Prepress/Design Operator

About the Role

AIM Print is looking for a skilled Prepress/Design Operator to join its Pre-Press Department in Springfield Park, Durban. This role is highly specialized and is strictly not a graphic design or general DTP position. Candidates must have strong experience in commercial lithographic printing or folding-carton packaging environments.

Job Summary

The successful applicant will oversee the inspection, correction, and preparation of customer artwork to ensure all files are production-ready and fulfill the highest quality benchmarks before printing. Precision is critical, with special attention to millimetres, colour settings, die-lines, and overprints.

Responsibilities

• Prepare customer artwork for commercial print production.
• Receive, review, and thoroughly check all incoming files with detailed pre-flight procedures.
• Correct any artwork issues prior to production, verifying compliance with customer and internal requirements.
• Create accurate, print-ready PDFs and produce customer proofs.
• Engage customers to secure artwork approval and sign-off.
• Prepare packaging artwork incorporating provided die-lines, ensuring alignment with cut guides and carton layouts.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Design, Production, and Press Operators to clarify artwork needs.
• Maintain organised digital filing systems and version control.
• Adhere to ISO 9001 quality protocols.
• Authorize release only of artwork meeting AIM Print's quality standards.
• Check and adjust artwork elements including bleed, trim, safe areas, resolution, fonts, linked images, overprints, trapping, spot colours, and CMYK conversion.

Requirements and Skills

• Minimum of three years of experience in reproduction or pre-press roles within commercial printing, packaging, or prepress environments.
• Proficient knowledge of commercial lithographic printing processes.
• Strong expertise in artwork preparation and packaging with die-lines.
• Familiarity with commercial print specifications and quality checks.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat Professional.
• Experience using PDF pre-flight tools and Microsoft Office suite.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priority tasks, strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and the capability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Additional Experience

• Knowledge of Heidelberg Prinect workflow, imposition software, digital print production, colour management, Pantone matching, ISO 9001 quality systems, and folding carton manufacturing is favorable but not mandatory.

Unsuitable Backgrounds

• This opportunity is not for applicants whose experience focuses primarily on social media, website, marketing, branding, advertising agencies, digital marketing, or general graphic design without commercial print production know-how.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their CV for further information and to receive the application form. Location: Durban - Springfield Park.