Design & Production Manager

We are seeking a skilled Designer & Production Manager to join our welcoming, professional team at Signs Express (Ipswich). In this role, you will oversee the design and print operations of our dynamic bespoke signage and graphics business.

The perfect candidate will have a positive, can-do attitude, be able to maintain our high standards of workmanship and quality, be creative, have an excellent eye for detail and be a self-motivated individual. 

• Location: Signs Express (Ipswich), 6 Greenwich Close, Landseer Road, Ipswich, IP3 0DD
• Salary: Negotiable dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full time, permanent with Monday to Friday working hours
• Travel: A full, clean driving licence and own transport is essential for local travel

About Us:

As an established business, trading for over 30 years, we are part of the UK and Ireland’s leading signage and graphics network with an excellent reputation for bespoke solutions, delivered with excellent customer care.

About the Role:

• The individual will lead and manage the design and production aspects of the business to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of bespoke signage projects.
• The role will include involvement in all design aspects of our signage projects, including liaising with clients over initial briefs, designs and revisions, specification and preparation of artwork, through to preparation and production of graphics.
• You will be responsible for the print operation within the business including running wide-format print equipment, laminating, vinyl cutting and managing production schedules.
• This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is experienced in Adobe design packages and is extremely organised, practical and likes to work in a fast-paced environment.

Duties Include:

• The role will involve all artwork preparation including creating design solutions, generating artwork for approval and assisting our sales team in the quotation process.
• Liaising with customers during the proofing and approval process.
• Creating production schedules for all print equipment and manage the printing process.
• Running wide-format printers, plotters and laminators (training provided).
• Keeping to budgets and time limits for each project.
• Collaborative skills to work closely with account managers as well as clients, delivering excellent customer service at all times.
• A methodical approach to work and meticulous attention to detail.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work on multiple projects at once in a fast-paced environment.

What we need from you:

• Experience with computer design packages such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Two years minimum working in a senior design role.
• Strong sense of creativity and imagination.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and excellent time management.
• Previous experience in production management and scheduling would be desirable.
• Comfortable working and operating large-format print equipment such as wide-format printers, plotters and laminators.
• Experience in running Onyx RIP software is desirable.
• Ability to keep to budgets and time limits for each project.
• Excellent communication skills, spelling and grammar.
• Confidence in working with the Microsoft operating system.
• Experience within the signage industry would be advantageous but not essential.

Benefits:

• Full training will be provided.
• Continued education and professional development through our online centralised Learning Management System.
• You will have the use of our company vehicles, with uniform and PPE also being provided where necessary.
• 20 days holiday allowance (plus bank holiday’s).
• Christmas and New Year closure.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Team building and social events.
• Wider-company networking and training opportunities.
• Volunteer days to support your chosen charities.
• Free on-site parking.

Recruitment Process

• To apply, please send all CVs and covering letters to nick@seipswich.co.uk
• Closing date for entries: 31 July 2024