Careers at Preferred Direct

Preferred Direct is an industry-leading print, direct mail and digital communications partner, located in Norfolk, VA. From administration to print production, there are a variety of careers available at Preferred Direct. View our current openings below and apply online today!

CURRENT OPENINGS

Machine Operator

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.

Direct Mail Data Processing Specialist

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.

Invoicing Specialist

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.

Apply Today!

Submit your resume online or fill out our online application form to apply for a current opening

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Why Preferred Direct

Benefits

Preferred Direct offers the following benefits to all full time employees:

Health Insurance
Vacation & Sick Time
401K + Company Match
Paid Holidays
Casual Work Environment
Company Events & Outings

Technology

We take pride in having some of the newest printing equipment and administration software available. We invest in the technology that makes your job easier, efficient and fun!

Our Technology

Family

We are a second generation, family-owned business – that means you are not a number, you’re family. You’ll have access to executive leadership and are treated with respect and fairness.

About Preferred Direct