Overview:
Build Your Career with Rural King!
Rural King is seeking an Assistant Print Production Manager to help lead daily production operations at Harvest Print and Media, our in-house print production team. This role oversees production schedules and workflows, supports and develops production associates, and helps deliver high-quality signage, large-format graphics, displays, and branded materials across the Rural King enterprise. If you have a strong background in print production, enjoy leading a team, and thrive on improving processes and keeping projects on track, we’d love to connect!
Related Job Titles
Assistant Print Production Manager • Print Production Supervisor • Print Production Lead • Print Shop Manager • Production Supervisor • Print Operations Manager • Large Format Print Production Manager • Print Manufacturing Supervisor • Graphics Production Manager • Print Production Coordinator
Responsibilities:
What You’ll do
As an Assistant Print Production Manager, you will partner with the Print Production Manager to lead the daily operation of Harvest Print and Media’s in-house production floor, producing signage, large format graphics, displays, and branded materials across the Rural King enterprise. You will own the production schedule and workflow from job receipt through shipping, lead and develop production associates, and drive quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement as the operation grows. You will serve as the escalation point for the Print Production Coordinator and production team and act on behalf of the Print Production Manager in their absence. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong print production expertise, exceptional organization, and a builder mindset.
- Assist the Print Production Manager in leading day-to-day print production operations and serve as acting manager in their absence.
- Supervise, train, and mentor the Print Production Coordinator and production associates; assign work, balance workloads, and provide coaching and performance feedback.
- Own the master production schedule: prioritize jobs, allocate equipment and labor, and adjust plans to accommodate changing deadlines and customer needs.
- Oversee end-to-end workflow, from job receipt, preflight and file preparation, and proof approval through production, finishing, packaging, staging, and shipping.
- Operate, set up, and continuously optimize major print and finishing equipment; step in on the production floor to support peak volume, complex jobs, and new equipment ramp-up.
- Serve as the escalation point for production issues; troubleshoot mechanical, material, and workflow problems quickly to minimize downtime and waste.
- Implement and enforce quality assurance routines: inspect output at key phases, verify color accuracy, substrate alignment, and finishing quality, log defects, and lead corrective actions.
- Develop, document, and refine standard operating procedures, quality checkpoints, and workflows that scale with growth, and ensure the team follows them consistently.
- Track and report production metrics such as on-time delivery, throughput, waste, and rework; use the data to recommend improvements to the Print Production Manager.
- Manage inventory levels of paper, inks, media, laminates, finishing supplies, and other production materials; approve replenishment, maintain supplier relationships, and help control material costs.
- Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and vendor service to keep equipment running and minimize production interruptions.
- Partner with customers, sales, designers, and marketing and retail/merchandising teams to clarify requirements, set realistic timelines, and communicate production status.
- Promote a safe work environment by enforcing safety practices, including proper equipment operation and chemical handling procedures.
- Contribute to decisions on equipment, workflows, staffing, and team structure as the operation scales.
- Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on industry trends and printing technologies.
- Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support by responding promptly and effectively to questions, concerns, and production updates.
- Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King's Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
- At least 2 years of print production experience, including at least 1 year in a lead, senior operator, or supervisory role, required, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Demonstrated experience operating large format/industrial printing equipment, finishing tools and managing workflow in a production environment.
- Proven ability to build and manage production schedules, juggle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, attention to detail, and high standards for print/finish quality.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to train, motivate, and lead others.
- Builder mindset: comfortable creating processes, improving workflows, and taking ownership with limited oversight.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; comfortable navigating print workflow, job tracking, or related software.
- Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
- Preferred: experience with VDP software and digital storefronts, digital prepress/file prep, color management, and finishing workflows.
Qualifications:
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds periodically.
- Ability to navigate and access all required facilities.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
- Close vision required for computer-related activities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Why Join Rural King?
At Rural King, we believe our people are the foundation of our success. As a family-owned company with a strong history of growth, we provide opportunities to learn, grow, and build a rewarding career.
When you join our team, you'll enjoy:
- Competitive pay
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- 401(k) with company match
- Associate discounts
- Career growth and advancement opportunities
- Training and professional development
- A collaborative, team-focused work environment
The pay range for this position is $47,000 - $62,000 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws.