Team Leader - Printing

Company Description

Job Description

The Printing Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the printing section in the event production workshop for producing high-quality, large-format graphics, signage, and branding materials for events, exhibitions, and activations, in an efficient and safe manner while maintaining high-quality. This hands-on role involves leading a team of printers, acting as the primary link between the production Manager / Designers and the workshop floor. This role requires setting up, operating, and maintaining digital printers, vinyl cutters, and finishing equipment, often under tight deadlines to meet client specifications.

Key Responsibilities
1. Team Leadership & Supervision
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing workshop team to meet tight event deadlines.
• Allocate daily tasks to team members based on project schedules and skill levels.
• Provide training and support to staff, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Run daily, short "toolbox talks" or stand-up meetings to discuss project status, safety, and goals.

2. Production & Operational efficiency
• Interpret technical drawings, CAD drawings, and design briefs to guide fabrication.
• Coordinate workshop workflow to optimize production, reducing waste and downtime.
• Operate large format inkjet printers, UV flatbed printers, and vinyl plotters (e.g., Durst, HP Latex).
• Prepare machines for daily operations: loading substrate rolls (vinyl, banner, fabric), preparing ink supplies, and verifying job specifications.
• Monitor printing processes to ensure accuracy, color consistency, and registration throughout the run.
• Maintain high-speed production of materials, including banners, vinyl wraps, posters, and display graphics.
• Collaborate with project managers to update them on progress, potential delays, or material issues.
• Perform, or assist in, post-print finishing tasks: trimming, laminating, mounting to rigid substrates (foam core, PVC, Dibond), and weeding vinyl.

3. Quality Control & Safety
• Enforce strict health and safety rules, including wearing PPE and maintaining a 5S-compliant, orderly workspace.
• Perform quality checks on finished prints to identify and correct imperfections, such as ink starvation, banding, or color misalignment, ensuring they meet client specifications before leaving the workshop.

4. Maintenance & Safety
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance on equipment (cleaning printheads, lubricating gears) to minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and, if necessary, coordinate with service technicians for repairs.
• Maintain a clean and safe, organized work environment, including proper handling and disposal of inks, solvents, and chemicals.

5. Material & Resource Management
• Manage raw materials inventory and coordinate with purchasing for necessary items.
• Ensure all equipment (saws, welders, routers) is maintained and in good working order.

Job Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications
• Experience: 5+ years of experience as a printing team leader for a high-quality, large-format graphics, signage, and branding materials for events, exhibitions, and activations.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead a team, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Software: Basic knowledge of ERP systems or inventory software is a plus, along with Microsoft Office/Excel for reporting.
• Problem-Solving: Strong "hands-on" problem-solving ability in high-pressure situations.