RahrBSG is looking for a Prepress Specialist to join our CanCraft team in Guelph, Ontario. This role is responsible for the print output and artwork preproduction activities associated with the digital direct-to-can business. This role collaborates with the Account Coordinators to build PDF proofs that meet the print requirements, and this roles partners with Operations to ensure that the print standards are upheld, and all quality standards are met for the client. As a key member of the creative team, the Prepress Specialist collaborates with leadership to promote and develop reliable print services that support the growth and profitability initiatives throughout the organization.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & WORK REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or related field.
• 3+ years of work experience within the packaging industry, in print and prepress.
• Strong technical knowledge and experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat), specifically prepress related.
• Technical experience with Esko AE or similar RIP software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Highly motivated, self-directed, results-oriented, and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgement, common sense, and resourcefulness.
• Strong, clear, and professional written and verbal communication skills with the proven ability to target communications appropriately for the applicable audience.
• Superior relationship management skills with the ability to collaborate effectively, build trust, and partner with others to drive results.
• Understands goals, key drivers, and needs of customers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work well under pressure, successfully navigate ambiguity, and succeed in a rapidly changing, fast-paced, often unpredictable environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to effectively balance multiple projects and workload by planning and coordinating activities and identifying critical paths to the completion of projects and objectives on time and within budget.
• Displays a proactive work ethic and is committed to seeing tasks through to completion.
• Recognizes quickly when progress is stalling and takes immediate action to get back on track.
• Demonstrates responsiveness and reacts with appropriate urgency to situations that require quick action or turnaround.
• Proven technical knowledge and understanding of digital file formats (.pdf,.ai, eps, tiff).
• Proven technical knowledge of CMYK and Pantone colors, including where and how they are used in printing.
• Proven technical knowledge of different print processes (Flexo, Litho, Dry-Offset, Digital) and color separations.
• Proven ability to develop new conceptual work with a keen eye for aesthetics and details and a strong portfolio of illustrations and other graphics.
• Adapts well to changing circumstances, direction, and strategy.
  CanCraft, a packaging division of Rahr Corporation, supports the beverage industry as a one-stop shop for cans and packaging needs, including design and supply management.
  Rahr is a family-owned global leader and trusted partner to the craft beverage industry, proudly supporting breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and storefronts with premium supplies and ingredients since 1847. With over 175 years of expertise, Rahr combines tradition with innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the craft beverage community.
  Headquartered in Shakopee, MN, Rahr Corporation is a fifth-generation family business. We are committed to providing the highest quality products and services to our customers, ensuring they can create beverages that inspire and delight. Our offerings include an extensive range of barley malts, hops, adjuncts, and other brewing essentials, designed to support beverage makers of all sizes and styles.
  At Rahr, we value quality, innovation, and collaboration. We’re passionate about crafting excellence and fostering the growth of the craft beverage industry while upholding our family-owned values and commitment to sustainability. Join us and become part of a legacy dedicated to supporting the artistry and success of beverage makers worldwide

• Builds accurate prepress ready artwork in an efficient and timely manner.
• Adjusts images in design software to remove unnecessary colors.
• Performs color correction techniques and processes, ensuring supplied standards are consistently met.
• Follows customer brand style guides and maintains consistent files.
• Identifies missing or problematic artwork components and communicates them to stakeholder.
• Loads customer supplied artwork onto file server and keeps files organized.
• Ensures all jobs are marked correctly for media size and technical components.
• Builds technical layers (white, matte, tactile) as specified by accounts team.
• Creates barcodes that include UPC and EAN to specification to ensure they are scanned successfully.
• Reviews and approves pilot cans for color and copy before releasing to customers.
• Hosts customer in-person press approvals.
• Supports operations and account teams in providing color accurate proofs and making artwork adjustments as required.
• Reviews work and performs quality control checks.
• Provides technical advise, support, and participates in all training as needed.
• Acts as the liaison between operations and commercial team to communicate potential complex print, color, or graphics problems.
• Supports operations team on the floor and is hands on when required.
• Works closely with operations team to strive for operational excellence.
• Supports operations team with any continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintains organized artwork database and file folder structure.
• Assists with quality investigation when required.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the company and operational needs.