Printing Administrator Job Profile

What is the work like?

The printing, packaging and graphics industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the UK. As a printing administrator you would be involved in various aspects of print production, which could include planning, estimating, buying, sales and overall management.

Your key duties would include:

supervising print orders through the pre-press, printing and finishing stages
coordinating different print runs by planning the most efficient way to use machinery and staff
solving problems in the production pro
using software packages to help put together quotations for jobs
negotiating with suppliers, stocktaking and purchasing materials
developing new business opportunities and looking after existing client accounts

If you were managing a print workshop or department, you would organise workloads, supervise staff and plan schedules. You would also meet with customers and have overall responsibility for making sure print runs were cost-effective, met deadlines and achieved quality standards.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You would normally need previous experience in some aspects of the job, for example, as a print operator or workshop supervisor to move into an administration job. Supervisory, management or sales experience from other industries would be helpful, depending on what kind of job you were looking for. Some GCSE/A level passes in maths, English, art and IT, or equivalent qualifications, would also be an advantage.

Completing a print-related qualification may increase your chances of finding work within the industry. These courses include:

City & Guilds Certificate in Printing and Graphic Communications (5261) levels 2 and 3, and Diploma in Media Techniques at Level 3
EDEXCEL Certificate in Graphics, and National Certificate/Diploma in Art & Design (Graphic Design)
ABC Diploma in Digital Origination and Digital Pre-press at Level 3.

You could also think about foundation degrees, BTEC HNC/HNDs or degrees in print media, digital media, graphics and graphic design, which can all be used to get into a printing career. Check with colleges and universities for exact entry requirements.

You may be able to get into this job by starting on a printing Apprenticeship then working your way up to an administration job over time. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers.