Production Operations Manager & Client Services Lead – Print Production, Direct Mail & Customer Success
About arenaflex – A Legacy of Printing Excellence
At arenaflex, we are proud to carry forward more than five decades of expertise in the commercial printing arena. Founded in 1973, our Harwood Heights, Illinois facility has evolved into a state‑of‑the‑art printing hub, offering everything from pre‑press and sheet‑fed offset to web‑offset, digital, variable data printing, finishing, fulfillment, and direct mailing. Our production floor boasts industry‑leading equipment, including a KM1 digital press, three Heidelberg web presses, and two Komori GL 640 UV/LED 6‑color sheet‑fed presses. This powerful suite enables us to print on a broad spectrum of substrates—paper, plastics, synthetics—delivering unmatched quality and versatility for every client.
We are more than a printing house; we are a partner to brands, agencies, and organizations that demand precision, speed, and creative flexibility. As we continue to expand our service portfolio, we remain committed to fostering a culture where innovation, collaboration, and professional growth thrive.
Position Overview – Production Operations Manager & Client Services Lead
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to step into the dual‑role of Production Operations Manager and Client Services Representative. In this pivotal position, you will own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of print projects—from interpreting client briefs to delivering flawless finished products—while simultaneously serving as the primary liaison between our sales teams, customers, and internal production departments. The ideal candidate thrives under tight deadlines, possesses a keen eye for detail, and demonstrates exceptional communication and organizational abilities.
Key Responsibilities
Project Engineering & Management: Lead a diverse portfolio of print jobs, translating customer requirements into actionable production plans, detailed timelines, and cost‑effective strategies.
Cross‑Functional Coordination: Facilitate seamless communication among sales representatives, external vendors, and internal departments—including Digital, Prepress, Press Room, Bindery, Shipping, and Mailing—to ensure alignment and timely execution.
Specification Communication: Accurately interpret purchase orders and client instructions, then convey clear, detailed directives to the manufacturing team, guaranteeing that every specification is understood and met.
Cost Management: Monitor job budgets, estimate expenses, and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or delivery schedules.
Quality Assurance: Oversee production checkpoints, ensuring that each phase—prepress, printing, finishing, mailing—meets arenaflex’s stringent quality standards and client expectations.
Customer Service Excellence: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle, providing status updates, addressing concerns, and delivering proactive solutions.
Process Improvement: Identify bottlenecks, propose workflow enhancements, and collaborate with leadership to implement best practices that increase efficiency and profitability.
Additional Duties: Participate in team meetings, mentor junior staff, and support special initiatives as required.
Essential Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in commercial printing, with a focus on direct‑mail lettershop operations.
Proven track record of managing complex print projects from concept to delivery, preferably in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
Strong organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, enabling clear interaction with clients, sales teams, and production staff.
Demonstrated proficiency with MIS systems (e.g., iQuote/ePS, Monarch) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook and Excel.
Fundamental knowledge of printing processes—including digital, prepress, offset press operations, bindery, mailing, and variable data printing.
Understanding of press parameters, ink coverage, press layouts, folding signatures, and postal regulations.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
Dependable team player with a positive attitude and a self‑motivated work ethic.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
Experience with layout creation tools and Metrix software.
Advanced knowledge of variable data printing and direct‑mail automation.
Familiarity with cost‑estimation software and budgeting tools specific to the printing industry.
Previous exposure to lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles applied to print production.
Certifications related to project management (e.g., PMP) or graphic arts.
Core Competencies for Success
Customer‑Centric Mindset: Anticipate client needs, deliver personalized solutions, and build lasting relationships.
Analytical Thinking: Evaluate job specifications, forecast costs, and troubleshoot production challenges with data‑driven insights.
Leadership & Influence: Guide cross‑functional teams, inspire collaboration, and champion continuous improvement.
Adaptability: Thrive amid shifting priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving market demands.
Technological Fluency: Leverage modern printing software, MIS platforms, and digital workflows to enhance efficiency.
Why Join arenaflex?
Compensation & Benefits
We recognize and reward talent. arenaflex offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Paid holidays and generous vacation accrual.
Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
Performance‑based bonuses and incentives.
Professional development stipend for training, conferences, and certifications.
Culture & Work Environment
Our workplace culture is built on three pillars: innovation, collaboration, and respect. At arenaflex, you will find:
A supportive team that celebrates achievements and learns from setbacks together.
Open communication channels that encourage ideas from all levels of the organization.
State‑of‑the‑art equipment and a commitment to staying ahead of printing technology trends.
Flexible scheduling options that help you maintain a healthy work‑life balance.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
arenaflex is invested in your professional journey. You will have access to:
Mentorship programs pairing you with seasoned industry leaders.
Cross‑training across departments—digital, offset, bindery, mailing—to broaden your skill set.
Opportunities to lead high‑visibility projects that directly impact company growth.
Clear promotion pathways toward senior management or specialist roles within the printing and client services domains.
Application Process
If you are ready to combine your production expertise with a passion for client service, we invite you to bring your talent to arenaflex. Join a forward‑thinking organization where your contributions shape the future of print media.
