Print Production Controller

Are you an experienced print professional with a strong commercial background and excellent knowledge of print production? Do you have experience using Tharstern MIS and enjoy bringing together estimating, production planning and commercial control?

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Print Production Controller to join an established and successful print business.
This is a varied role combining print production, estimating, planning and commercial control, where you'll play a key part in ensuring work moves efficiently from confirmed order through to production, despatch and invoicing.

You'll need a strong understanding of the print process, including pre-press, Digital and Lithographic printing, finishing, materials and outsourced processes, alongside the ability to use commercial and production information to make sound decisions.

The role would suit someone who is commercially minded, organised and decisive, who enjoys solving problems, managing competing priorities and working closely with teams across the business to ensure customer commitments are achievable and profitable.

What will you be doing as a Print Production Controller?

• Managing the flow of print work from confirmed order through to production, despatch and job completion
• Reviewing estimates and production methods to ensure jobs are accurately set up for production
• Creating practical production plans, considering capacity, materials, sequencing, outwork and delivery requirements
• Monitoring live production and proactively identifying potential delays or capacity issues
• Working with production teams to find solutions and keep customer commitments on track
• Using Tharstern MIS to manage estimates, job creation, production routes, purchasing, scheduling, WIP and reporting
• Ensuring job information, specifications, dates, quantities and purchase orders are accurate and up to date
• Managing purchasing and outsourced production requirements
• Working closely with Sales, Client Services, Studio, Production, Warehouse and Dispatch teams
• Providing clear updates around priorities, changes and potential risks
• Ensuring customer deadlines and SLAs are achievable before commitments are made
• Using your print knowledge to identify opportunities to improve production methods, reduce waste and improve efficiency
• Supporting commercial performance by ensuring costs, materials, production methods and job information are accurate
• Providing operational cover and supporting colleagues during busy periods or absence

We would LOVE to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

• Previous experience within a commercial print, packaging, direct mail or related manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of print production, including pre-press, Digital and Lithographic printing, finishing, materials and outwork
• Previous experience within print estimating and/or production planning
• Proficient experience using Tharstern MIS is essential
• Knowledge of the Tharstern Production Scheduling module would be highly advantageous
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of costs, margins and production efficiency
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Confident using Excel and operational reporting systems
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships across different departments
• A confident and decisive approach, with the ability to challenge constructively when required
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Proactive, adaptable and able to use your initiative
• A genuine interest in improving processes, reducing waste and finding more efficient ways of working

What will you get in return for your work as a Print Production Controller?

• £32,000-£40,000 per annum, depending on experience
• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Opportunity to join an established and successful print business
• Varied role combining commercial, estimating and production responsibilities
• Opportunity to work with a range of internal teams and approved suppliers
• A role where your knowledge and experience can make a real commercial and operational impact
• Supportive working environment
• Long-term career opportunity
• Free Parking

If you're an experienced print professional with strong commercial awareness, excellent production knowledge and, importantly, proficient Tharstern MIS experience, we'd LOVE to hear from you!

Apply now by sending your CV. We aim to respond to all successful applications within 2 days. If you haven't been contacted within 2 days your application has been unsuccessful. Please check our website and apply directly for any other suitable positions you see. We apologise that we are unable to contact everyone in person and thank you for your interest. Jobwise Ltd is an employment agency and the details sent in your application may be stored on our secure database.