Prepress Associate

Role & responsibilities

Artwork Management & Preparation

• Receive and review artwork files from Sales/Clients, ensuring compliance with brand guidelines and print specifications.
• Adapt or modify artworks to fit packaging dielines (pouches, rollstock, cartons, etc.) while maintaining design integrity.
• Ensure all elements such as logos, typography, barcodes, and regulatory text are accurate and print-ready.
• Prepare high-resolution mockups and proofs for internal and client approvals.
• Prepress & Technical Execution
• Perform complete color separations for gravure, flexo, or digital print methods.
• Manage trapping, overprints, bleed, image resolution, and step & repeat layouts.
• Optimize files for different substrates (PET, PE, BOPP, paper, foil, laminates, etc.).
• Ensure spot colors, Pantone references, and ICC color profiles are applied correctly.
• Generate final print-ready files (CIP3/4, PDF/X, TIFF, etc.) for converters.
• Quality Control
• Conduct thorough preflight checks to eliminate errors before production.
• Maintain version control and ensure all revisions are documented.
• Work closely with converters to resolve prepress or color issues during proofing.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Liaise with Sales, Project Managers, and Clients to clarify artwork briefs and resolve technical challenges.
• Coordinate with Converters Prepress/Production teams for proof approval and plate/cylinder making.
• Support internal teams with technical expertise on packaging structures, print limitations, and prepress best practices.

Preferred candidate profile

Education:

• Diploma/Degree in Printing Technology, Graphic Design, Packaging, or related field.
• Additional certifications in Prepress or Color Management preferred.

Experience:

• Experience in Prepress for flexible packaging (gravure, flexo, or offset).
• Strong background in packaging artwork, print production, and color management.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Esko ArtPro+, PackEdge, or similar prepress software.
• Strong knowledge of color separation, trapping, step & repeat, and plate/cylinder preparation.
• Familiarity with different packaging substrates and print processes.
• Understanding of barcode generation, nesting, and dieline creation.

Soft Skills:

• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight timelines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Client-centric mindset with focus on delivering quality outputs.