Production Manager
Position: Production Manager
Department: Production Department
Location: Multiple Locations
Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Operations
About Memory Times
Memory Times is a distinguished newspaper organization with a rich history of delivering quality journalism to our communities. We are committed to excellence in print and digital media, providing our readers with accurate, timely, and engaging content that informs, educates, and inspires. Our production department plays a critical role in ensuring our content reaches our audiences in the highest quality format.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee our printing processes and manage production schedules. The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating with printing facilities, ensuring timely delivery of our publications, and maintaining the highest quality standards in our production operations.
Key Responsibilities
Printing Process Oversight
- Oversee all aspects of the newspaper printing process from pre-press to final delivery
- Ensure quality control standards are maintained throughout production
- Monitor and optimize printing efficiency while minimizing waste and costs
- Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective measures
- Stay current with printing technologies and industry best practices
Production Schedule Management
- Develop and maintain comprehensive production schedules for all publications
- Coordinate with editorial, advertising, and circulation departments to align deadlines
- Manage production timelines to ensure timely delivery of print editions
- Implement contingency plans for unexpected delays or production challenges
- Track and analyze production metrics to improve efficiency
Printing Facility Coordination
- Serve as primary liaison with external printing facilities and vendors
- Negotiate contracts and maintain positive relationships with printing partners
- Conduct regular quality assessments of printing facilities
- Ensure printing facilities meet our standards for quality and timeliness
- Coordinate special printing projects and supplements
Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor production staff, fostering a collaborative work environment
- Develop and implement training programs for production team members
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback
- Manage staffing levels to meet production demands
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Production Management, Graphic Communications, or related field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in print production management, preferably in newspaper or magazine publishing
- Proven experience managing production schedules and coordinating with printing facilities
- Strong understanding of printing processes, quality control, and production workflows
- Experience with pre-press operations and digital file preparation
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with production management software and systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with web-to-print workflows and digital production systems
- Knowledge of sustainable printing practices and environmental regulations
- Background in both offset and digital printing technologies
- Experience with color management and quality assurance systems
- Previous experience managing unionized production staff
- Knowledge of postal regulations and distribution requirements
- Experience with budget management and cost control in production
- Familiarity with cross-media production workflows
- Bilingual abilities to work with diverse printing vendors
- Certification in production management or printing technologies
Technical Requirements
Candidates should be proficient with:
- Production management and scheduling software
- Pre-press workflow systems and quality control tools
- Digital file preparation and format standards
- Printing specifications and requirements documentation
- Project management and collaboration tools
- Basic understanding of content management systems
- Microsoft Office Suite for reporting and documentation
Working Environment
The Production Manager should be prepared to:
- Work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Be available for flexible hours during major production cycles
- Travel occasionally to printing facilities and vendor locations
- Respond to urgent production issues outside regular business hours
- Collaborate with multiple departments and external partners
- Balance multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with company matching
- Professional development opportunities and industry training
- State-of-the-art production management tools and systems
- Collaborative work environment with experienced professionals
- Opportunities to implement innovative production solutions
- Platform to impact the quality and delivery of news to our communities
Application Process
Please submit the following materials:
- Comprehensive resume detailing your production management experience
- Cover letter explaining your approach to production management and quality control
- Examples of production schedules or workflows you have managed
- Three professional references from current or former supervisors
- Description of a significant production challenge you resolved
- Statement on how you would approach improving production efficiency at Memory Times
Applications should be sent to careers@memorytimes.org with "Production Manager Application" in the subject line. The application deadline is [Insert Deadline].
Memory Times is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Memory Times is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.