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Interim Design and Production Supervisor : London, UK

Reference: 120900425
Location: London, UK | Salary: £36,490 per annum gross
Duration: 1 year (Maternity Cover)
Closing Date: 10 Oct 2012

Job Summary

The post holder will be responsible for the design and production of Commonwealth Secretariat printed materials.

The range of work includes but is not limited to newsletters, brochures, posters, lapel badges, in-house certificates and general meeting documents. The post holder has supervisory responsibility for a small team of print production staff, including a Design and Production Officer.

He/she takes an active part in all areas of work in the Section, frequently working on production jobs at times of high loading. The post holder is also required to liaise with and advise customers on all aspects of print requirements, identifying appropriate media and processes. The post holder is required to have an in-depth knowledge of print related design, print buying and the ability to design and produce artwork using Adobe Creative Suite, sometimes with short lead times. Oversight of section expenditure and internal cost recovery is required.

Task Description

  • Deliver the Secretariat printing programme by:
  • supervising and undertaking preparation, design or artwork across all divisions of the Secretariat;
  • ensuring that all design and artwork follows accepted design policy;
  • proofing internal documents prior to printing;
  • producing records and reports for Management use;
  • liaising with and advising Secretariat customers on requirements.
  • Manage expenditure and the costing system for all internal jobs including:
  • originating divisional requisitions when required;
  • reviewing finance reports and taking necessary corrective action;
  • ensuring requisitions, orders and payments are properly processed.
  • Has responsibility, in liaison with the Procurement and Contracts Officer, for specifying and purchasing routine and specialised printing services from trade suppliers and ensuring the highest quality, cost and speed of production.
  • Supervise, on an ongoing basis, a small team by:
  • negotiating objectives and regularly assessing performance and training needs, and providing feedback to the team;
  • assisting with all aspects of operations as necessary;
  • advising on practical print related issues;
  • conducting performance appraisals for all members of the Section;
  • ensuring that procedures and checklists are in place;
  • communicating regularly with team members to ensure they are informed on all aspects of Printing and Secretariat wide operations, policies and procedures;
  • providing on-the-job training to staff to develop their skills and assist them in keeping up with technology development.
  • Perform any other duties as may be required, including:
  • producing photographs for official ID cards and emergency visas/passports;
  • acting as a documents officer/production co-ordinator for high profile meetings;
  • assisting the Conference Officer.

Qualifications and Work Experience

Essential

  • Excellent InDesign skills
  • File conversions; i.e. OCR for scanned text and creating PDF files for print and online
  • Good knowledge of Excel
  • Excellent knowledge of Word
  • Proficiency in Photoshop
  • Proficiency in Illustrator
  • A good eye for design and high production standards
  • An understanding of printing terms and artworking requirements
  • Ability to write print specs for print buying
  • Ability to manage staff and their development
  • An understanding of the capability of mono and colour printers including Imposition software
  • Good grasp of English grammar and punctuation
  • A qualification in graphic or communication design at degree, HND/NVQ Level 4 or equivalent and at least six years’ experience in design and print production, including customer relations
  • Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal
  • Knowledge of most methods of printing with an understanding of materials and processes involved
  • Experience of managing staff
  • Good IT skills (Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative suite) to produce artwork using a PC and Apple Mac.

About the Printing Section

The Printing Section forms part of Corporate Services Division (CSD). CSD is the largest Division in the Secretariat and consists of sections that deal with specific professional specialities. The focus of the Division is on embedding high standards of professionalism and working towards achieving international standardisation throughout the Secretariat.

It provides an in-house facility for use by all Commonwealth Secretariat programmes at their headquarters in London. The Section offers advice and practical help in preparing artwork and produces the finished item using several printing and binding methods. It also makes use of external suppliers and co-ordinates their services to ensure delivery schedules and quality are maintained.

Further information

How to apply

Apply online

Full Description for Interim Design and Production Supervisor