match the client's expectations.

Quality Control & Troubleshooting:

Perform quality checks on incoming designs and pre-press files to ensure they meet the standards of production.

Troubleshoot and resolve issues with designs, color, or file formats that may arise during the pre-press phase.

Work closely with press operators to ensure that the final printed rigid boxes match the pre-press designs without any issues.

Pre-Press Workflow Management:

Manage the pre-press workflow from receiving artwork files to the preparation of the final design for printing.

Coordinate with other departments such as the design team, press operators, and production staff to ensure smooth execution of projects.

Maintain a detailed record of pre-press files, proofs, revisions, and approvals.

Communication with Clients:

Communicate directly with clients when necessary to ensure design revisions and adjustments meet their expectations.

Provide technical advice to clients about design options, material considerations, and color adjustments.

Equipment & Software Maintenance:

Keep pre-press equipment and software up to date and ensure that they are functioning optimally.

Assist in maintaining and troubleshooting design-related hardware and software used in pre-press operations.

Training and Support:

Provide guidance and training to junior designers and pre-press staff, ensuring they follow best practices in file preparation and design.

Assist in updating internal workflows and processes for more efficient design and pre-press operations.

Documentation and Reporting:

Keep records of all artwork files, revisions, approvals, and proofs.

Report any challenges or bottlenecks to the management team to improve efficiency and production timelines.

Qualifications:

Education: Degree or Diploma in Graphic Design, Printing Technology, or a related field.

Experience: At least 3-5 years of experience in graphic design and pre-press operations, preferably in the printing or packaging industry (rigid box production is a plus).

Skills:

Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

Solid understanding of pre-press processes, including color management, file preparation, and printing techniques (especially packaging and rigid boxes).

Experience with RIP software and file preparation for various printing methods.

Knowledge of packaging materials and design considerations specific to rigid boxes.

Ability to troubleshoot file issues and provide solutions for design and printing challenges.

Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that designs are correctly translated into print-ready files.

Languages: Proficiency in English (Arabic is a plus).

Technical Skills: Experience with pre-press equipment, color calibration tools, and software used for file preparation and printing.

Personal Attributes:

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Excellent communication skills, both with clients and within the team.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

A creative mindset with a keen eye for design and print quality.

Work Environment:

This position will be based in the pre-press department, with regular collaboration with the design, production, and printing teams.

Ability to work on-site and oversee pre-press processes for physical proofing and production setup.

Salary:

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED3,500.00 - AED4,000.00 per month