Careers at Preferred Direct

Preferred Direct is seeking a highly skilled Pre-Press Graphic Designer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for creating accurate, consistent, and timely completion of high-quality basic to intermediate level artwork. You will effectively utilize industry-standard software, tools, and prepress and print techniques to ensure the production of visually appealing materials. Additionally, you will work closely with the production team to formulate, measure, and match colors for designated printing presses based on the production schedule.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Create accurate and visually appealing artwork using industry-standard software, tools, and prepress techniques.
• Formulate, measure, and match colors for designated printing presses based on the production schedule.
• Add or reduce bases and solvents as necessary to meet customer specifications.
• Perform assigned tasks within the overall production workflow according to work order specifications.
• Assist with high-volume press production set up, customer proofing, and troubleshooting press department needs.

 

Relevant Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design, Studio Art, Fine Art, or related degree.
• At least 1+ years of experience in printing prepress.
• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Experience with book paginating.
• Previous experience in graphic design (1 year required) and prepress (1 year required).

 

Note: Candidates may be asked to provide a portfolio showcasing their graphic design and prepress work during the interview process.

 

If you are a detail-oriented and experienced graphic designer with a passion for prepress and print production, we would love to hear from you. Join our team and contribute to the creation of visually stunning materials that will make a lasting impact.

 

To apply, please upload your resume here or fill out an online application here.

Preferred Direct is seeking an experienced Machine Operator to join our team! An ideal candidate is someone mechanically inclined with solid printing or direct mail-environment experience, strong math skills, computer skills, good attendance, and a desire to grow their career with us! They are self-motivated team players who have an aptitude for computers and mechanics.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Comply with all company and safety policies and procedures
• Read job ticket carefully before set-up and run
• Scan jobs in/out of our MIS computer system (correct activities, job specification, etc.); set specifications on the machine (measurement accuracy and attention to detail required)
• Maintain a clean workspace area before, during and after each job
• Inspect jobs and flag (or remove as applicable) Bringing attention to Production Management
• Sets up machines per work instructions
• Makes minor adjustments to programs
• Technical Aptitude – Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information.
• Check completed job for quality
• Performs and supports Preventative Maintenance on machine
• Comply with quality assurance specifications of the customer and company, including but not limited to handling procedures, paperwork requirements, quality inspection of machine
• Complete quality assurance check, making appropriate verifications prior to producing job.
• Responsible for following processes and procedures
• Responsible for cleanliness of machinery and organization of the workspace; light maintenance of machinery and troubleshooting problems may be required as applicable and safe to do so
• Perform test runs as required
• Participation in department meetings, process improvement events, training, and safety program as scheduled
• Responsible for working overtime when needed and as assigned
• Related duties as assigned

Relevant Experience / Skills Required

• High school education or equivalent required, 2+ years of machine operating experience required
• Knowledge of mechanical processes and previous experience as strong Machine Operator required.
• Proven ability to understand and operate roll lifts, inserting, finishing, bindery equipment, and operate in a safe manner.
• Ability to run machinery and set-up, and clean-up
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to communicate and interact well with others (verbally and written form); seen as a team player
• Ability to read a ruler and understand measurements
• Ability to input data in the computer
• Self-motivated with the ability to stay focused and follow instructions
• Ability to stand for long periods of time (12-hour shifts)
• Must be able to relate to, work with, people at all levels of the organization
• Assertive and solution-focused
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Positive attitude, team player
• Continually stand for prolonged periods; frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb and balance; moderate to frequent walking
• Routinely use hands and fingers to handle, feel, grasp, and manipulate items; use hands and arms to reach for items in and around the press area; occasionally stoop or kneel while reaching
• Frequently lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds
• Regularly push or pull objects up to 75 pounds
• Specific vision abilities include – close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish color variations, and ability to adjust focus
• Medium to loud noise environment
• Work flexible/varying schedules and hours as needed
• Work overtime as required by workload and customer mandated deadlines

To apply, please upload your resume here or fill out an online application here.

