Prepress Operator / Designer

Airport Placements; Broadstairs; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading print production company in Broadstairs is looking for a talented individual to create and refine artwork for litho printing. The role requires proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and a keen attention to detail. If you have a passion for print and a strong understanding of lithography, we want to hear from you. Enjoy a dynamic work environment with a temporary contract offering £13.50 per hour.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Experience preparing files for CTP output.
• Previous experience in a litho-printing prepress environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and finalise artwork for litho printing.
• Adhere to litho printing specifications.
• Perform thorough checks to minimise pressroom issues.

Skills

Proficient in Adobe Illustrator

Strong understanding of lithographic printing processes

Knowledge of colour theory

Experience with preflight systems

Great communication skills

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Location:

Broadstairs, Kent

Pay:

£13.50 per hour

Job Type:

Temporary

Hours:

Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5 pm (37.5hrs per week)

Are you a creative problem-solver with a passion for print? Join a friendly, fast-paced production team where your design expertise and technical skill will help bring high-quality printed products to life. This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong eye for detail and a love for all things artwork, layout, and print preparation.

What You'll Be Doing

Create, refine, and finalise artwork using Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).

Adapt customer artwork to meet litho printing specifications.

Set up layouts, packaging templates, impositions, and print-ready files.

Ensure accuracy of fonts, images, colour profiles, and embedded assets.

Prepare and process files for CTP (computer-to-plate) output.

Produce imposition layouts optimised for press sheet sizes and finishing requirements.

Perform trapping, overprinting, bleed checks, and colour separations.

Work confidently with spot colours, CMYK, and Pantone for litho printing.

Carry out thorough preflight checks to minimise pressroom issues.

Carefully inspect artwork for errors, inconsistencies, or print risks.

Ensure all files meet both internal and client quality standards.

Troubleshoot file issues and support the production team with solutions.

Partner closely with account managers, sales teams, and production staff.

Communicate with clients regarding amendments, clarifications, or artwork needs.

Maintain organised file management and archiving systems.

Contribute to continual improvements within prepress workflows.

What We're Looking For

Technical Skills

Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

Strong understanding of lithographic (offset) printing processes.

Knowledge of colour theory, Pantone systems, colour management, and ICC profiles.

Experience with preflight systems and workflow software.

Ability to prepare files for CTP output and plate-making.

Personal Attributes

Excellent attention to detail and high accuracy.

Strong problem-solving and technical troubleshooting ability.

Comfortable working to deadlines in a busy production environment.

Great communication and teamwork skills.

Highly organised with good time-management habits.

Preferred Experience

Previous experience in a litho-printing prepress environment.

Understanding of finishing processes (cutting, folding, binding).

If you're ready to apply your creative and technical skills in a hands-on print environment, we'd love to hear from you!