Position Summary
The Printing Specialist is responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and supporting daily print production operations to ensure projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and within established deadlines. This position serves as a key liaison between customers, government printing agencies, government representatives, commercial clients, vendors, management, and production personnel. The ideal candidate should be familiar with Government Publishing Office (GPO) printing requirements, government agency procedures, and commercial printing operations. This role requires strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and multitasking skills, along with knowledge of print production processes and customer service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare, review, and maintain print job jackets containing detailed job specifications, production instructions, materials, and customer requirements.
- Develop and coordinate production schedules to ensure jobs are prioritized appropriately and completed within established deadlines.
- Monitor production activities and perform quality control reviews to ensure finished products meet customer specifications and company quality standards.
- Review government and commercial printing bids, job specifications, solicitation requirements, and pricing to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Communicate and coordinate with Government Publishing Office (GPO) representatives, government agency personnel, commercial clients, and plant personnel regarding production requirements and job status.
- Maintain familiarity with government printing procedures, GPO requirements, agency specifications, and commercial printing standards.
- Meet regularly with plant personnel regarding production schedules, workflow, job status, and operational needs.
- Identify, investigate, and resolve production issues by working collaboratively with plant staff and management to minimize delays and maintain productivity.
- Coordinate the ordering and replenishment of paper, ink, and other printing supplies and materials necessary for daily operations.
- Process and track purchase orders (POs), monitor order status, and communicate with vendors regarding deliveries and outstanding orders.
- Provide professional customer service to government agencies and commercial clients by responding to inquiries, addressing concerns, providing production updates, and ensuring customer expectations are met.
- Serve as a communication link between customers, government representatives, vendors, management, and production staff to ensure accurate information and timely completion of projects.
- Monitor job progress from initial setup through completion to ensure production deadlines, quality expectations, contract specifications, and budget requirements are met.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to job specifications, production schedules, purchasing, and customer communications.
Required Skills and Qualifications: Familiarity with Government Publishing Office (GPO) printing operations, government printing requirements, and government agency procedures; Experience communicating and working with government representatives, government contracting personnel, and commercial printing clients; Knowledge of commercial printing operations and print production processes; Experience reviewing printing bids, specifications, and contract requirements preferred; Strong organizational and time-management skills; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Ability to coordinate multiple projects and meet competing deadlines; Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality control; Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities; Experience with scheduling, purchasing, inventory coordination, and purchase order tracking; Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production teams, customers, and management.
Work Environment
This position operates in a professional print production and plant environment and requires regular communication and coordination with government agencies, commercial clients, production personnel, management, and outside vendors.
Overall Expectations
The Printing Specialist is expected to maintain an organized and efficient production workflow, demonstrate initiative in resolving operational challenges, maintain professional relationships with government and commercial customers, and ensure all printing projects are completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with established company, contractual, and customer requirements.