Preferred Direct is seeking a Direct Mail Data Processing Specialist to join our team! This position processes mail lists; assists co-workers in mailing and list requirements; verifies that all jobs conform to USPS regulations, processes shipping files, variable data programming. General knowledge of database applications and how they work.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Interact with coworkers and clients to answer data processing related questions and to resolve any related issues that may arise
• Keep current on USPS Mail piece Design Professional certification
• Check files for conformity to supplied layouts, and mail piece for conformity to USPS regulations
• Use presorting software to process mailing lists. This includes importing data, CASS certification, duplicate removal, NCOA, presorting, prepare documentation for the USPS, and export data for production
• Advise customers on Merge/Purge processing strategies and limitations
• Prepare proper documentation, including mockups and layout information
• Data entry/list maintenance
• Advise inkjet and digital production personnel regarding data set up
• Program Variable Data
• Maintain records of all jobs processed
• Enter production data to internal MIS system
• Work with account managers/CSR/other departments to facilitate properly prepared materials for mailing
• Familiar with MS Windows, database file structures, mailing regulations, inkjet procedures, list management strategies
• Data Manipulation: MS SQL, MS Access, MS Windows
• Postal Presorting: BCC Mail Manager, USPS PostalOne!, UPS Worldship, FedEx Ship Manager.
• Postal Presort Editing: DAT-MAIL, BCC
• Must be quality oriented, have an eye for detail and have ability to plan, prioritize and follow through on assigned projects.

Relevant Experience / Skills Required:

• Must be able to work well under pressure and meet stringent deadlines.
• Facilitate, design, and create business reporting with native tools such as, Microsoft Excel.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (speaking and writing) both business processes and technical processes based on the audience that you are addressing, supporting, or working with.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and prioritize one’s own activities, but also provide and follow instructions -whether received verbally or in writing.
• Basic Project Management skills that demonstrate your ability to build, manage and execute a project plan – both in terms of self-management as well as working with small process improvement teams.
•  Ability to read and comprehend technical software and solve complex problems in a timely manner.
• Work subject to changing requirements and frequent interruptions; demands from users wanting immediate help at times.
• Develop and assist users in ad-hoc reporting. Assist in customization of reports.
• Maintains data files and monitors system configuration to ensure data integrity.
• Recommends improvement in programs and procedures to simplify or maximize efficiency of operations.
• Analyzes and solves computer problems, and assures technology meets the needs of the organization.
• Problem Solving – Solves routine problems of limited scope and complexity following established policies and procedures.

 

To apply, please upload your resume here or fill out an online application here.

 

Preferred Direct is seeking an Invoicing Specialist to join our team! Must have a strong mathematical ability. Must be highly proficient in the use of MS Excel with data analytics.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports accurate and timely delivery of invoice files and when necessary, communicates delivery to the client.
• Provides financial analysis and reporting for select business clients’ activities and performance. Additionally provides a variety of reports, as needed for management, clients, and business partners.
• Performs root cause analysis of invoicing errors and provides feedback to Finance Manager to avoid similar errors in the future.
• Interfaces with internal/external customers and resolves inquiries with a high level of customer service.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for processing, monitoring and data entry of invoices for all customers using the internal MIS for invoicing or third-party billing systems.
• Understand and work with MIS for customer’s existing billing systems to ensure issue proper billing.
• Able to be flexible with new assignments, meet deadlines and redirect priorities in a high-volume environment

Relevant Experience/Skills Required

• A two-year college degree in accounting or a related field, or the equivalent years of experience with data analysis.
• Good communication, computer skills and attention to details.
• Ability to work in a team environment are necessary for this position.
• Skilled in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks/problems simultaneously.
• Strong customer service, verbal/written communication, analytical, organizational, interpersonal and motivational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

To apply, please upload your resume here or fill out an online application here.