Click the link below to submit your application and start a rewarding career with arenaflex.
Apply Now
Apply Now
At arenaflex, we are proud to carry forward more than five decades of expertise in the commercial printing arena. Founded in 1973, our Harwood Heights, Illinois facility has evolved into a state‑of‑the‑art printing hub, offering everything from pre‑press and sheet‑fed offset to web‑offset, digital, variable data printing, finishing, fulfillment, and direct mailing. Our production floor boasts industry‑leading equipment, including a KM1 digital press, three Heidelberg web presses, and two Komori GL 640 UV/LED 6‑color sheet‑fed presses. This powerful suite enables us to print on a broad spectrum of substrates—paper, plastics, synthetics—delivering unmatched quality and versatility for every client.
We are more than a printing house; we are a partner to brands, agencies, and organizations that demand precision, speed, and creative flexibility. As we continue to expand our service portfolio, we remain committed to fostering a culture where innovation, collaboration, and professional growth thrive.
Position Overview – Production Operations Manager & Client Services Lead
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to step into the dual‑role of Production Operations Manager and Client Services Representative. In this pivotal position, you will own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of print projects—from interpreting client briefs to delivering flawless finished products—while simultaneously serving as the primary liaison between our sales teams, customers, and internal production departments. The ideal candidate thrives under tight deadlines, possesses a keen eye for detail, and demonstrates exceptional communication and organizational abilities.
Key Responsibilities
Project Engineering & Management: Lead a diverse portfolio of print jobs, translating customer requirements into actionable production plans, detailed timelines, and cost‑effective strategies.
Cross‑Functional Coordination: Facilitate seamless communication among sales representatives, external vendors, and internal departments—including Digital, Prepress, Press Room, Bindery, Shipping, and Mailing—to ensure alignment and timely execution.
Specification Communication: Accurately interpret purchase orders and client instructions, then convey clear, detailed directives to the manufacturing team, guaranteeing that every specification is understood and met.
Cost Management: Monitor job budgets, estimate expenses, and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or delivery schedules.
Quality Assurance: Oversee production checkpoints, ensuring that each phase—prepress, printing, finishing, mailing—meets arenaflex’s stringent quality standards and client expectations.
Customer Service Excellence: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle, providing status updates, addressing concerns, and delivering proactive solutions.
Process Improvement: Identify bottlenecks, propose workflow enhancements, and collaborate with leadership to implement best practices that increase efficiency and profitability.
Additional Duties: Participate in team meetings, mentor junior staff, and support special initiatives as required.
Essential Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in commercial printing, with a focus on direct‑mail lettershop operations.
Proven track record of managing complex print projects from concept to delivery, preferably in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
Strong organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, enabling clear interaction with clients, sales teams, and production staff.
Demonstrated proficiency with MIS systems (e.g., iQuote/ePS, Monarch) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook and Excel.
Fundamental knowledge of printing processes—including digital, prepress, offset press operations, bindery, mailing, and variable data printing.
Understanding of press parameters, ink coverage, press layouts, folding signatures, and postal regulations.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
Dependable team player with a positive attitude and a self‑motivated work ethic.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
Experience with layout creation tools and Metrix software.
Advanced knowledge of variable data printing and direct‑mail automation.
Familiarity with cost‑estimation software and budgeting tools specific to the printing industry.
Previous exposure to lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles applied to print production.
Certifications related to project management (e.g., PMP) or graphic arts.
Core Competencies for Success
Customer‑Centric Mindset: Anticipate client needs, deliver personalized solutions, and build lasting relationships.
Analytical Thinking: Evaluate job specifications, forecast costs, and troubleshoot production challenges with data‑driven insights.
Leadership & Influence: Guide cross‑functional teams, inspire collaboration, and champion continuous improvement.
Adaptability: Thrive amid shifting priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving market demands.
Technological Fluency: Leverage modern printing software, MIS platforms, and digital workflows to enhance efficiency.
Why Join arenaflex?
Compensation & Benefits
We recognize and reward talent. arenaflex offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Paid holidays and generous vacation accrual.
Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
Performance‑based bonuses and incentives.
Professional development stipend for training, conferences, and certifications.
Culture & Work Environment
Our workplace culture is built on three pillars: innovation, collaboration, and respect. At arenaflex, you will find:
A supportive team that celebrates achievements and learns from setbacks together.
Open communication channels that encourage ideas from all levels of the organization.
State‑of‑the‑art equipment and a commitment to staying ahead of printing technology trends.
Flexible scheduling options that help you maintain a healthy work‑life balance.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
arenaflex is invested in your professional journey. You will have access to:
Mentorship programs pairing you with seasoned industry leaders.
Cross‑training across departments—digital, offset, bindery, mailing—to broaden your skill set.
Opportunities to lead high‑visibility projects that directly impact company growth.
Clear promotion pathways toward senior management or specialist roles within the printing and client services domains.
Application Process
If you are ready to combine your production expertise with a passion for client service, we invite you to bring your talent to arenaflex. Join a forward‑thinking organization where your contributions shape the future of print media.
Click the link below to submit your application and start a rewarding career with arenaflex.
Apply Now
Apply Now