Graphics Team Leader / Senior Mac Operator

We''re recruiting for an experienced Graphics Team Leader / Senior Mac Operator to join a well-established label printing business based in Castleford.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Mac Operator, Reprographics Operator or Pre-Press professional looking to progress into a leadership role, or an existing Team Leader seeking a new challenge.

With the current Team Leader planning to retire within the next couple of years, the business is looking for someone who can gradually transition into the role through a supported handover.

You''ll initially work alongside the existing Team Leader, learning the company''s systems and processes while progressively taking on responsibility for managing the Graphics department.

About the Role

Working within a busy pre-production environment, you''ll be responsible for preparing and processing artwork and graphics files for print, while supporting the day-to-day running of the department.

The business produces high-quality labels using conventional, digital and hybrid printing technologies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing, processing and managing artwork and reprographic files for print production.

• Creating and amending artwork using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and specialist pre-press software.

• Managing step-and-repeat layouts, PDF proofs, colour management and tooling requirements.

• Maintaining accurate production records using MIS systems.

• Troubleshooting artwork and pre-press issues to minimise production delays.

• Supporting and gradually taking responsibility for managing the Graphics team, workloads and production priorities.

• Liaising with production teams, customers and suppliers to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.

• Identifying opportunities to improve workflows, automation, efficiency and cost savings.

About You

We''re looking for someone with a strong technical background in Mac operation, reprographics, artwork or pre-press, ideally within the label printing, packaging or FMCG sectors.

You may already be managing a team or be an experienced operator who''s ready to take the next step into leadership.

Ideally, you''ll have:

• Around 5 years'' experience in a Mac Operator, Reprographics or Pre-Press role.

• Experience within a fast-paced label printing, packaging or FMCG environment.

• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Knowledge of conventional, digital and hybrid printing processes, particularly flexo and combination printing.

• Experience with Esko Automation Engine or similar pre-press workflow systems.

• Good organisational, problem-solving and communication skills.

• The confidence and ambition to develop into a team leadership position.

Additional experience with Esko ArtPro, DFE, Colour Pilot, Hybrid Software (PACKZ/Cloudflow), FileMaker or workflow automation would be a real advantage.

You don''t need to have experience with every software package listed. A strong technical background, willingness to learn and leadership potential are equally important.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Clear career progression into a Graphics Team Leader position.

• Gradual handover and mentoring from the existing Team Leader ahead of their retirement.

• Opportunity to work across conventional, digital and hybrid printing technologies.

• Scope to influence process improvements, automation and departmental efficiency.

• Established business with a skilled and experienced production team.

• Monday-to-Friday working hours, with overtime available during busy periods.

Interested?

If you''re an experienced Mac Operator, Reprographics Operator, Pre-Press Specialist or Graphics Team Leader looking for your next opportunity, we''d love to hear from you.