Senior Digital DTP Operator

Location: Johannesburg
Work Model: On-site

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Digital DTP Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible for delivering technically accurate, print-ready artwork across high-volume retail campaigns while maintaining exceptional quality, efficiency, and compliance with production workflows.

The successful candidate will act as a senior technical resource within the studio, ensuring artwork is produced to the highest standards, mentoring junior team members where required, and proactively resolving complex production challenges before they impact delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Artwork Production

• Produce high-quality, technically accurate, print-ready artwork in accordance with creative briefs and production specifications.
• Translate creative concepts into production-ready layouts while maintaining brand consistency and design integrity.
• Deliver multiple projects simultaneously within strict production deadlines.
• Ensure all artwork complies with print, digital, and retailer specifications before release.

Technical Production

• Integrate and manage artwork efficiently through the RMS workflow into Adobe InDesign.
• Perform advanced pre-flight checks to ensure files meet all print and production requirements.
• Identify and resolve artwork, layout, typography, colour, image, and technical production issues.
• Ensure colour accuracy, image quality, bleed, trapping, and print specifications meet industry best practices.

Quality Assurance

• Conduct comprehensive quality control checks before artwork is released.
• Ensure all approval workflows and sign-off procedures within RMS are completed accurately.
• Minimise production errors, rework, and associated costs through meticulous attention to detail.
• Maintain version control and document management throughout the production lifecycle.

Workflow & Process Improvement

• Drive adherence to studio workflows, production standards, and best practices.
• Recommend improvements to processes that increase efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Maintain organised backup records and archive all approved artwork within the RMS Guardbook.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide guidance and technical support to junior DTP Operators and production team members.
• Collaborate closely with Creative, Account Management, Retouching, Print Production, and Studio teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Escalate production risks or technical issues proactively to management.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Graphic Design, Desktop Publishing, Print Production, or a related field.

Experience

• 5+ years' experience as a Digital DTP Operator within a high-volume retail, agency, catalogue, or print production environment.
• Demonstrated experience producing complex retail catalogues, promotional campaigns, POS material, and marketing collateral.
• Extensive experience managing artwork through structured production workflows.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • Adobe InDesign (Expert)
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
• Working knowledge of Adobe After Effects is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of Mac OS.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial print production, repro, colour management, pre-press, and print finishing processes.
• Experience working with workflow management systems such as RMS or similar production platforms.
• Strong understanding of PDF standards, packaging, pre-flighting, and file preparation.

Key Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong technical and production knowledge
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Calm and effective under pressure
• Quality-focused with a continuous improvement mindset
• Collaborative team player with the ability to mentor and support colleagues

Success Measures

The successful candidate will consistently:

• Deliver accurate, production-ready artwork with minimal revisions.
• Meet or exceed production deadlines.
• Maintain exceptional quality and compliance standards.
• Reduce production errors and rework.
• Support continuous improvement within the studio production environment.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing creative production team.